National Defence committee  The ADM materiel reports to Mr. Forster, who is the deputy minister but works very closely with me.

National Defence committee  That would be a policy decision question that I actually can't answer.

National Defence committee  No, I am not aware.

National Defence committee  I would start by saying that each year the materiel group moves over $5 billion in programs on an annual basis. That's not only new equipment coming into service, but providing the in-service support to existing fleets. Over the last few years, four C-17s have been delivered on time and on budget and 17 C-130Js, the Hercules aircraft on time and on budget.

National Defence committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. It's my pleasure to be here. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today about my recent appointment as associate deputy minister of National Defence. I would like to take a few minutes to summarize the career experience—both military and civilian—that positions me to take on this role.