Thank you very much, Chairman.
Dr. Fergusson, I'm pleased you suggested for a second that we turn to the military because they can do so much, but in fact their capabilities are limited when we're dealing with domestic issues. I think you're right to put the emphasis on the RCMP and the coast guard to be the boots on the ground in the north.
With that in mind, as well as some of the questions my colleague Mr. Davies raised, when we think of the defence of North America, I'm wondering if we really do need to be on two tracks. I'd like both of you to comment on this.
On the one hand, we can strengthen NORAD's capabilities and continue to work with the Americans in areas of shared jurisdiction, but when it comes to the Arctic, given the size and the scope, it really is up to Canada to play the primary role, because it is our front yard and our backyard. It's our territory and it is so large, so on the one hand, it's important to have the onesies, the twosies, and the communities there to have a vigorous coast guard that is able to patrol the north, but also to at the same time have that military overlap, where the air fighters are able to move quickly should there be a marine or an air threat.
What are your comments on that? I believe it's not just a question of working with the Americans. In fact, there are areas where we do work with the Americans, but at the same time, there are other areas where it's up to us to be the pointy end of the spear.
I'm curious to hear comments from both of you, if you have any.