Madam Chairman, we welcome the increased funding for the Canadian rangers. I am sure the other northern members, the member for Yukon and the member for Western Arctic, totally support any increased responsibility given to the Canadian rangers. I truly believe the rangers can assist more, especially in asserting our sovereignty in the Arctic.
The rangers are also very involved with search and rescue operations. That is one aspect where I think we need to see more defence funding put in. Maybe the minister could expand a bit on the role of the Canadian forces and what assistance it gives local search and rescue operations. Unfortunately that is one of the things we have to do year after year living in the climate that we do. It is one area also that affects all communities no matter where they are in the Arctic. We certainly welcome any assistance we can get from the Canadian forces. Could the minister give an indication of any increased funding to assist the communities in that area?