Mr. Speaker, there is a profound statement that we hear periodically, particularly on November 11 when we have the privilege and honour as members of Parliament to participate in Remembrance Day from coast to coast to coast. The saying is, “Freedom is not free”. I understand it was Walter Hitchcock, a retired air force colonel from the U.S., who originally coined that phrase.
When we give a good deal of thought to it, we get a better appreciation of the huge sacrifice. Members of our forces know that and they put their lives on the line. When we talk about Afghanistan, we need to recognize the contribution of our forces, of the men and women who were engaged in representing our freedom.
To what degree is the member approaching this issue in ensuring we do the right thing in honour of our veterans, those who have fallen in particular? To what degree is he open to new ideas coming forward to the House to ensure we properly and adequately do the right thing in this situation?