Mr. Speaker, would the minister would know from where the figure of 1,000 additional troops came? I agree it should be a requirement to have that rotation before Canada would extend beyond 2009. However, I have also heard some reports from military experts who say that the influx of troops should be more in the order of 5,000 to 10,000 troops into the Kandahar region.
Could he comment on the 1,000? I know the government has endorsed that panel's report, but will the 1,000 be adequate to do the job?
Second, could he comment on where the discussions are with NATO with respect to NATO coming up with the called for additional troops and the equipment?