House of Commons Hansard #120 of the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:35 p.m.

Conservative

Peter MacKay Conservative Central Nova, NS

Mr. Chair, I disagree with the member's assessment. These cost savings are in reaction to the obvious need, to slow growth in some areas and to make investments in the areas where we need to address certain pressure points.

When it comes to the province of Quebec, we are extremely proud of Bagotville and Valcartier, and our serving men and women who have played a tremendous role in the extraordinary expansion of the Canadian Forces that we have seen in the last number of years.

As witness to that, I would point the hon. member to the incredible response in her province to support the men and women in uniform by the wearing of yellow ribbons, the red Friday rallies and the appreciation shown at sports events.

Quebec takes a great deal of pride in our Canadian Forces' performance and contributions, as do all the provinces. I am also very proud of the contributions made by all Canadian Forces members in Quebec.

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:40 p.m.

Conservative

Rick Norlock Conservative Northumberland—Quinte West, ON

Mr. Chair, I think I'll preclude a statement and go right to a couple of questions for the Minister of National Defence.

The first question has to do with the Canada first defence strategy.

There are six core missions for the Canadian Forces, which include conducting daily domestic and continental operations, as well as in the Arctic through NORAD and supporting civilian authorities. I wonder if the minister could expand on examples of the Canadian Forces' delivery of excellence at home.

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:40 p.m.

Conservative

Peter MacKay Conservative Central Nova, NS

Mr. Chair, I thank the member for Northumberland—Quinte West for his outstanding support of the Canadian Forces. I know his riding is home to CFB Trenton and he is in regular attendance at that base and interacts regularly with members of the forces. He himself served in uniform as a member of the police force in the province of Ontario, so he has a great affinity for service.

What we hope to see in delivering the Canada first defence strategy and updating and keeping ever fresh that document is the further delivery of providing to Canadians the type of security around our territory, our maritime approaches.

Maintaining our search and rescue capabilities remains an important role for our forces, and that includes being able to respond to Canadians and visitors in distress 24/7, also assisting civilian authorities, police officers, like the hon. member in his previous life, in the important work that they do responding to disasters or any attacks that we might experience on Canadian soil.

Those are just some of the many roles performed by members of the Canadian Forces daily.

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:40 p.m.

Conservative

Rick Norlock Conservative Northumberland—Quinte West, ON

Mr. Chair, perhaps the minister could talk about how improvements, such as the $4 million announcement he made at CFB Borden and improvements at CFB Trenton, will improve the lives of our men and women in uniform and their families, and what they do with regard to safety and success.

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:40 p.m.

Conservative

Peter MacKay Conservative Central Nova, NS

Mr. Chair, I will respond directly to the question about the member's base at CFB Trenton.

What we have seen recently is contract awards totalling $52 million for two infrastructure projects at 8 Wing Canadian Forces Base Trenton, a place near and dear to the member's heart.

These types of investments, whether it be in infrastructure, programs or in equipment, y give great solace to Canadian Forces members and their families because it says one simple thing, which is that the government cares, the country cares and we are supporting them with the necessary tools to do this important and sometimes dangerous work. That impacts tremendously on their morale. It impacts, of course, on their performance and it impacts on their continued desire to serve.

It is fair to say that members present here and Canadians who may be tuned in have seen a huge growth, not only in the capabilities provided by members of the Canadian Forces but understanding, appreciation and love for what the Canadian Forces do for them.

The patriotism, the performance of these men and women is outstanding, and we thank them each and every day. Canadians should never miss an opportunity to reach out to the Canadian Forces and to say, “Thank you”.

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Chair Conservative Barry Devolin

It being 11:43 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 81(4) all votes are deemed reported. The committee will rise and I will now leave the chair.

National Defence--Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

11:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Acting Speaker Conservative Barry Devolin

This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 11:45 p.m.)