This is a unique experience, Mr. Speaker. I get to ask the defence critic a question.
I first want to preface my remarks by saying that I do very much appreciate the praise he gave to our troops, the support for the NATO action and for the action of this government in support of NATO.
I want to also assure him that there are no commitments. He was concerned that there might be commitments beyond those that have been publicly announced or those that have been discussed in the House. I can assure him that is not the case.
With respect to how long this might take, we are into a situation where it is not a question of end date, it is a question of end stage. It is a question of being able to achieve the successful return of the Kosovars and a peaceful and secure atmosphere in Kosovo.
I want to ask the member a question. He suggested that perhaps we should have a discussion, I think he said a theoretical discussion, in this House, on what if we did get into a situation where ground troops might be deployed prior to a peace agreement. Given the hon. member's comments with respect to NATO and solidarity with NATO, would that not be the place to start? After all, if our NATO allies do not think there should be any change, then obviously Canada would not be out of step with its NATO allies, would it?