Thank you.
Through you, Chair, I didn't quite catch it. I think the question is about defensive capabilities or armed forces capabilities. I think there would be.... I'd certainly agree.
The conventional view would probably be.... We shall see what the government decides in its upcoming defence review update, but I think the view will be that the armed forces need a lot of new equipment to be able to engage effectively in any future conflict, including along with allies in support of our own sovereignty. There is a great deal we have to do in that area.
I think we all recognize that the Canadian Armed Forces lacks a range of things, from sufficient manpower through to key military capabilities. Many of these have been called to attention.
I must say, as a private citizen, the fact that we were only able to supply four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine struck me as a terrible symbol of the ways in which our military has been allowed to be degraded over the years.
Thank you.