Mr. Speaker, the Canadian forces are an important national organization. They contribute a great deal to the life and security of this country and deserve to have fair compensation for a reasonable standard of living.
I was very pleased to table today the government's response to the 89 recommendations of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs. It did a fine job. We agree with most of all its recommendations.
We will be putting into effect for example pay increases come the first of April this year. As an example, for privates the committee recommended some 10% and we are making it 14.4%.