Mr. Speaker, attempts by the defence department apologists to discredit Mr. Mayhew have failed miserably and are only serving to discredit the military. That is truly the sorry aspect of this affair.
JTF2 represents one of the few bright spots in a military that has been demoralized by years of cutbacks. The minister has even spoken about a higher degree of openness in the activities of the JTF2, the way the British, the Americans and the Australians operate their special forces.
The minister should realize that this campaign of harassment against a poor farmer is doing extensive damage to the image of the Canadian Forces among the public. Residents of the Heron Lake Community Association, who have watched their property values plummet, will be the next ones seeking monetary compensation from the federal government.
There are real concerns of an environmental disaster due to lead contamination and oil spills that have adversely affected the health of local residents and put incredible stress on individuals already in a stressful situation.
The Dwyer Hill base was originally a horse breeding farm intended for 72 members of a domestic team.
It is time for some answers to resolve the situation.