Mr. Speaker, over the past number of weeks Canadians have expressed abhorrence concerning videotaped hazing rituals and other deplorable conduct that has occurred within our military service.
The reputation of the Canadian military has been significantly harmed by these revelations. To suggest that these activities are innocuous or nothing more than male bonding essential to teamwork is an affront to dignity and common sense.
What we have witnessed is human degradation, racism and other completely unacceptable activities. The Minister of National Defence has acted prudently, expeditiously and decisively in order to send a clear message from the bottom to the top of the military establishment that these activities are a disgrace to our proud military tradition and that they will not be tolerated now or ever.
I commend the minister and those within the department who are working hard to restore integrity and professionalism in the military and to restore its now tarnished image.