In 25 words or less?
Well, we're not going to go back in, because we've never been in. Let's start with the one basic assumption that we all start with. Somehow we all believe the Americans want us. Well, perhaps the Americans don't. They're not interested in Canadian involvement. In all the indicators I've had, in looking at this issue for many years, it's that the Americans see that there's nothing additional that Canada is going to bring to the table on this issue.
So what do we want? As I think Professor Lagassé said, do we simply want to be able to sit at the table and find out as much as we can about the system? If we do, what's the best way to do it? Is it through NORAD? Is it through perhaps negotiating a research and development memorandum of understanding with the United States on missile defence? Are we going to try to find out if the United States will defend us even if we don't do anything? Are we defended?
These are a lot of important strategic questions that may or may not be answered by simply saying that we want to play.