Member's Statement - Afghanistan - November 26, 2008

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is committed to providing our brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan the support they need to do the important work we ask of them.

Supplementary estimates tabled this week will provide funding to enhance their safety by continuing vital support such as tanks, engineering support, counter-mortar capability and UAVs.

Unbelievably, the member for Markham—Unionville is questioning this expenditure. Yet just a short few years ago the same hon. member for Markham—Unionville was signing a different tune.

He said that when we put men and women in harm's way we must equip them so as to minimize the risk of injury or death. He said that if we put people in harm's way, we have to give them the proper equipment. He was even prepared to resign his post as Minister of Defence if it were found that any Canadian died as a result of a lack of preparation or equipment.

Our government is not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. Is the member for Markham—Unionville prepared to live up to his public statements and vote to provide our soldiers in Afghanistan with equipment to minimize injury or death? Will he support our estimates?