—as the colonel of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, was very positive, and we're very grateful for you and indeed everyone who participates in our reserves. I think you summed it up very well. These are dedicated, very patriotic Canadians, who are prepared to help out their country. What we've announced today and what we have done in the past is a perfect fit, in my opinion, to assist them, because we are indeed very grateful for their contributions.
You pointed out as well that part of the supplementary estimates (B) will ensure that the LAV III upgrade vehicles will remain state of the art. We're installing more armour. We're capitalizing on existing and evolving technology to improve the vehicles' mobility and weapons systems. In my opinion and in the opinion of the armed forces, this will give our men and women in uniform a safer and superior combat vehicle.
I believe, as I testify before you, that these are worthwhile investments, the kinds of investments that we should make. We should never go back to the way some things were sometimes in the past, where we did not maintain that capability, where we did not invest in the equipment or the up-to-date technology. We owe more than that to our men and women in uniform, and we owe it to this country to be able to respond when we are called upon, because we don't know when that's going to take place.
We've discussed a lot about the two operations, Operations Impact and Reassurance, but Canada doesn't stand on the sidelines. That has not been the Canadian tradition, and it's not a Canadian value, so we have to continue to invest in this.
This is why I'm so pleased and proud to be here once again with the supplementary estimates to make sure we maintain that capability for the members of our armed forces.
Thank you for your service in the reserves.