Here is the good news: Canada is increasing its military budget in an attempt to reach the NATO target of 2%. Here is the sad news: the increase will only increase the spending to 1.59% from its current 1.36%.
While the increase does not sound like much, Canada is making a major change in its uniforms which have seen minor change since 1945. Why is this important? Because as several NATO members have stated, Canada is several years ahead of other nations in this area. How have they managed to move ahead of the U.S., the U.K., and all the other NATO nations? By liberalizing the dress codes to allow cross gender dressing, earrings, nose rings, green hair (if it does not conflict with the camouflage uniforms, and more (much, much more). It is wonderful to see Canada step up and assume its rightful place of leadership with these important improvements.
I am confident that when a Canadian color guard is on display at some international conference, the attendees will appreciate the wonders of diversity and individuality. Lucky the officer who will command that unit.
