Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. A responsible government has an obligation to do many things at once, to balance our commitments to our allies and to democracy, which is at risk in Ukraine and elsewhere, while ensuring that we, here in Canada, have the resources to protect ourselves. That is what the government is trying to do with these two announcements.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and thank you for highlighting the importance of ensuring that our Armed Forces continue to have the resources we need to be protected.

That being said, as I’ve explained on a number of occasions, there are certain choices that a responsible government must make in the current economic situation. This applies not only to National Defence, but also to every aspect of the government’s budget, which is now being examined so that we can find the savings needed to remain prudent and responsible. Once again, as I’ve said in this chamber, the government will take a prudent and responsible approach.