Thank you, Chair.
It's great to be here and to see all the veterans here and to see their representatives here. It's truly an honour.
It was mentioned quite a few times that there are quite a few benefits out there that are available, but it's getting them delivered that's the key. As well, front-line staff were also mentioned.
You people are well aware of the closures, and you've mentioned the closure of these offices. Cape Breton has been closed. In Cape Breton we had 11 staff there and over 4,000 veterans were using that office.
We had two rallies down there and over 5,000 citizens showed up. It was quite emotional. At that rally one of the veterans who was organizing it stated that perhaps it was time for the Legion to stop doing all the services they're doing, which the government should be doing.
With the closures of these offices, what kind of impact is it going to have on your legions that are trying to help the veterans who come into your branches? Also, what is your comment on some of the members of these legions saying that maybe it's time they should stop trying to help these members?