Evidence of meeting #4 for Veterans Affairs in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was france.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
I'll just remind the committee, too, that we can push, but they've already made it clear that they don't prefer this. But we might be able to ask them for two meetings.
Is there any further discussion on this from anybody?
5:10 p.m.
Conservative
Greg Kerr Conservative West Nova, NS
We are going to give them videos, though, is that correct? They're asking for videos.
5:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Well, the consensus seems to be that if we can get it somehow on a video conference, whether it's one or two meetings, that would be the preference of the committee.
Is that correct? Do I see some nodding heads on that?
Of course, if we can't, then we'll have to talk about a different strategy.
Monsieur Gaudet.
5:10 p.m.
Bloc
Roger Gaudet Bloc Montcalm, QC
There is one thing I would like to raise. This afternoon, Colonel Verney appeared before us but did not answer all of our questions. If we hear from a witness, I would like him to answer our questions. I realize that he is a press secretary for the French army, but it would have been useful to hear from someone who could have given us concrete answers. And yet, everyone had prepared good questions. I believe my colleagues were disappointed by what they heard, and their questions then became less relevant. I agree that we should hold a video conference, but we should invite someone who can answer our questions. Thank you.
5:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Monsieur Gaudet, I agree with you 100%, and I'm glad you brought it up. I was thinking, though this will take some time, we can extract from the blues where the questions were not answered specifically. I think we can follow up with a letter to the colonel, and then he can get those answers for us. It would be, of course, on his volition, but we'll ask.
You were clear on the instruction for the U.S. We'll try to get it by video, whatever way possible.
The second thing we needed to talk about was the supplementary estimates (C). We dealt with the (B) estimates the last time, and they were tabled in the House on February 12. We need to respond to the House on that. There's nothing unusual on them. They should be distributed to you, is that correct? Then I'll be waiting for you to give me some idea if you want to have a meeting around those supplementaries. I think we should, obviously, but whether we want to call the minister or whether we want to deal with them in dialogue here....
I'll deal with points three and four. There are two events happening this week. One is the memory project, and the other is the event for the ANAVETS. They've both asked us if we can get back to them to RSVP on who exactly is going.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
The ANAVETS, the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada Association, friends of veterans. It's on Thursday from 11:30 to 2:30. You could give me an idea about whether or not you are going, for both events.
Why don't we start with the memory project right now. Who will be attending the memory project breakfast? That's Thursday morning.
5:15 p.m.
Bloc
Roger Gaudet Bloc Montcalm, QC
I apologize, Mr. Chair, but I will not be here on Thursday morning. I will be back in the afternoon. I will be outside of the House of Commons.
5:15 p.m.
Bloc
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
We can only do our best on that. We'll give your regards to them.
Who will be attending? Can I see a show of hands again, just so the clerk can make sure we have a record of that? This is the memory project, the breakfast.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
The next will be for the ANAVETS luncheon. Who will be attending the ANAVETS luncheon? Mr. Kerr and Mr. Stoffer. I believe I have confirmed with them directly.
Yes, Mr. Andrews.
5:15 p.m.
Liberal
Scott Andrews Liberal Avalon, NL
What about tomorrow at the Ottawa operational stress injury clinic? Are we going as a group to that?
5:15 p.m.
An hon. member
Actually, most of us can't go.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
We won't be travelling as a group, but everybody was invited individually. I know of a couple of people who are going.
This is the operational stress injury clinic. Who's going tomorrow? Mr. Andrews?
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
Greg Kerr Conservative West Nova, NS
Everybody is either on House duty or at committee tomorrow morning, so perhaps we can get someone to replace us. I'll get Ken to sit on my House duty, and maybe I can go.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
That would work great, actually.
The next item is the two budgets for Charlottetown. One is for a charter flight--we can get there and back in one day--and the other is the commercial flight that would be a day and a half, so there would be an evening in a hotel as well. We haven't received the specific itinerary from Veterans Affairs on Prince Edward Island. There was a serious snowstorm today in Atlantic Canada, so I guess they weren't able to get in. But they have assured the clerk that they will be communicating with us by Wednesday on the agenda.
I'm open for discussion on this. We have the one day at $31,000 and two days at $39,000. The two issues at hand are money and timing.
Mr. Stoffer.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Well, if you want to provide an economic stimulus package to Charlottetown, the $39,000 trip would be the one to go on. The reality is that you can do it in one day; you don't need to overnight. But Charlottetown is a good place to hang out, if you want to.
5:15 p.m.
Liberal
Scott Andrews Liberal Avalon, NL
Out of curiosity, when are we were looking at doing it? It would be counterproductive from our end to come here and then go there. If we could do it on a Monday, we could do it en route to Ottawa. It might make more sense.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
5:15 p.m.
Liberal