Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards is inviting constituents in the community to a round table discussion on defense policy.

The Trudeau Liberal government has announced it will be doing a Defense Policy Review that's been initiated on Canada's future defense strategy and Richards said the review troubles him.

"The last time the Liberals were in power, the military referred to it as 'the decade of darkness.' It was because they really weren't having the needs they had for equipment and supplies being taken care of. Obviously we're in a time where there is a need to ensure that our military is well prepared for the challenges they face."

Richards said the Liberal government is is cutting back on military spending.

"The liberal government seems to have indicated that it wants to try and save some money, on the backs of our military men and women. We've seen about $3.7 billion worth of military equipment being postponed."

Richards shared multiple projects will be halted due to these cuts including Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships, replacements for the CF-18s, the Cyclone Maritime Helicopter Project, and the Integrated Soldier System Project.

He believes now is the time to prioritize military funding, not minimize it.

"We're in a time right now where, as terrible as it is, we're seeing terrorism, and rogue states. This is a time where we really just can't afford to see cuts to our military. We have to make sure they're well prepared."

Richards would like constituents to have their input heard at the Cochrane Legion on August 3, 2016, from 2:30p.m. to 4:00p.m.

"We've got a lot of veterans who have served this country that live in our area and I want to make sure they have a chance. They have expertise, they have understanding of the needs of the military, and what our operational capabilities need to be."

All comments will be submitted to the Minister of National Defense, the Honorable Harjit Sajjan.

For more information call 1-800-667-0410