Thank you, Mr. Patry.
I would like to answer the question on the organization that promotes democracy.
I'll just tell you that Minister Fletcher is the one who has the lead on that file. He is working quite actively on that file. So that is something we'll probably have the opportunity of discussing at a later date here around the table. It is just to reassure you that there is work being done on that. Hopefully it is done in much the same way as at the IDRC, which is I think not only world renowned but certainly something of whose work Canada can be extremely proud. We have been doing this for close to 40 years now, 38 years.
So that is something we can look forward to. Hopefully the establishment of this agency—in terms of democracy, freedom, empowering, along of course with human rights and being able to empower citizens—is something that is so very Canadian that we would certainly want to make that promotion. That is something we are very keen on doing, and so I invite you to follow us on that one.
For the smart power definition, like you I was intrigued by Senator—at the time and now Foreign Secretary—Clinton's take on smart power. It is an interesting notion. I would believe that that is starting from the principle that the United States of America can't be everything for everybody at the same time.
In that purview we'll be looking to more bilateral, in some cases, more multilateral opportunities to work with like-minded countries in pursuing policy objectives that are common to all countries. In that view, I'm looking forward to working with Mrs. Clinton, as well as the new administration in that regard.
You ended your question by talking about Afghanistan. We are deeply involved, as you know. We are in constant contact with our partners and allies on that. Whether contacts be through my colleague the Minister of National Defence and his colleagues at NATO or whether they be through diplomatic channels, I think Canada can be looked at as being a solid ally, somebody who is delivering exactly what it has mentioned it would do.
We are quite happy with the pursuit of the policy as it is. If there need to be any corrections or changes in the course of action, of course Parliament will be consulted on that.