Mr. Chair, it is important to note that history matters here, because it helps to explain the extent of the conflict and the crisis, and the number of countries involved. These are places where al-Qaeda, over years, has tried to install itself. Osama bin Laden is dead, thank God. However, al-Qaeda is not yet gone.
One of our goals, which I think we all share in the House, is not just whacking people or organizations. I do not think we use that term in these contexts. It is the destruction, the elimination of al-Qaeda as a threat to Mali, neighbouring countries and the whole world.
France acted quickly. Its troops moved on January 11. France asked us, relatively rapidly, for this heavy transport, strategic transport, strategic lift, because not many countries have this kind of aircraft. We only acquired it recently. Some members opposite did not see this as a priority for Canada at the time, but we did acquire it. It helped us in Haiti and now it is helping us in Mali. We were the first country to have an aircraft on the ground in Bamako serving French forces. I think that is quite a good record.