First of all, Cathay, let me reinforce the importance of the voice of, as you put it, the average Canadian. With great humility, I talked about growing up on a base and having a brother in the armed forces. Those are important points of view. It is not the same as having served. I wouldn't pretend otherwise. I know what I know, and I know what I don't know, and I'm more than willing to look to people such as the person sitting next to me, to those who have served, and listen especially, as I have done in my travels in my short time as minister. However, it's also very important that Canadians weigh in on this, because this is a priority for Canadians themselves.
On November 30th, 2017. See this statement in context.