Latest news with #LukeFoster
National Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Why new Canadian ranger rifles are bleeding red dye
Canadian Rangers who use their new rifles in the rain are finding their hands covered in red dye because the stocks on the weapons can't handle moisture, according to newly released military records. Article content The problem was discovered in May 2018 as the new C-19 rifles were initially being distributed to Canadian Ranger units as part of a $32.8-million contract with Colt Canada. The .308 C-19, which is equipped with a red stock, replaced the Lee Enfield .303 rifle that had been used by Canadian Rangers since 1947. Article content Article content Under the contract, the new rifles were required to withstand extremely cold temperatures in the Arctic as well as moderate-to-high humidity in the coastal and forested regions of the country. Article content Article content 'Obviously from a health and safety perspective having dye released onto the skin is not a good situation,' Arthur Hall, who is with the Department of National Defence's small arms program, noted in a May 9, 2018 email regarding the C-19. Article content Further complaints continued to come in from Ranger units who also found the stocks were cracking. Article content 'The issue is that when exposed to moisture the red dye in the stock will run, and will discolour the hands of the user,' Luke Foster of the Directorate of Soldier Systems Program Management, pointed out in a July 3, 2018 email. 'This is also an indication that the stocks are not properly protected from the elements.' Article content One report from an officer assigned to the Rangers noted he took his new rifle outside in the rain for only five minutes before returning indoors. Once back inside he noticed the weapon was dripping red dye. 'I held the weapon for approximately 5-10 mins and it stated to stain my hand,' Captain T.M. Collier wrote in a May 9, 2018 email. Article content Article content The documents, acquired by the Ottawa Citizen, were released under the Access to Information Act. Article content Article content Department of National Defence officials, however, say it will be up to taxpayers to cover the costs of replacing the stocks on the 6,800 new rifles. That cost is estimated to be up to $10 million. Article content Tétreault also noted that the issue 'only became apparent and reported after extended field usage in extreme climatic conditions leading to cycles of expansion and contraction in the stock. This was not observed during Initial Operational Capability training; it only became apparent in the last two months before the end of deliveries.'
Ottawa Citizen
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Ottawa Citizen
Why new Canadian ranger rifles are bleeding red dye
Article content Canadian Rangers who use their new rifles in the rain are finding their hands covered in red dye because the stocks on the weapons can't handle moisture, according to newly released military records. Article content The problem was discovered in May 2018 as the new C-19 rifles were initially being distributed to Canadian Ranger units as part of a $32.8-million contract with Colt Canada. The .308 C-19, which is equipped with a red stock, replaced the Lee Enfield .303 rifle that had been used by Canadian Rangers since 1947. Article content Article content Article content Under the contract, the new rifles were required to withstand extremely cold temperatures in the Arctic as well as moderate-to-high humidity in the coastal and forested regions of the country. Article content 'Obviously from a health and safety perspective having dye released onto the skin is not a good situation,' Arthur Hall, who is with the Department of National Defence's small arms program, noted in a May 9, 2018 email regarding the C-19. Article content Further complaints continued to come in from Ranger units who also found the stocks were cracking. Article content 'The issue is that when exposed to moisture the red dye in the stock will run, and will discolour the hands of the user,' Luke Foster of the Directorate of Soldier Systems Program Management, pointed out in a July 3, 2018 email. 'This is also an indication that the stocks are not properly protected from the elements.' Article content Article content One report from an officer assigned to the Rangers noted he took his new rifle outside in the rain for only five minutes before returning indoors. Once back inside he noticed the weapon was dripping red dye. 'I held the weapon for approximately 5-10 mins and it stated to stain my hand,' Captain T.M. Collier wrote in a May 9, 2018 email. The documents, acquired by the Ottawa Citizen, were released under the Access to Information Act. Article content Department of National Defence officials, however, say it will be up to taxpayers to cover the costs of replacing the stocks on the 6,800 new rifles. That cost is estimated to be up to $10 million. Article content 'The performance requirements detailed performance against specific environmental conditions (cold, wet, etc), and the C19 met these criteria,' DND spokesperson Alex Tétreault stated in an email to the Ottawa Citizen. 'Therefore, Colt Canada fulfilled its contractual requirements, based on what was asked. There are no warranties that addresses the current issue being faced.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Newcastle man sheds nearly 4.5 stone with MAN v FAT programme
A Newcastle man has shed nearly 4.5 stone after joining a local, FA-accredited football programme. Luke Foster, 42, weighed almost 23 stone when he first joined MAN v FAT Newcastle in January 2023. After foot problems forced him to stop for a few months, he rejoined in August 2024 and says he has never looked back. Mr Foster said: "MAN v FAT has had a massive impact on my lifestyle. "I used to be very much, go to work, come home, and do nothing. "Now I am playing football twice a week and have just started to go to the gym again. "It has helped my relationship with food. "I really watch what I eat. "Don't get me wrong, I still have a drink on a Friday night, but it's not as excessive as it once was." The Newcastle MAN v FAT Football club, which meets every Monday evening at NUCASTLE, the Newcastle United Foundation on Diana Street, has helped 56 local men lose more than 31 stone in excess weight between them in the last year. MAN v FAT is a weight loss initiative that aims to help overweight and obese men with a BMI of more than 27.5 lose unwanted weight through weekly football and lifestyle coaching sessions. At sessions, players are weighed, followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side football, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss. A team's total weight loss and match scores then contribute to its position within a club's overall league table. Mr Foster said: "I would recommend MAN v FAT. "Everyone is there to help you, as they are all in the same boat and, if anything, it will get you moving. "That's the best thing about it. "I now play on Monday evenings and have started a couple of social games as well." According to the Newcastle City Council Director of Public Health Report 2023, 64 per cent of adults aged 18 and over in Newcastle are classified as overweight or obese ( Richard Crick, head of MAN v FAT, said: "Luke and all the guys at our Newcastle club have been drawn to our programme through a love of football and being part of a team. "What they have gone on to achieve both individually and as a key part of the club we have in Newcastle is fantastic. READ MORE: Royal Visit Durham: Hundreds turn out for King and Queen HMP Frankland prison officer still in hospital after attack Santoro's in Yarm hits market months after shock closure "Our Newcastle club has spaces for new players, so if you're looking to make a positive change to your lifestyle, get in touch." To find out more about MAN v FAT Football and to locate your closest club, visit A rugby club offering on the MAN v FAT model is also being rolled out, with more information available at
