Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Perhaps you can have a chance to elaborate when I ask my question.
First of all, I was going to welcome you all and to say there is every reason to be impressed with the level of detail in the planning that's gone into this exercise. I had occasion many months ago to become aware of some of the detailed planning for the torch relay, and I am certainly impressed with the level of foresight and interest the RCMP has taken in that. So I think Canadians can be assured that a lot of work they are not aware of has happened, and hopefully others will be deterred in knowing that our officials have been so active.
I do have a question for Vice-Admiral Donaldson. One small sentence in your presentation refers to the United States, but I have an article from The Seattle Times of October 2, stating that “Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is touring the new $4 million Olympics Coordination Center in Bellingham, Washington”, which the article refers to as “a key part of the U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts for the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia”. It goes on to say that “About 25 to 30 agencies will have representatives at the center to plan for possible riots or terrorism, as well as floods or snowstorms”.
As a Canadian, it concerns me that we have an American operation in Bellingham, Washington—which of course is right on the border with Canada—where there are Americans planning for riots or terrorism. I guess terrorism is something everyone needs to be concerned about, but exactly what role does the centre play and what role will those 25 or 30 agencies—which I'm assuming are American—represented at this U.S. law enforcement and counter-terrorism center be playing in your security efforts? What are the arrangements with respect to that, or are there any? Or is this something that's not accurate at all?