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Canada''s military might dependent on recruits and restructuring.

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Maintaining and improving national defence is necessary for Canada's safety and survival as a sovereign nation. With rampant terrorism, and the possibility of imminent war with Iraq, National Defence needs funds. The Canadian military is capable of having a significant impact in world situations, but funding for restructuring, recruiting and educating military personnel is necessary for Canadian military to be of any influence. Speech to the Toronto Board of Trade, Toronto, Ontario, October 25, 2002.

Let me start out by telling you howl became Minister of National Defence. I was minding my own business at home on a Sunday morning and the Prime Minister called and he said, "Please be in Ottawa at 3:00." I said, "Yes, Prime Minister." I got to Ottawa at 3:00 he called me again and he said, "I want you to be Minister of National Defence" and I said, "Yes, Prime Minister." And he said, "Be at my house at 5:00 and the swearing-in is at 6:00." And I said, "Yes, Prime Minister." And I got there and he said, "What's your military background? " And I said... well, I wasn't expecting that. I said, "Well, I was a cadet in high school for four years and my father was in the war, the Second World War in the liberation of Holland," and he paused for a moment and he said, "Ah, that's good. That's why I make you the Minister of National Defence." And then he told the same thing to the media. I didn't tell the media about being a cadet, he did.

Anyway, after almost five months on the job as Minister of National Defence, this is my first major speech and I'd like to take this opportunity to share some of my thoughts on the role and direction of the Canadian Forces. But before I get into that, let me comment very briefly on my other role as the Member of Parliament for Markham and as Toronto area Minister. And like you of the Board of Trade, I want you to know that I'm committed to sustaining and promoting the social fabric and the economic leadership of the Greater Toronto area. We have a huge amount going for us. We're number five in North America for business headquarters, we're number...