First of all, thank you so much, Mr. Richards, for that question. I'm always pleased to be appearing before the ACVA committee.
I do remember, very well, that last year you asked me that specific question. First and foremost, I want to thank all of the members, the more than 4,000 men and women who served in the Persian Gulf war, and I say “war”.
We have to recognize that the men and women who served in the Persian Gulf were in harm's way, number one. They were also outside of the safety of Canada, and they signed up for this mission.
Do I consider this a war? I would consider it a war. With respect to the legislation, however, my definition as to what I qualify as a war does not necessarily mean that the legal definition in the legislation does the same.