Mr. Chair, the Bloc Québécois was opposed to extending the mission until 2009. So we are just as firmly opposed to the Government of Canada extending the current mission past 2011.
We believe that Canada has done its part, and that it is up to the other NATO countries to take over. Canada must inform the other NATO countries as quickly as possible that it will withdraw its military troops when the mission comes to an end in 2011, as the House has called for, so that they can take over.
I have three questions for the minister. The government confirmed that Canada's military mission in Afghanistan will end in July 2010.
What preparations are being made for the withdrawal of Canadian troops?
Has the minister made it clear to his NATO counterparts that Canada will withdraw after July 2010?
And when the military mission comes to an end in July 2010, does the minister plan on leaving a small contingent of officers and soldiers to help train the Afghan national army?