Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Thank you to the witnesses for being here.
We have met more than 60 witnesses since we began studying this matter in November. I don't have your expertise, and would like you to tell me whether I'm giving an accurate picture of the situation.
We heard that there is an obvious failing with respect to the intelligence culture in Canada and a lack of interest on the part of ministers and the Prime Minister.
This lack of interest means that intelligence reports often fall through the cracks. I also understood that it's systemic. It could ultimately mean that documents are never read. That's what we're trying to understand, and that's why we have invited Mr. Mendicino. It could also lead to the neglect of, and too little funding for, the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service. We were given some numbers on that recently. I'm wondering whether Canada's lack of credibility makes it dependent on the Five Eyes. This has also led me to wonder whether it's why we are not part of the AUKUS security pact. I'm trying to connect the dots, but perhaps Canada isn't serious enough about defence. I personally have no doubt about that being the case.
Do you believe we are properly protected?