Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), the Government of Canada’s decision to end the conduct of airstrikes has been communicated to Canada’s coalition partners and the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait. Moreover, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, DND/CAF,

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, I think we can agree that ISIL is a horrible threat. However, we have a difference of opinion on how we will achieve the defeat of this horrible entity. In order to do this, and from our experience, it will have to happen on the ground. To achieve the outcome, we n

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, as we clearly stated about our plan for the mission in Iraq, it was not just to take it into Iraq itself. We were taking a reasoned approach, and that was why it was a comprehensive plan. I am glad the member listened to my statements in the Senate, because he woul

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, our government and our security forces will always look at threats around the world, not just Lybia and other places. This is what responsible security forces do, and we will continue to do that. I will look forward to all those conversations I will have with my cou

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, part of the program, as the member knows from the previous government, is the industrial benefits that it also brings. However, while our government remains in the partnership with this program, that does not commit Canada to buy the F-35.

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, I think I answered that question just earlier. Being part of this program brings industrial benefits for Canadian companies, and being part of the program does not commit Canada to buy the F-35.

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member that we are in the fight with our coalition partners. I would also like to remind the member of the comments of the Secretary of Defence. The coalition commander, who I spoke with directly, said that the plan was forward-looking. I spoke to th

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member spent time as the parliamentary secretary for defence in previous years, and I commend him for his service, he should understand the meaning of chain of command. I talked to the coalition commander, the ground force commander, and the Secretary of

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to commend our pilots for their great work. As I stated, we had a very thorough analysis of this and of moving forward. When I spoke with the ground force commander, the first question I asked was, “What do you need?” He said, “fatalities”. I

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, I do not fully understand the member's question. It is very simple. If it means we are defining fighting against ISIL and defeating it, we are committed to it. We have done it in the past. We will assess the situation. This is what is needed on the ground right now.

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, I am glad for that question. I want to quickly mention that the HMCS Winnipeg just returned today from Operation Reassurance. I want to commend its work. However, yes, all our troops, regardless of where they are deployed, have access to all the benefits. It is a pr

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, we took a very thorough analysis on making sure that we supported our allies in the fight against ISIL. We are committed to defeating ISIL, and tripling the training mission and doubling the intelligence will help the coalition in this manner. I think the member wo

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, this is a non-combat mission. However, we are in a conflict zone. Our troops will be at risk. That is the reason why we have mitigated this with many aspects of bringing in certain capabilities. I also remind the member that our troops are very highly trained. I al

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, I agree with hon. member opposite about the atrocities that ISIL is committing, but I would also remind him that with an enemy like this that commits these atrocities, we cannot take it out from the air. It can only be done on the ground. This is the reason we are tr

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, in the announcement, we stated that the bombing campaign by the CF-18s would end on February 22, but that the exact decision would be made by the Chief of the Defence Staff and the coalition. That decision was made for Monday. Also, the member opposite knows I actu