Mr. Speaker, if Canadians have been wondering why the armed forces budget has been cut so much over the last few years, the answer was given to us today by the auditor general. In her report, she states of the minister's national defence policy that:
--management decided to reduce the readiness level of Canadian Forces... because...the international situation no longer warranted high levels of readiness.
If ever there was a case of ministerial irresponsibility, it is here.
The report also says that pre-September 11, $1.3 billion was needed to help the armed forces.
Since the Prime Minister is writing the budget, will he write in at least $2 billion on the line for the armed forces?