Thank you, Mr. Chair. Also, thank you, Mr. Minister, for being with us this afternoon, in the company of the general and deputy minister of National Defence.
Before I ask my question, I must tell you that I was very happy to hear you say that you are prepared to reconsider your decision to inform the committee regarding progress of the mission in Afghanistan. We are very interested in following this progress. As an MP, I am often stopped and asked by my fellow citizens about what is happening in Afghanistan.
So here is my question, Mr. Minister.
Is Canada going to deploy its F-18 fighter planes in operations with NATO countries or with the Americans? We know that in Canada we have two bases with F-18s, which are combat, fighter planes, namely Bagotville and Cold Lake. Is there a preparedness plan, should the F-18s be called on to take part in operations?