Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would also like to welcome our two witnesses. I attended Mr. Donaldson's change of command ceremony when he took over at Canada Command. I also salute my commander, Mr. Mulholland. In fact, I was embedded on the HMCS Winnipeg, when Mr. Mulholland was commander. I thank him for the wonderful experience I had. I even piloted the frigate at 4 o'clock in the morning. When I told the soldiers about that the next day, many of them said that had they known, they would have prepared their wills the night before. Mr. Mulholland was very patient with me, and it was a wonderful experience.
Now I'd like to ask some questions, especially about the USS Texas. The situation seemed to surprise a number of observers, because many did not expect that type of submarine to be able to travel in Arctic waters.
We are trying to do a study on sovereignty. Professor Pharand, who appeared before us a few months ago, explained that we must exercise some control over submarines in the high Arctic, because different countries could use their presence and the number of times they have travelled there to claim sovereignty. Therefore, it is important to control submarine movements.
An analyst said that there was a third incursion in the region this year. Do you know if there were any others?
I know that when the USS Texas surfaced at the North Pole, it was far from our coast, in international waters. However, before moving into international waters, did it travel through Canadian territorial waters? Is it required to signal its presence there? Did it do so? It is important for us to know that.
I will start with those questions. After that I will see if I have time for any more.