A Hansard Moment

I was (and still am) struck by this May 5th transcript from Hansard related to properly equipping our Armed Forces:

Hon. Ujjal Dosanjh (Vancouver South, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government was sadly silent in the budget in getting our military the equipment it needs. Out of the National Defence Headquarters, we now learn that conflicting lists of priorities were being passed around between the offices of the chief of defence, the minister and the PMO. The conflicts remained unresolved, with the result being no new announcements to support our troops in theatre.

Who is really in charge of defining what the military needs to perform their mission: the Chief of Defence Staff, the minister or the Prime Minister?

Hon. Gordon O'Connor (Minister of National Defence, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I find it incredible that the member would even ask such a question. That party, when in government, hollowed out the army, rusted out the navy and grounded the air force. The member should put a bag on his head. For shame.