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David McGuinty

Liberal on National Defence

Replying to Jeff Kibble (Conservative)
“Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General confirmed critical ammunition shortages and NATO ammunition requirements not met. The Minister of National Defence told Canadians, “we have progress to make, and we’re making it.” Well, I have heard of our soldiers on the front lines in Latvia going on patrol with no ammunition in their rifles, backed by only a few days of artillery shells should tensions erupt. The minister has failed to properly arm our forces and failed to meet our NATO commitments and, most importantly, failed to defend Canada’s sovereignty. Will the minister immediately table the required ammunition levels, Canada’s NATO requirements and a timeline to meet them, yes or no?”

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Mr. Speaker, some 10 months ago, we stood up Canada’s first defence industrial strategy. One of the 10 priorities for the country was to move forward in ammunition production. The member is aware of this. By the way, where was the former Conservative government on ammunition production? There was not a single deal, not a single site, not a single manufacturing installation, no joint ventures, absolutely nothing. We are moving forward. We are making progress. We are looking after our forces.