You may not be aware that Quebec is not exclusively French, nor is French exclusively restricted to Quebec. If there is such a “thing” it is a “language thing”, and not a “Quebec thing”.
According to DND’s web site, the CF-18 is a Hornet, in English, ainsi qu’en français. And I also know a few francophone pilots who have no trouble flying Sea King helicopters, Challenger jets, and so on, translated equipment names notwithstanding.
Sorry about the imprecision on the language thing/French thing, etc.
As to Challenger, Sea King, etc., it just goes to show what one reads in the journals isn’t always correct. I believe —but am not 100% sure— I saw the CF-18 (no name) statement in World Airpower Journal, which otherwise seems pretty accurate.
An earlier post said something to the effect of “pretty sad to be transporting your military on (civilian) freighters”. The US uses (in part) the Military Sealift Command, which despite the name has civilian crews on its vessels. …Or so I heard, but given the above, I could be wrong again. I do know MSC vessels are haze grey like Navy ships, but are distinguished by a blue and yellow band on their funnels.
From what I’ve read, it sounds like the Canadian military just went out and hired a ship to move their stuff. This guy contracted the job out to an American shipping firm. Someone (either the Canadian gov’t or the middleman) screwed the shipping company out of about $300,000, so the ship dropped anchor just outside of Canadian waters until they got paid. CMIIW, but doesn’t the shipping company have every right to hold the cargo as collateral pending payment?
With regards to moving equipment by commercial carriers,
It’s done routinely by european forces, even some of the richest nations in the world are forced to recognise economic neccesity. 
( no disparaging inference to Canada of any kind suggested )
Ask a German if he remembers Leningrad. Cold is far more effective an ally than mud. At 40 below, oil in American cars (and I assume other vehicles) begins to gelatanize. Canadians roll the windows down.
Indeed Cap’s Capri: not only do we Canadians roll our windows down at 40 below - we also consider it perfect making out weather (indoor ou outdoor).
Seriously though, your point about the role cold weather played in WWII is certainly well taken.
That’s just what Canada wants everyone to think. We are not fooled! They don’t scare us. I bet half their tanks do not even start! They are like the old 69 Chevy in your friend’s garage that he swears will be restored some day.
My God…it’s an army of Micro Machine tanks…headed right this way!
when i heard peter jennings mention this conflict i had to mention it to a canadian co-worker. then i got my time magazine in the mail, there was a wee article on it. however the line in the article that had me wondering was: (severe paraphasing here)
canada tried to build a combat bra. it was dropped due to lack of interest.
lack of interest?!?!? i’m rather interested in what a combat bra would do, what sort of weapon cap. etc.
canadians… always thinking.