Mr. Chair, frankly, if France had not intervened in Mali, al-Qaeda would have control of a west African country, with all the risks that represents. Fortunately, the French intervened.
Instead of always trying to minimize Canada's role, it would be nice if the Prime Minister of Canada would say that Canada will be there to offer the logistical support required, without necessarily sending in troops, since the French are capable are freeing these towns on their own. Helping does not just involve sending in a plane for a week and then being forced to lend it for a few more weeks. The Prime Minister should have said that Canada would intervene.
The government was so proud to say that we would play a role in Afghanistan and so proud of providing $350 million in assistance to Libya. That is what the intervention in Libya cost. There is talk of offering Mali a minimum of $13 million. The Conservatives are always doing the minimum. I do not understand why the government changed in this regard. It is true: the government does the minimum. It does as little as possible.
In my opinion, the government needs to wake up and take strong action when it comes to democracy, humanitarian aid, logistic support and the training of African troops. That is what we should be doing.