Mr. Speaker, I listened to the public safety minister assert that the security situation is much improved.
It is, therefore, not totally surprising to me that he will not listen to the position, the views and the information that the New Democratic Party brings forward on this issue. What is surprising is that he rejects the very contrary view that has been expressed and documented by the World Food Programme, the International Red Cross, Oxfam International and the United Nations itself. Apparently, the minister is not prepared to listen to that evidence either.
I would like to ask him to comment, if I could, on the position expressed by the U.K. defence minister when he stated:
A peaceful, developed Helmand cannot be won by the sword, and the longer we try, the greater the tragedy.
The Belgium defence minister stated:
The situation is deteriorating,...and, over time, NATO forces risk appearing like an army of occupation.
The French defence minister stated:
One should not try to bury one's head in the sand:..the operation...is encountering real difficulties...the situation is not improving,
Could I ask the minister to--