Public Accounts committee  It's important for the committee to understand, Mr. Chair, that we operate in a very competitive labour market. There are a number of trade skills and professions in Canada that are in demand everywhere—in fact, around the world. When you look at physicians and highly skilled technicians for the navy, air force, and the army, we are competing with a very competitive market.

Public Accounts committee  I just wanted to say, we had a very large recruitment enrollment ceremony this past June in Ottawa, and those recruits were from western Quebec and also Ontario. They were enrolled from the province in which they applied, but I don't know if we actually distinguished them from the recruiting centre.

Public Accounts committee  Absolutely. As a matter of fact, just looking at some of our recent results--and I'll get Commodore MacIsaac to provide you with some of the details--we've had some very significant advances in recruitment within the province of Quebec.

Public Accounts committee  Monsieur, it should not be any problem whatsoever because for the entire selection process, that process is conducted in the language of that individual's choice, whether it be French or English. So the entire process, the examination, the interview, if it was a French-speaking individual, would be conducted in French.

Public Accounts committee  Absolutely not, no. We use the standard criteria for every applicant wishing to join the Canadian Forces.

Public Accounts committee  These complete my introductory remarks.

Public Accounts committee  I wish to thank you for your interest.

Public Accounts committee  I've done a quick audit, Mr. Chair, and I will keep it to about five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair, lady, gentlemen. It is a pleasure to appear before you today to provide some commentary on the Auditor General's report on recruiting and retention to outline some of the activities we are currently embarking upon and to share with you some of the success we are achieving as we progress with force expansion for the Canadian Forces.