Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's really nice to see you again today, Professor Huebert.
Yesterday, we were discussing the comparison between the F-35 and the Gripen. The comparison on my side was the procurement and operational costs of those two fighter jets.
As the world is quickly moving to uncrewed aerial systems, a discussion was opened today in which the F-35 question came out. It just came to me that those drones have combat abilities along with the investigation and search abilities, so I believe you'll agree with me that those are going to be a good addition, along with the helicopters, to support our Coast Guard.
That was my comment on that.
My question will be for both you and Professor Lackenbauer, and it is going to be on strategic alignment with the allies.
In part 4 of Bill C-12, the Oceans Act would allow for the Canadian Coast Guard to participate in maritime security patrols. This includes border monitoring and surveillance operations, as well as intelligence collection and analysis.
Given that engaging the Coast Guard in security and intelligence roles is consistent with the activities of Five Eyes partners, including the United States, how would this formal legislative mechanism improve bilateral co-operation and intelligence sharing against transnational maritime threats?