National Defence committee  We have existing programs right now on both coasts, in Halifax and in Esquimalt, that run concurrently in the summertime. It usually starts in late spring. It's called the Raven program, and its main goal is to attract aboriginal recruits in the hope of keeping them in the long term.

National Defence committee  I would have to go anecdotally from the last time I was at sea, which was about four years ago, when I was coxswain of HMCS Montréal. We had a good number of aboriginal sailors on board my ship. We were fortunate enough to do a Great Lakes deployment, stopping in Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.

National Defence committee  Yes. For young Quebecers who are more comfortable doing their university studies in French, it's definitely an asset. As part of that education, they will also have the opportunity to learn English. I think it's already part of the course of study. It's certainly an advantage.

National Defence committee  Thank you for your question. With respect to recruitment, the Royal Military College helps Quebec recruits tremendously. I got my basic training at Saint-Jean several years ago. With respect to retention, I am looking back and asking myself why I decided to stay in the navy. The incentives were the opportunities to train at the highest levels, work with the best equipment, and travel the world.