Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I think that the clerk told you that we have made some changes to the amendment. The changes are very simple. In both the French and the English versions, we would remove from the bill the words “immédiatement” and “immediately”. In the French version of the amendment, since the word “immédiatement” was not included, we are quoting paragraph 44.1(1)(c) in its entirety. Without the word “immédiatement”, here is what we have: “... ont entraîné une déficience physique ou psychologique grave et une détéroration importante de sa qualité de vie.” Is that clear for everyone?
Mr. Chair, fortunately, psychological issues have become increasingly less taboo in our society. That is nevertheless still a serious problem for many of our veterans. When the criteria are too restrictive or there is no explicit provision in the legislation, many veterans may lose their right to the proper treatment they should receive.
We have heard testimony where veterans' advocates feared that the new compensation would help only a small number of veterans with physical, but not psychological injuries. Those with psychological problems are excluded through things like overly limiting criteria such as that of a sudden and single incident that caused a severe impairment and interference in their quality of life. Limiting that access will lead to people who truly need support unfortunately not receiving the help they require. That is why I encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment.