Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you gentlemen, for coming. I apologize in advance that I have to go to the House at ten o'clock. But I appreciate your being here.
The twin issues that we're obviously dealing with in the Arctic are the issues of sovereignty and security, issues on surveillance and enforcement capabilities. Clearly the Canadian navy, it has been suggested--and I'd like you to respond to this, Admiral--needs to relearn how to have a greater significant role in the Arctic. What's the best way to achieve that when there's only a certain amount of resources, a certain amount of capability?
For government, government is about prioritizing. If in fact we are serious about sovereignty and security in the north, then we have to look at what kind of equipment we need in the north and how much of the existing capabilities that are needed have to be surrendered in order to provide the kinds of tools we need. There's the type of submarines, if we're going to go into that, or if we're going to deal with surveillance in space, or whatever we're doing, we have to be able to prioritize. Obviously the recommendations from the navy are absolutely critical. Then there's the delivery of those operational capabilities down the road.
Can you respond to, first of all, the notion that we have to relearn how to play a greater role in the Arctic? How would we achieve this?
If you were able to put on the table to government your wish list and say, these are the objectives that government has set out--which is sovereignty and security--and this is the best way to achieve it, by using the navy.... At one time, I know we joined exercises with the other branches of the force as well as the RCMP, as well as Customs, etc. If you were to outline to us the best way to go about doing this, what would you suggest?