Mr. Speaker, the government has a terrible track record when it comes to ensuring that our troops are properly equipped. The last time it sent Canadian soldiers to Afghanistan it failed to provide proper uniforms. This time it failed to provide what was necessary to allow them to carry weapons. This sort of neglect endangers our troops, worries their families and shatters morale.
Why did we have to pressure the minister for weeks to get him to do the paperwork necessary to allow Canadian soldiers to carry weapons to protect themselves?