After an extensive modernization program on two of
the four Oberon Class submarines, Okanagan (SS 74)andOjibewi (SS 72), the House of Commons approves the rushed purchase
of the United Kingdom's four Upholder Class SSK's. In exchange
for expanded training facilities in Canada and initial refits in the UK, the
Upholders are 'canadianized', with new torpedoes and the capability for
SubHarpoon.
After years of competition and failed deals, the
Blackhawk helo is chosen to replace the 45 year old Sea King ASW naval
helicopter. Designated Maple Hawk, the Sea Hawk order is
45.
HMCS St. John's (FFH 340) and Ottawa (FFH
341) are commissioned into the Navy.
1996
National Federation du Quebec (NFQ) is formed
from the unpopular Parti Quebecois (PQ) and demands that Quebec hold a
provincial election to decide the future of Quebec. The NFQ believes
that anglophones have held Quebec hostage for their own selfish agenda, and
not practiced 'responsible government', as was promised when Quebec entered
confederation. NFQ calls for the immediate succession from the Dominion
of Canada, threatening violence to achieve this goal.
The Canadian Forces and RCMP draft plans for the
evacuation of prominent federalists and others loyal to Canada. These
top secret plans are named OPERATION HIGHLANDER.
Defense Budget is nearly doubled, at the expense of
Health Care.
Modernization of CP140 and CF-18's begins.
100 LAV-25 'Coyote' ordered and 50 new LAV-90
Bobcats also ordered.
1997
Elections announced for 03 September 1998 for
Quebec.
Independance riots in Quebec City kills over 200
protestors. 1 500 are injured and over 2 200 are arrested.
First two Upholders are finally complete, as
UK withheld true condition of the subs when purchased in 1995. HMS
Unseen and Ursula are renamed and commissioned as HMCS Windsor
(SS 877) and Corner Brook(SS 878).
Provincial Class Air Defence Destroyer
Project announced, implemented, and construction begins immediately. The
Provincial Class is planned to replace the aging Tribal TRUMP
Destroyers. 6 Ships are initially ordered.
Strategic Naval Auxiliary Replenishment Tanker (SNART)
PRoject implemented. Named the Prince Class, 6 ships are ordered.
HMCS Provider (AOR 508) is recommissioned on
an emergency notice.
50 AH64D Apache Longbow's are purchased in secret
from the United States. Canadian pilots are sent to the States to learn
to use the gunships.
HMS Upholder and Unicorn enter
Canadian Naval service as HMCS Victoria (SS 876) and Chicoutimi (SS 879).
Royal Pathfinder Regiment of Canada (RPRC) and the
1st Royal Naval Infantry Regiment of Canada (1RNIRC), are stood up.
1998
September 03, NFQ wins the Quebec election, and
declares independence that night.
October 25, against order of the UN and NATO,
France lands 3 divisions of troops in Quebec to guarantee Quebec independence.
Canada protests, and is supported by the UN, EC, NATO and the United States.
Quebec stands up the Quebec National Army (QNA),
the Quebec National Naval Service (QNNS) and the Quebec National Air Force (QNAF)
for 'self-defense' purposes.
Quebec demands that the St. Lawerence Seaway be
transferred to her control only, to guarantee her economic survival. The
NFQ demands $1 Trillion (CDN) Dollars from the Canadian Government for damages
in the English rule for over 200 years of 'occupation'.
01 November, Native-Canadian groups declare
independance from Quebec and request to be admitted back into the
confederation, which is accepted. The QNA rolls across the reservations
and land of the natives, causing heavy casualities on both sides.
11 November, the Canadian Army Aboriginal's
Rangers is formed, expanding on the Ranger's Battalion from the north.
Canadian Forces begins to air drop equipment, food and 'operatives' to the
native and loyalist resistance groups.
OPERATION HIGHLANDER implemented.
Border Check Points are erected along the
Quebec-US border, and the Canadian-Quebec border, on both sides.
NFQ demands that Northern New Brunswick,
Labrador, Baffin Island and parts of Eastern Ontario are 'returned' to Quebec.
Canada refuses outright.
After the seizure of the Fisheries patrol vessel
Cape Roger, by French warships, Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries
craft are armed with 20mm and 40mm guns for self-defence purposes.
100 LAV-105 Bobcat II's ordered. Main Battle
Tank competition opens, to find the successor to the Leopard I. Leopard
II and M1A2 are the only contenders.
1st Canadian Light Infantry Regiment (Airborne
Infantry) and 7th Air Defense Regiment stood up.
5th Mechanized Brigade in Valcartier, PQ; CF 18
Fighter Squadrons in Bagotville, PQ and NCMS Ville De Quebec elect to
stay Canadian Forces members, though many military members leave to the Quebec
military.
