Mr. Speaker, I admire the work done in committee by the hon. member. He shows that he is very interested. Even though he is also an opposition member, he always shows a great deal of interest in these issues.
We are in agreement. The Bloc Quebecois has always said it: if we are sure that the moneys already allocated to the army are well spent, that they are spent for the purposes for which they were allocated, that they are strictly and meticulously monitored, and if we are sure that Canada is financially capable of participating in missions—it is true that we have a role to play abroad, but that role must be one that we are able to play—if we have the assurance that these objectives have been met, then we will agree to let the government invest more money, if necessary. But the government must first invest in the quality of life of military personnel.
When Canada goes abroad, the number of bombs or aircraft that it sends does nothing to promote its credibility with belligerent countries. Canada's reputation abroad has always been one of a promoter peace, of a creator of conditions promoting peace. These conditions are not created by increasing the number of aircraft or by making bombs.
What Canada must do is strengthen its credibility, first by ensuring comfort, good quality of life and stability to Canadians and Quebecers. This is the best way to establish its credibility as a peacekeeper abroad.