Thank you, sir.
Sir, your paragraph says “As a Department, we are on very solid footing....” It goes on a bit more. And then it says, “Our responses and actions are well thought out and appropriate.”
I just want to give you four examples. Then you tell me, if you can, if they're appropriate.
Ninety-seven-year-old Louis Dionne of North Vancouver is in a hospital getting a pacemaker. His wife is 89. He was told by DVA that they would have an answer for VIP service, if they get it, within 16 weeks. That's number one.
Number two, 87-year-old David Kurts in two years was denied four different times for various benefits. He's a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Ninety-year-old Sarah Atwood served in World War II but not overseas. She didn't dip her toe in the Atlantic. She was denied a bed at Camp Hill Hospital even though she's in the final stages and about to cross the bar, and even though beds are available at Camp Hill.
Ninety-year-old Ted Shiner was denied VIP service and efforts for his footwork. He is 90 years old.
Do you think, sir, that is an appropriate and well-thought-out position, when services for these elderly World War II and/or Korean War veterans are either denied or delayed? Wouldn't their age alone tell the local staff in those offices that they should be able to go in there and help them immediately with their concerns?
I just ask you that question.