I would simply add to my colleagues' comments that it's great to have a plan, and certainly I want to acknowledge that the update, the review, contains some elements that we think are important for space, and it felt like there was a bit more of a recognition of the importance of space when it comes to defence. However, a plan is worth what it's written on in the sense that unless you actually execute and procure the things you plan to do, then it's not really worth much. Certainly we are concerned about the delays in procurement in defence in general, and then even more specifically for space-related defence capabilities.
We think that space is a very innovative sector, and if it takes years to procure something that you think you needed seven years ago, or whatever the case might be, then what you actually end up getting through that journey of procurement might be outdated. Certainly we would just like to see these investments made as quickly as possible. I think, if we're being honest with ourselves, we can come and say that—and we've said that to the minister and the team. We can say that, but unless there is some type of structural change to figure that out, then we're going to be waiting for some of the investments that I think are good from a space perspective to actually come to fruition.
Let me just add as well that I'm of the view that we need to get to 2% to meet our NATO target. For various reasons.... I'll just add this, and this isn't really with my Space Canada hat on—it's more just as a Canadian citizen. We had a Democratic president on the floor of Parliament, when Barack Obama visited, and it was all positive except he addressed the fact that we needed to invest more when it comes to defence. Then we had then-president Trump, a Republican, obviously saying the same.
Both parties in the U.S. are saying it, and they're saying it for a reason—maybe for different reasons, but nevertheless, they're hearing that, and/or it's a very palatable argument that will resonate with Americans for the U.S. to be able to retreat from important multinational institutions that we need to be a part of.