Mr. Speaker, on Friday the Minister of National Defence gave me a letter of resignation. I accepted it. The letter of resignation was very clear. The letter of acceptance of the resignation was very clear. They are public documentation.
The former Minister of National Defence showed a high degree of public service when he said: "Unfortunately, I broke the guidelines that you have established, Prime Minister. I resign". I said that I hope some day I will have the opportunity to welcome him back in the cabinet. He is a very honourable man, a good parliamentarian and a dedicated Canadian.