The Liberals' reckless retreat on defence

On July 11, Canada made a public promise to its NATO allies to strengthen collective security, joining in a pledge of "an enduring commitment" to spend at least 2 per cent of gross domestic product on defence. Within weeks, though, the Liberal government was hatching plans to take a thick slice out of the Department of National Defence budget. If Ottawa were deliberately trying to destroy Canada's credibility in the most expedient manner possible, it could scarcely have done better. The Liberals have tried to dodge and weave, arguing that they are merely reducing future planned increases and that any…