I acknowledge that we have in the gallery this afternoon the Hon. Peter MacKay, the Canadian Minister of National Defence, who is here for bilateral defence talks. Minister, you are accompanied by a fine array of braid! But on a more serious note, as we remember those victims of September 11, we note that there were 24 Canadian citizens lost. On an ongoing basis we note that Canada, as part of its contribution to ISAF in Afghanistan, has suffered 157 fatalities. You are a welcome guest today here in the chamber and Canada is a welcome ally.

Honourable members: Hear, Hear!