Thank you, Chair.
Thanks to you both for your important report and for your hard work at Veterans Affairs.
I want to begin with the CBC report from November 19. I'd also like to thank Murray Brewster for his years of solid reporting on all veterans-related issues along with his other fine work.
To quote from Mr. Brewster's story on November 19, he said:
Both Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada) and the Royal Canadian Legion report an increase in the number of cases being referred to them directly by the department, which is either unable—or unwilling—to tap into the federal treasury.
Debbie Lowther from VETS Canada, which is a fantastic organization, said, “They're referring people to us for things like rent.”
My question is simple. Is this true? Is Veterans Affairs Canada referring veterans in need of emergency housing and/or rent to third parties for service?