Mr. Speaker, it is both sad and striking to see that nobody on the other side of the House has the wherewithal to defend the minister.
The defence ombudsman lashed out today. He said he was fed up with the fact that reports of sexual misconduct in the army are being shelved. As he put it, quote, “When leaders turn a blind eye to our recommendations and concerns in order to advance political interests and their own self-preservation or career advancement, it is the members of the defence community that suffer the consequences.” The ombudsman added, “It is clear that inaction is rewarded far more than action.” He said that this cannot persist.
What will it take for the Prime Minister to fire his Minister of Defence and put him out of his misery?