Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This amendment is quite straightforward. It goes to the heart of respect for veterans in this country. It's division 11, a change at page 217. Division 11 is exactly one clause that changes the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act by replacing the terms by which the independent board is appointed.
My amendment is really quite straightforward. I think it creates an improvement in how the Veterans Review and Appeal Board would be struck. I'm not proposing to change the numbers, which is one of the main things that has changed in this. This says “25 permanent members…appointed by the Governor in Council and any number of temporary members….”. What I am proposing as an amendment is that the members who join the Veterans Review and Appeal Board be based on at least the advice of the Veterans Ombudsman.
I'm not suggesting that the Veterans Ombudsman make the choice, but that in making these appointments, the Governor in Council have reference to, and seek the advice of, the Veterans Ombudsman who, of course, is himself or herself appointed by Governor in Council. In other words, it's getting expert advice about the best possible people.