Mr. Speaker, as always, it is very hard to figure out what the Bloc wants.
First, one member tells us not to buy military equipment because it is a waste, and then one of his colleagues says that we must save the defence industry.
It is always a little hard for me to understand quite where this party is coming from. Its two wings do not always beat at the same pace.
The fundamental issue that we need to deal with is the use of the existing program DIPP as a defence conversion program. As the hon. member knows, of the 41 applications approved by this government under DIPP so far 39 have been for civilian or dual use purposes. Clearly that has been the key tool in assisting industries in their defence conversion.
More important, and I have said this repeatedly and I hope other members understand how important this is, the government's strategy in helping the Canadian industries in all sectors is not to throw money at them. It is to provide them with the strategic advice and assistance that will enable them to be competitive in the world markets. That is the key to their success.