Madam Chair, I've brought a formal update about sexual misconduct in the military for the committee. May I read it into the record? It's about sexual misconduct in the military.
I share my honourable colleague's outrage and disappointment, as all Canadians do, with the ongoing, disturbing developments. National Defence, of course, as is the case with our government, continues to encourage everyone who has been affected by sexual misconduct to come forward. Our goal is for those who come forward to be heard and to feel safe and supported.
Currently, the sexual misconduct response centre provides 24-7 confidential support to Canadian Armed Forces members, and I thank them for that. The SMRC is independent from the chain of command and offers a variety of counselling, support and—