Mr. Speaker, I understand that the government and the member seem reticent to actually say whether or not it is a combat mission. In his earlier comments he said he does not see a need to define the mission as such, but for many of the men and women in uniform who are currently serving, it does make a difference. For example, there is what is called the post-combat reintegration allowance.
If the chief of the defence staff does not determine an operation is actual combat, they are not eligible. I have heard many times today from both sides of the House that people who put their lives on the line for Canada, whether it be in a hot situation or not, a risky environment as the member alluded to earlier, deserve our support.
Does the member believe that it is a combat mission and if the answer to that is yes, will he support this post-combat reintegration allowance being made to our men and women in uniform?