Madam Chairman, I do not know what they told the hon. member but we try to give as much information as we can. However we must bear in mind that there are personal security and operational security considerations. We will not give information about JTF2. I do not think anyone would expect us to give information that would risk its members' lives or the success of its mission.
As I was saying the other day, we would not even talk about the battle group mission we just completed called Operation Torii. That would telegraph in advance what we were going to do. The more people we tell the more risk that it will get out to the enemy. The old saying is that loose lips sink ships. We do not want to do that. We do not want to risk the mission. We do not want to risk the security of any of our people involved. If word got out to the enemy in advance it could be in a stronger position when engaging our personnel. The enemy could also flee the area which would diminish the mission.
It is important to keep such information to a minimum number of people. That has been our policy and it is the best one to follow. However whenever possible we will provide as much information as we can to keep parliamentarians informed. I have always indicated a willingness to appear before the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs to talk about our operations. I will do so as much as I am able without risking personal or operational security.