Mr. Speaker, I reject the premise of the House leader's question. The nature of the mission has not changed. The mission in which Canadian troops, diplomats and aid workers are currently engaged is precisely the mission to which my hon. friend's cabinet committed Canada in Afghanistan.
It is a mission under the aegis of a United Nations mandate, operationally being performed by NATO in the 36 country coalition. It is this government that has enhanced the development and diplomatic elements of the mission by nearly doubling our aid commitment and doubling our diplomat--