Every now and again we hear talk of setting up the federal government so that as veterans leave the armed forces and are looking for other work to do, they can have priority for postings in the federal government. For years we've had affirmative action programs that promote others because we were trying to advance their careers or provide visible representation of people who were not previously in large numbers in the civil service. In the halls of this place I've heard the idea many times that people leaving the forces would have first crack at getting jobs in the bureaucracy or in the civil service here in Ottawa or across the country. I think it's an innovative, interesting idea. Veterans have put their lives on the line and sacrificed time, blood, sweat, and tears for this country, and I think it makes a lot of sense.
I'd like to get your perspective on what you think of having a first crack, top-of-the-line opportunity for veterans to get access to those government jobs.