Mr. Speaker, these are not ordinary citizens taking part in a debate. We are talking about generals, the highest ranked officers in the Canadian army, who, as soon as they leave the military, express their feeling of helplessness over the lack of leadership in the forces.
The minister can talk about a public debate in our great society, but what is truly extraordinary is to have an army with no leader and no minister. It appears that, in some cases, soldiers are now ashamed to wear their uniform, because of the lack of leadership at the national defence department. On August 29, General Boyle said in the Globe and Mail that he would resign if his leadership was questioned.
Could the defence minister tell General Boyle on our behalf that his original statement on his leadership was far preferable to his present desperate attempt to hang on to his job as Chief of Staff, when he no longer has credibility? Could the minister convey the message to General Boyle?