Mr. Speaker, it is clear that when this government took office back in 1993 a number of very difficult decisions had to be made. There were cuts to transfer payments. There were across the board cuts in many government departments. And yes, there were cuts to the military.
We saw in the budget an increase in funds for health care, a rejuvenation of many programs of departments of the government, including national defence. We are going to see in the years to come continued reinvestment in Canadian programs and services.
In terms of the ability of the military to do the job in both Bosnia and Kosovo, I have the greatest of respect for our commanders in the field both in Canada and overseas. I had the opportunity to see them in action during the ice storm and with my colleagues on the national defence committee when we visited Bosnia last May.
I say to the hon. member across the way that they are well equipped in Bosnia. They are fully able to do the job and they are doing a tremendous job over there. If Canadians had the opportunity to see what our troops face from day to day they would be extremely proud as I was to see that maple leaf flag flying over the camp at Velika Kladusa, in Zgon and in other camps where the Canadians soldiers are based. They are doing a tremendous job. They have the equipment and they are getting better equipment.
Over the years I think the Canadian forces can look forward to even greater triumphs in terms of peacekeeping and contributing to world peace and security.