Thank you, Mr. Chair, and through you, thank you, Minister, for being here today and for your presentation.
It's very important that we take into account all the infrastructure that we do have. I praise the DART. They make Canada very proud and have highlighted to Canadians the multiple roles that Canadians perform around the world, whether it's peacekeeping, war fighting, or helping people in distress, like in the Philippines.
I'm also very happy to see General Thibault here today. I served on his staff in the past, and I'm delighted that he's with us today.
Minister, these are very complex issues in your estimates, so I'm going to give you a two-part question. We really need to drill down, and Canadians need to understand what's in the estimates for them.
Sir, could you speak to how these investments overall are going to improve the readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces?
As well, can you also speak to how our role has now changed in Afghanistan. The combat role is over and we're about to conclude the training mission shortly.
Can you also speak to how the current fiscal climate is informing the decisions of our government?