Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Panel Chair Manley, Ms. Wallin, Mr. Burney, thank you for being here today and for your work.
As soon as I read Mr. Manley's foreword, I was struck by the different aspects and issues that influence Canada's presence in Afghanistan. The security of our country, Canada, and of the rest of the world, our reputation on the international stage and our ability to contribute to the well-being of one of the poorest peoples on earth all had an effect on me. Last week, we welcomed six Afghan women who had been democratically elected to the Afghan Parliament. They came to tell us about the great good that is coming from Canada's presence there and the major results that have been achieved.
Earlier, you spoke about the rotation of Canadian troops. At this very moment, soldiers from other parts of Canada are going to Afghanistan and a number of soldiers are coming home to Quebec. As several from my constituency were in Afghanistan, I have called and spoken to some of them. They all told me of their pride in the work they have done. I spoke to one young man who was brought home a little earlier. Two months ago, his wife gave birth to a little girl. He told me that, had it not been for the birth, he would have asked to extend his tour of duty in Afghanistan for three months in order to help with the work being done there. His brother will be coming home in two days.
Another soldier told me that he found it impossible to think about reconstruction and development without a military presence and the security needed for those responsibilities to be taken on. We may well want to do development and reconstruction work, but without the military to provide follow-up and security, it is impossible.
I would like to know your opinion about that.