Mr. Speaker, we were not talking about one year; we were talking about six. I wonder if the minister understands his government's election commitment to Canadians. A promise implemented two elections from now is no promise. Will the Minister of National Defence confirm that the 5,000 soldiers promised by the Liberal government represent a true baseline increase to the forces, that is, a total of 65,000, and that it will happen in this mandate?
In the House of Commons on November 4th, 2004. See this statement in context.