Just very briefly on the ITAR issue, this has been a problem that has confounded the Canadian government, I think going on for a decade now, in terms of trying to get around these regulations. Most of the international community views ITAR as a rather protectionist measure that the U.S. invokes in order to protect it. It is not really about protecting intellectual properties from getting in the hands of possible opponents.
I think there have been some developments in this regard. I understand the Canadian government has negotiated exemptions for federal employees in terms of ITARs, but I do not think that's extended down to private firms and contractors and even subcontractors. That is my understanding. This is causing real problems, especially in terms of our charter of rights and freedoms.
Certainly on national security grounds, absolutely. Certainly we have seen that this government has not shied away from using national security criteria and exemptions in the past. I note in particular that national security clauses of trade agreements were invoked in the recent major defence procurement contracts that were announced in 2006. It was in the advance contract award notice process, which some have said is the sole source, but national security exemptions in that process were invoked by the government. The contract actually went to a U.S. firm. Some would argue that it was to prevent others, perhaps European firms, from participating in it, but certainly I don't see why that principle shouldn't be invoked to protect a Canadian firm.