Can we start the clock now, Mr. Chair?
It works, perfect.
My questions are specifically for you, Mr. Windsor. I see that you have studied post-traumatic stress syndrome at great length. The link with readiness may seem weak, but as mental health problems can affect soldiers and slow down operations, I still think there is a link.
A study done over a 4-year period on 800 members of the Royal 22ème Royal Régiment, so infantry, who were deployed to Afghanistan, showed that 23% suffered from mental health problems and 20% suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
In your opinion, are the Canadian Forces doing all they can to prevent this problem and to make an early diagnosis in order to prescribe treatment? Do you think these mental health problems could have an adverse effect on the readiness of the Canadian Forces? Since those who suffer from those kinds of problems cannot be deployed, do you think it could negatively impact our operations?