I haven't seen that particular report. I have one in my hand that's dated October 12 of this year, Mr. Chair. It talks about public opinion trends and strategic implications. This report verifies much of what we saw and what we heard anecdotally in Afghanistan.
I personally would lean toward accepting the word of the people who have been on the ground in Afghanistan for a sustained period of time. They include people such as Tim Martin, the representative of Canada in Kandahar, who lives at the provincial reconstruction team location just outside Kandahar City, outside the base, and our ambassador, who makes frequent trips down to Kandahar from Kabul and is in regular contact not only with our officials but also with Afghans and his counterparts in the ISAF mission. I would also like to mention the efforts of Governor Wesa, who, while born in Afghanistan, is in fact a Canadian citizen. He did a great deal of work in British Columbia at the University of B.C. in the agriculture field and has made a tremendous contribution. He is, at great risk to himself and his family, going out into villages and towns throughout Kandahar, throughout the district that he represents, and doing outstanding work on behalf of our country and on behalf of Afghans to bring about a sense of confidence in their own government and in the efforts that are being made internationally.
Yes, there will be reports and there will be continued tracking. We're doing that as well, as mentioned. Some of the same subject matter is touched upon in the quarterly report that speaks about the Canadian priorities that we have identified: immunizing children and building the infrastructure in Afghanistan, such as the Dahla Dam. That has had tremendous impact on regions such as the Arghandab, where we've opened up wadis and allowed water to flow and have brought electricity. The lights are on in villages, literally for the first time in centuries, in some cases. We are seeing work now with women, in terms of their ability to start and run their own businesses. Education is starting to flourish in places like the Dand District, where we now see 26 schools operating, and we have to try to mirror that same progress in Panjwai.
All of this happens, Mr. Chair, under the umbrella of security provided by brave men and women in uniform from coalition countries. Canadians can have full confidence that the members of the Canadian Forces, in concert with all of the government partners and the Afghans, are truly committed to seeing the security last and the implications of the reconstruction and development projects spread throughout the south.
We are seeing as well further engagement from the Afghan government, which I think is also a very encouraging sign. President Karzai, as Minister Cannon mentioned, took part in a shura in the Arghandab region that was attended by hundreds, and we are seeing increasing evidence that those participants are getting off the fence. We're seeing Afghans now accept the reality that the Taliban are not coming back. I think that also denotes a shift in public attitude. That is also reflected in this most recent survey that came out of Afghanistan, which was put forward by the SHAPE staff at NATO. It notes some very encouraging signs in terms of the public attitude and public confidence in what is happening in Afghanistan.
I tend to perhaps see the glass half full. My friend may prefer the other approach, but I know that the efforts are Herculean. I know we still have work to do, and I'm extremely encouraged by the efforts that are being put in by Canadians at all levels.
I also would ask my friend to keep an open mind about other reports that seem to indicate otherwise.