Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
When we look at estimates, there's always this problem of apples, oranges, and other fruit when we try to compare things from year to year. The minister in his presentation made reference to a 5% spending increase for the Canadian Forces, or for Canadian defence overall. The concern I run into a lot is that in their regular operations, the Canadian Forces are asked to do more and more every year without getting an increase to cover even the rate of inflation.
In terms of operations for DND, what is the increase in this budget year over year? Is it beyond the military rate of inflation, which tends to run 3% to 4%? Are we actually getting enough to cover those increased costs every year?