To achieve maximum operational effectiveness, our people must know that their families are well-supported when they are deployed thousands of miles from home, and that their efforts, sacrifices and competencies are valued and appreciated by their colleagues, their leaders and all Canadians. The report of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veteran's Affairs on Quality of Life issues, which we expect to be released soon, will pave the way for changes in the future. But the leadership of the Forces is not waiting to make improvements. We have implemented several quality of life initiatives, including restoring pay comparability with the public service, improvements to the Home Leave Allowance Program, strengthening of the Military Family Support Program and a new Reserve Force Compensation and Get Well program. We do not have all the answers, and will always need to hear ideas from the members of the Forces.
Forces canadiennes et le minist re de la D fense nationale sont en pleine transition.
In terms of procurement, we must keep pace with technological change and modernize our combat-capability so that the Forces are equipped for the job. We will retain and enhance our combat edge where appropriate to remain effective in what we do. We continue to modernize and invest in the tools, training and equipment we will need to remain combat-capable in the future. New search and rescue helicopters are on order, and new APCs and submarines are coming on line over the next few years. In short, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the members of the Forces are not needlessly put at risk when they are deployed on humanitarian, peacekeeping or combat operations.