All right, colleagues. In the interests of short time, we will proceed.
Again we return, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), to our study of the defence of North America. As you know, we have one witness from the Department of National Defence, Captain S.A. Virgin, the deputy commander of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
Colleagues, before we begin, I would caution you that Captain Virgin is unable to provide responses to any questions about the actual readiness levels on which the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit operates. The CJIRU's specific capabilities can be discussed in broad terms, but the specific equipment used and their advantages and limitations, cannot be, including the size of the CJIRU and the conduct of a counterterrorism operation, besides a very high-level general overview. Finally, the domestic CBRN threat assessments in regard to these threats—colleagues, I'm sure you'll understand—are an RCMP and CSIS responsibility.
Captain Virgin is also placed to answer general questions about CANSOFCOM as they relate to the defence of North America, but again, I would caution you that similar caveats do apply.
Captain Virgin, welcome to our committee.
Your opening remarks, please, sir.