Mr. Speaker, I have already mentioned the $800 million base increase in the last budget, but in previous budgets in recent years as well there has been $5 billion added to the budget under the previous finance minister. I might also mention that life is a balance between on the one hand respecting the families and the members of the Canadian Forces and on the other hand stepping up to the plate to do what is right. The Afghanistan mission is important and it is right, and at the same time we are taking great care of the Canadian Forces and their families.
In the House of Commons on September 15th, 2003. See this statement in context.