Thank you, Mr. Opitz.
That is a very specific question and a good one. As you know, the Canada First defence strategy provides a road map, a detailed plan, a costed plan that includes long-term funding to rebuild and modernize the Canadian armed forces, an organization with which you are very familiar.
Part of the vote 1 appropriation, the $234.9 million, will be used to fund critical Canada First defence strategy-related activities that include operational costs. They include such things as support to force generation, continued support for personnel readiness, something that I know this committee studied in considerable detail and has produced a very helpful report on. This is an important element of everything we do. It's one of the pillars of the Canada First defence strategy, the readiness component.
As well, we have requested part of this sum that you've identified, the $438 million figure. We have identified $203.5 million to support the implementation of payment in lieu of severance. So again, this is a very specific allotment. This is done in order to align the severance payments, the pay system for military members, with that of the current public service. It's done in a way that will lead to significant savings in the long term in what I believe is a system that is fair to all. Canadian Forces members may now have the option of cashing out their existing accrued severance, either immediately or at the end of their careers. This may be something that you yourself might avail yourself of, Mr. Opitz.