Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, welcome to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
Bill C-59 states that you must work with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. We already know that, as Minister of National Defence, you have a close relationship with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Probably weekly, you have to discuss a number of issues and the deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces around the world. I am wondering why the bill has to require you to contact the minister, since this co-operation is already part of your day-to-day work, I think.
There is a problem that you will surely be able to help me understand, given your close co-operation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. It's about a security breach. I do not know how that expression will be translated, but as a former member of the military, you must know what I'm talking about. The incident took place in India, namely the invitation sent to Jaspal Atwal. We are hearing two contradictory stories. According to the Prime Minister, Mr. Atwal was invited by rogue elements in the Indian government. On your side, your colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the invitation came from Canadian government officials. So we have two versions, that of the Prime Minister, to whom you are accountable, and that of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with whom you work every day.
Which version do you believe?