Evidence of meeting #8 for Veterans Affairs in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was family.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Thank you, Mr. Stoffer.
In fact one of the pieces of testimony that Madam Baker mentioned reminded me of the commissioned officer who didn't have the capability of filling out the papers.
12:50 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
That's right. They put the pen in his hand and he just couldn't do it.
12:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Mr. Lobb.
If you could keep it to two minutes, we have a bit of business to deal with.
12:50 p.m.
Conservative
Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON
I have one last quick question for Mr. Zimmermann.
There has been a lot of discussion and questions from all committee members surrounding the lump sum payment. If you look back, what are your recommendations for the committee on how that lump sum payment would be best used, or if there should be an alternative to the lump sum.
12:55 p.m.
Executive Director, National Institute of Disability Management and Research
If the lump sum payment exceeds a certain amount, as I mentioned in my earlier remarks—the workers' compensation boards tend to use a 5% limit on commutation—it should be converted to a regular pension payment. There's overwhelming evidence that while lump sum payments may be of value to some individuals, to the majority of individuals they are not. If there is some insistence on maintaining lump sum payments, at the very least they should be converted into a structured payment schedule.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
I want to echo the comments of Mr. Stoffer.
Thank you very much.
Looking around the table at the body language, I think everybody was very impressed by the testimony today. It has added a good component to the testimony we need for a good report. Thank you very much.
I have a suspicion that I'll get agreement on this, so we'll go right to it because we're getting close to time.
The Royal Canadian Legion has asked to appear when the ombudsman appears. We did that the last time. I want to make sure everybody agrees to having Pierre Allard from the Royal Canadian Legion sit with the veterans ombudsman at the next meeting.
12:55 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Second, because I see his very friendly face at the back, we will reschedule Mr. Bruyea for May 11. We have a spot there. We'll have the translation, and the whole meeting will be dedicated to him.
12:55 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.