Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question.

As part of Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, the government has invested $9.5 billion over 20 years to accelerate the establishment of new artillery ammunition production capacity in Canada and invest in a strategic munitions reserve. Artillery ammunition is becoming increasingly difficult to procure abroad, and this production capacity will enable us to meet the ammunition demands of Canada and our closest allies, creating skilled jobs for Canadian workers for the long term and generating economic benefits for Canadian communities.