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Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
The Ross Ellis Annual Memorial Lecture in Military and Strategic Studies
Doing the Right Thing in an Age of Cynicism
By Carol Off
Abstract
Good afternoon everyone. Special greetings to Dr. Hubert, to Mrs. Ellis and her daughter Leslie.
I am very happy to finally be here at the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies. The date of this lecture has changed more often than Art Eggleton changes his mind.
This has been an extraordinary year for journalists—for everyone—and I want to thank Professor Bercuson, Nancy Pearson-Mackie and all those who worked to accommodate my schedule.
In preparing for this lecture, I was fascinated to learn about Lt. Col. Ross Ellis. This remarkable man made the difficult transition from soldier to politics and showed great leadership in both arenas. What impressed me most in his biography was that, in the 1950’s, he was an MLA for the Liberal-Conservative Coalition. Think of it! What a political concept! How come we can’t unite the right? But Colonel Ellis knew, I think, what it is to serve your country. Which brings me back, not deftly, to the Canadian Defence Minister.