Mr. Chair, in accordance with the National Defence Act, we respect the chief of the defence staff's authority that has been given to this position. The chief of the defence staff has the responsibility for administration and command of the Canadian Armed Forces. That is what I respect, and that military advice on how our system works is very important to making sure we function as a government and as a country so that we can respect our Canadian Armed Forces. Doing anything less is not wise.
In the House of Commons on May 15th, 2019. See this statement in context.