Mr. Chair, we can't agree to that. This is simply a matter of providing some flexibility. There are things that go on, as in Afghanistan—and who knows what is going to go on in places such as Libya or wherever—in which the Canadian Forces might need that flexibility. You have judges who also take leave or get sick, and there are many other reasons that some people may not be available for duty. This simply gives the Canadian Forces the flexibility to hire part-time judges—people who are qualified—to do that duty. To take away that flexibility could jeopardize the timely and effective application of military justice.
It's not a financial burden on the CF. It simply gives them the authority, with properly qualified people—and these are all properly qualified people—to act in that capacity, so we cannot support that amendment.