Harper says DND asked for equipment purchases to be pushed off into the future

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the request to put off $3 billion in military equipment purchases was made by National Defence and does not represent a cut.

His comment comes in the face of Opposition demands that the Conservatives outline precisely which capital programs are being deferred over the next three years.

The new federal budget provided a global figure but no details on what is affected and when the reinvestment will occur.

Harper says the budget adjustment came from the military because it’s unable to spend the cash during that time period, which happens to coincide with the government’s drive to balance the budget.

Defence experts say the delay means that programs will lose buying power and the military may have to do with either fewer or less-capable pieces of equipment.

Harper insists the money will be available when the department needs it.