Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) - 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session

Karen McCrimmon

(LPC - Kanata – Carleton, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• President of the Canada NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – present)
• Member of the Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (2018 – 2019)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport (2017 –2018); to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence (2015 – 2017)

Committee Membership

• Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)
• Non-voting member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2018 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • CAF support to COVID-19 whole-of-government response
  • Op IMPACT
  • NATO
  • CF-18 replacement
  • Veterans
  • Military justice system
• During debate on the refocus of Op IMPACT (Feb 2016), noted that Canada is providing leadership on “follow-on” phases in Iraq as part of a plan to contribute to long-term success in the region; criticized the previous government for not having a follow-on plan in Libya.
• During debate on the Opposition motion on Op IMPACT (Dec 2015), underlined that there are many lines of action in the fight against ISIL, not just air strikes; noted that the activities that go on in the background that people do not necessarily see are the ones that make the difference between success and failure.
• Noted that Canada is taking its commitment to NATO seriously; referred to NATO as “Canada’s key collective defence alliance”.
• During the 2011 federal election campaign, expressed criticism of the procurement process for replacing the CF-18s; expressed concern that the jets had not been cold-weather tested and would have difficulty operating in northern environments with existing infrastructure.
• Spoke in favour of Bill C-77, arguing it would make the military justice system run more efficiently.

Other Interests

• During 2019 election campaign, commented on a range of domestic social and economic issues

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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James Bezan

(CPC - Selkirk–Interlake–Eastman, MB)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2013 – 2015)
• Critic for National Defence (2015 – present)
• Member of 10 Parliamentary associations, including the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (NATO PA)

Committee Membership

• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2017 – present); Member (2011 – present); Chair (2011 – 2013)
• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – present).
• Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2011 – 2013).

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • Military procurement (CF-18s; Tutor fleet replacement, fighter pilots)
  • NORAD modernization and Continental Defence
  • Ukraine, Op UNIFIER
  • COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Canada and vaccine precedence for CAF members
  • Impact of COVID-19 on: supply chains, major procurement projects,  international operations and the safety of CAF members deployed abroad
  • SSE Audit (delays in projects)
  • Culture change in the CAF (sexual misconduct and mental health)
  • Sexual misconduct in the CAF
  • Military justice (incl. delays and backlogs and sexual misconduct trials)
  • Fighter pilots and fighter pilot recruitment
  • Defence spending
  • Op IMPACT
• Put forward a motion for the Committee on National Defence to study NORAD modernization and continental defence. This motion is not yet confirmed.
• During the Committee’s study of mental health in the CAF (Nov-Dec 2020), demonstrated support for “Road to Mental Readiness”, sought data on the progress of suicide prevention programming, and questioned the utility of paragraph 98(c) of the NDA.
• Asked multiple questions regarding the procedures, process, and quality of the provision of health care for CAF members deployed on international operations during the pandemic.
• In October 2020, Mr. Bezan believed that erroneous information was provided to the Committee on Canada’s Quick Reaction Force registration with the UN and put forward a motion calling for an apology from the Minster of Foreign Affairs (motion did not pass but an apology to the Committee was issued by the Deputy Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs).
• Used the 2019 Committee of the Whole to press the Minister to apologize to VAdm Norman.
• Criticizes Liberal defence spending, likening it to the so-called “Decade of Darkness”; argued that the reallocation of funds in the Defence budget is evidence of cuts; supports increasing Canada’s contribution to NATO.
• As Critic, requested departmental briefings on Op IMPACT and Op PROVISION in 2015; on operations and procurement in 2017; and on Op IMPACT again in 2018.
• Challenged the Government’s support for a peace support operation in Mali, suggesting that it was only intended to earn Canada a seat on the UN Security Council; called Mali a “war zone”.
• Travelled to Ukraine several times in 2014 to deliver non-lethal equipment; criticized government for not providing unused weapons in warehouses in Montreal and Jordan; supported petition calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal.

Other Interests

• Co-founded the Canadian Parliamentarians for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe

(BQ - Terrebonne, QC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic for National Defence (2020 – present)
• Critic for International Francophonie (2019 – 2020)
• Critic for International Cooperation (2019 – Present)

Committee Membership

• Vice-Chair of the National Defence Committee (2019-Present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • Financing for CFB Bagotville
  • CAF support to Quebec LCTFs
  • Reserves
  • Recruitment and retention, specifically of women and minorities
  • Canadian contribution to peacekeeping missions
• Put forward a motion for the Committee on National Defence to study CF-18 fighter jets. This motion was adopted.
• Critical of the “early CAF departure” from LTCFs, stressing that “Quebecers pay 20% of National Defence’s budget and as such should have the right to support from the CAF when we need it.”
• Speaks highly of the Reserves and has shown concern about recruitment declines during the pandemic.
• During the Committee’s study on mental health in the CAF, demonstrated particular interest in gender-specific mental health needs and support within the CAF, suicide prevention progress, and mental readiness training.

Other Interests

• Stated interest in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and also expressed interest in cooperation with Hong Kong.
• Federal health transfers to provinces.

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Randall Garrison

(NDP - Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, BC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic for National Defence, Justice, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (2020 – present)
• Critic for National Defence (2015 – 2019); Critic for LGBTQ issues (2015 – 2019)
• Former Critic for Public Safety (2011 – 2015)

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2019 – present)
• Former Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – 2019)
• Former Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2011 – 2015)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests:
  • Mental Health and removal of Section 98(c) (also known as the ‘self-harm’ provision)
  • Gender, diversity and discrimination
  • Ship building
  • Operation HONOUR and sexual misconduct in the CAF
  • Peacekeeping 
  • Nuclear disarmament
  • National Defence resources and budget
  • CAF support to Long-Term Care Facilities and COVID-19 vaccine distribution, including in remote areas
• Put forward a motion for the Committee on National Defence to hear from the Women, Peace and Security Ambassador, and for the Committee to study military justice (removing section 98(c)) and mental health. Both motions were confirmed and committee meetings occurred on both topics.
• During Committee, pressed the Minister of National Defence on progress to achieve recruitment of women objectives.
• During Committee, noted several times that “the CAF is being asked to do more with less”, asking whether the CAF received supplementary funding for COVID-19 related activities, and other operations. 
• Critical of the levels of private contracting conducted by DND and the treatment of private contractors at DND.
• Concerned about mental health stigma in the CAF.
• Prior to a Committee meeting in November 2020, Mr. Garrison believed National Defence interfered with the provision of witnesses to the Committee. While assured that there was no intention by the department to interfere with witnesses and committee business, Mr. Garrison stated during the Committee meeting that he hoped the witness would receive an apology.
• Asked the Minister of National Defence about progress on Phoenix issues for civilian employees.
• Highlighted the National Defence settlement for victims of sexual assault and settlement of the class action lawsuit on the LGBTQ purge.
• Questioned whether the RCN is contracting out too much of its ship maintenance to private companies; asked about the shipbuilding strategy and whether the Government prefers to acquire the right number of ships or limit its spending to a certain amount.
• Condemned discrimination against LGBTQ members of the CAF; asked MND to look into the status of revising the service records of those dishonourably discharged for their sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Advocated for the extension of Canada’s peacekeeping mission to Mali.
• Expressed doubt that there is a threat to North America; fears joining BMD would risk setting off an arms race; in favour of Canada being a leader for denuclearization.
• During Second Reading debate on Bill C-77 (Military Justice), proposed an amendment to remove self-harm from the Code of Service Discipline so that there are no additional obstacles for CAF members seeking mental health support, and continues to support this removal.

Other Interests

• Worked as researcher for Amnesty International in Afghanistan to develop a plan for creating human-rights based policing in Afghanistan in 2002

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• CFB Esquimalt

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Yves Robillard

(LPC - Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Nil

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2017 – present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2018 – 2019)
• Former Member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2016 – 2018)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests:
  • Gender and diversity in the CAF
  • Mental health and suicide in CAF
  • Reserves
  • Veterans
  • Transition to military life
  • NATO
  • Peacekeeping
  • Ukraine/Russia
• In Committee, revealed that his nephew serves in the CAF and attempted suicide.
• In Committee, asked the Minister about what concrete steps National Defence is taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; how funds requested supports Ukraine against Russian threat; what Allies are saying about Canada’s role in NATO.
• As a former Reservist, spoke to the important role of the reserves in domestic operations and advocated for increased funding for their training and activities.
• Spoke to Budget 2017 initiatives for veterans, including the veterans’ education and training benefit and enhancements to career transition services.
• In Committee, expressed concern about the challenges and hardships for newer recruits transitioning into military life.
• In Committee, raised questions about Arctic security, Canada’s role in NATO, cyber and hybrid warfare, peacekeeping, and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
• As a former teacher, frequently asks about youth engagement, particularly in the context of peace processes.

Other Interests

• Supports improved pension benefits for senior citizens
• Active volunteer in his community

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Hon. Larry Bagnell

(LPC - Yukon, Yukon)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) (2019 – present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources (2004 – 2005), and to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (2003 – 2004)
• Executive Member of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association
• Member of several parliamentary associations, including the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (NATO PA).

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)
• Former Chair of the Subcommittee on the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons: Sexual Harassment (2018 – 2019)
• Former Chair of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2015 – 2019)
• ·Former member of the Liaison Committee (2015 – 2019); of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (2001 – 2002, 2004, 2006 – 2007, 2009 – 2011); on Justice and Human Rights (2006 – 2008); on National Defence and Veterans Affairs (2004 – 2005); on Fisheries and Oceans (2004); on Transport (2001 – 2003); and, on Industry, Science and Technology (2001 – 2003). 

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • CAF in Northern Canada
  • Adversaries (China, Russia) taking advantage of the CAF/Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in the Arctic
  • Impact of COVID-19 on international operations (Latvia, Iraq)
  • Russian and Chinese aggression and activities in the Arctic
  • Cyber
  • Mental Health in the CAF
  • Gender and diversity in the CAF
  • Veterans
• Supported more CAF units for his riding and other parts of Northern Canada.
• Advocated pension reform, including increased benefits for veterans and disabled veterans.
• Supported the CAF mission to Afghanistan and questioned the previous Government’s decision to stop combat operations in 2011.
• Interested in the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and what it offers to Canadians and Canadian businesses.

Other Interests

• Issues affecting Northern Canada, including climate change,
• Selected "hardest working MP" and the "best constituency MP" multiple times in annual surveys by his peers in the House

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Yvan Baker

(LPC - Etobicoke, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Nil

Committee Membership

• Member of several parliamentary associations, including the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association; the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group; and, the Canada-China Legislative Association.

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • CAF support to LTCFs during COVID-19 pandemic
  • Military justice and Section 98(c) (also known as the self-harm provision)
  • Women in the CAF 
  • Op IMPACT
  • Op LASER
  • Op UNIFIER
  • Russian aggression
• The CAF was deployed to a Long-Term Care Facility in his riding, the Eatonville Care Centre. He has publicly thanked the CAF multiple times for their support to the LTCF in his riding, highlighting that there would have been many more deaths had the CAF not been deployed. He has also asked the Minister for updates on the CAF’s work in long-term care facilities.
• During Op IMPACT technical briefing, asked how the CAF is making an impact abroad, particularly through Op IMPACT (regional peace and security, countering propaganda from Daesh).
• In a briefing to Parliamentarians, expressed strong support for Operation UNIFIER, and asked questions about whether improvements in bolstering Ukraine’s sovereignty and professionalizing its military are significant, and where Ukraine needs the most help.
• In Committee, asked Minister whether Operation REASSURANCE is having an impact in containing Russian aggression in the region.

Other Interests

• Nil

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Sven Spengemann

(LPC - Mississauga – Lakeshore, On)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Member of 11 parliamentary associations, including the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association; Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group; Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA); and, the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (NATO PA).

Committee Membership

• Member of Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – present)
• Member of Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2019 – present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs (2019 – 2020).
• Member of Public Safety and National Security (2016 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • Impact of COVID-19 on CAF
  • Mental health and suicide in the CAF
  • Op IMPACT and Iraq
  • Post-conflict reconstruction
  • UN peace operations
  • Military justice system
  • Political interference
• Put forward a motion for the Committee on National Defence to study white supremacy, racism, and discrimination within the Canadian Armed Forces. The motion was confirmed.
• In Committee, asked questions about Canada’s UN peacekeeping mission in Mali and tactical airlift in Uganda; also asked about steps for the recruitment and retention of pilots.
• As a former senior UN official, led a team of international and Iraqi experts in assisting the Government of Iraq with political, constitutional, and legal reforms. During Committee he revealed personal experience with suicide and mental health issues as a result of this UN deployment.
• When discussing Op IMPACT, spoke to the importance of focusing on humanitarian intervention rather than continued air strikes; noted that Canada’s most effective contribution to the fight against ISIL is empowering local voices in the region.
• In Committee meetings on peacekeeping, focused on the importance of nation building and post-conflict reconstruction.
• In Committee study of Bill C-59, An Act respecting national security matters, regularly asked about the vulnerability of Canadian youth to radicalization.
• Supported Bill C-77, noting that it would allow the military justice system to meet the needs of the CAF; focused questions on actions taken to root out inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Other Interests

• Held affiliations at the Munk School of Global Affairs
• Canada-US Fulbright Scholar; earned doctorate at Harvard Law School
• Family immigrated to Canada when he was 14.

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Anita Vandenbeld

(LPC - Ottawa West-Nepean, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2019 – present)
• Member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)
• Former Chair of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2019); of the Special Committee on Pay Equity (2016)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2018 – 2019); on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017 – 2019); on the Status of Women (2016 – 2017); and on Procedure and House Affairs (2015 – 2017).

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • Peacekeeping / UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325
  • International conflict
  • Syrian refugees
  • Mental health
• Lauded the Government’s decision to increase funding for international assistance in Budget 2016, stating that she looked forward to Canada again leading the world on peacekeeping missions and implementing UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace and Security) 
• In Committee appearances related to UNSCR 1325, encouraged non-governmental organizations to work with the CAF and civilian peacekeeping organizations to help implement their mandates
• Worked with the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, for which she received the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
• When meeting with representatives from Eastern Europe in Committee, has asked questions about Russian cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns
• Stated that the Government’s plan for Syrian refugees has promoted “the most remarkable and unique” community spirit across her riding and beyond
• Spoke in favour of the government’s contribution to the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group to create a centre of excellence for military members, their families, and veterans
• Sailed onboard a Halifax-class frigate as part of the CAF Parliamentary Program in October 2017

Other Interests

• Supports C-47, the Arms Trade Treaty; strong advocate for GBA+ in policy

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• NDHQ Carling Campus

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Terry Dowdall

(CPC – Simcoe–Grey, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Deputy Critic for Small Business and Export Promotion (2019 – present)

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • CAF readiness posture at CFB Borden
  • COVID-19 testing capabilities at CFB Borden and other CAF bases
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and vaccines for CAF members
  • Defence procurement
  • Access to mental health services for CAF members and their families
  • Suicide among CAF members and Veterans
  • Changes to CAF posture abroad during COVID-19
  • Adversaries posture abroad during COVID-19 (China, Russia) 

Other Interests

• He stated interest in the support for strengthening high speed internet access for all Canadians.

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• CFB Borden

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Cheryl Gallant

(CPC – Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic for Veterans Affairs (Associate) and Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (2019 – present).
• Former Critic for Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (2015 – 2017); for Industry (2015 – 2017); for Small Business (2004); for Science, Research and Development (2002 – 2004); and, for Canadian Heritage (2001).
• Former Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition (2001 – 2002).
• Member of 17 Parliamentary associations, including the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (NATO PA).

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2018 – present); Vice-Chair (2016 – 2017); Member (2006 – 2017)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Industry Science and Technology (2011 – 2015)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • CFB Petawawa and infrastructure (medical facility)
  • CAF support to Long-Term Care Facilities during COVID-19
  • Personal Protective Equipment (quantity, quality, and expiration)
  • Impact of COVID-19 on CAF operations abroad
  • COVID-19 testing capabilities and vaccines for CAF members
  • Op IMPACT
  • Operation REASSURANCE
  • Threats - Ballistic Missile Defence / Russia / Cyber security
  • Peacekeeping and Commitments to UN
  • Operation HONOUR and handling of sexual misconduct
  • Military justice system and section 98(c)
  • Defence infrastructure
  • Operation REASSURANCE, Latvia
• Put forward a motion for the Committee on National Defence to study: asymmetric warfare, including its use by China, Russia and Iran; and, 5G wireless technology including the future of National Defence in a 5G world and impacts on interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies. The motion has not yet been confirmed.
• During Committee, frequently asked about the CAF’s access and use of rapid testing for COVID-19 in Canada and abroad; the prioritization of CAF members/Reservists to receive the vaccine and whether or not vaccination will be mandatory for the CAF; and, sought confirmation that CAF members deployed on Op LASER were issued non-expired PPE.
• During Committee, asked about increased cyber-attacks by Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• During Committee, asked about Canada’s support to Latvia, Operation REASSURANCE, and relationship with NATO allies.
• During Committee appearance on Main Estimates (Mar 2020) and during Adjournment Proceedings, asked the Minister questions on the construction and delays of a medical facility in CFB Petawawa.
• Has sought statistics concerning suicide and PTSD in the CAF.
• During debate on refocus of Op IMPACT (Feb 2016), expressed concern for the safety of CAF members on the ground in the absence of air support from the CF-18s.
• In Committee, frequently asks about how the CAF is addressing sexual misconduct.

Other Interests

• In 2011, made remarks critical of maritime search and rescue; stated that federal SAR should be coordinated with privately-operated resources and local governments.

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• CFB Petawawa

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Bob Benzen

(CPC – Calgary Heritage, AB)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Deputy Critic for Digital Government (2019 – 2020)
• Member of Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2017 – 2018)

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)
• Former Member of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2017 - present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority Interests:
  • Safety and wellbeing of CAF members, specifically mental health
  • Increased resources and funding for CAF
  • Canada’s contribution to peacekeeping
  • CAF Parliamentary Program
  • CAF medical intelligence monitoring and assessments of COVID-19
• During Member’s Statements, paid tribute to CAF members and first responders.
• Participated in a CANSOFCOM high-speed navigation exercise in November 2017, as part of the CAF Parliamentary Program.
• CAF modernization and resourcing (notably regarding personnel).

Other Interests

• Calgary issues, including energy and pipeline policy
• Access to Information Act and related policy

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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