Mr. Chairman, I would just add very briefly, that it is really hard to compare dollars for dollars. When we talk about percentage of GDP and the NATO targets for at least spending 2% of GDP, one of the advantages that Italy, France, but especially a country like Canada, have is a good solid GDP and one that's been growing. Canada's figure would look much better if its economy were weaker, but thank goodness the economy is very strong. Russian numbers as per cent of GDP are impressive, but that GDP itself is not as impressive. While you can't necessarily compare dollars to force capabilities in a direct sense, that gives us some comfort that we can close the gap if we have the resolve to do so.
On December 4th, 2014. See this statement in context.