In memory of Robert Devet (d. September 27, 2021), founder, publisher and editor of the Nova Scotia Advocate. This site is preserved as an archive of the Advocate’s journalism from 2016 to 2021, and as a tribute to Robert’s work. No new articles are published, and comments, forms and search are closed. Read the tribute →

“Bomb carrying jet makers are clinking their glasses as they hope to bring the fighter jet ‘deal’ to IMP in Enfield, Nova Scotia,” writes Kathrin Winkler. But such fighter jets, armed to kill, are part of the arms dealing pandemic that we can no longer ignore.

When it comes to buying 88 new fighter jets $19 billion is just a start, total life cycle costs are closer to $123 billion according to the Auditor General. Canada’s defense spending is projected to reach $32 billion by 2026, while the budget for environment and climate has flatlined around the $1 billion mark since 1997. You get what you pay for, writes Kathrin Winkler.