Thank you, Chair.
Ms. Exner-Pirot, this committee undertook a study that looked at the nexus between defence and critical minerals. Many expert witnesses came forward and told us that national security is about a lot more than just critical minerals in the ground. It's also about ensuring that we have sovereignty over the processing and supply chains around those minerals. I thought it was really interesting that you touched upon that in your opening statement.
Can you expand on that point? As you do, can you speak in reference to the defence industrial strategy talking about wanting to build on existing Canadian strengths and what that means for regions that already have expertise in mining, processing and advanced industrial technology?