Mr. Speaker, I would not bring this matter to the attention of the minister except that we are hearing reports actually back from the field saying that they are concerned that there is no plan and morale is becoming lower.
The Minister of National Defence insists on referring to the detention of Canadian soldiers but let us speak frankly as the UN commander has done and admit that our troops are now being held as hostages and as bargaining chips.
As we noted yesterday, the minister promised to withdraw Canadians if the situation on the ground changed or if their safety were called into question. How far must the situation deteriorate before the government acts to remove troops from this dangerous situation?