Government Operations Committee on Oct. 6th, 2026

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Thank you very much for that.

I'm also wondering if you can speak to the importance of deepening and strengthening some of these support programs. We know that the Coast Guard is now part of DND, and we're trying to revitalize—let's just call it what it is—a lot of what we have with the military.

How important is it to deepen these transitions to show people—with our recruitment rates, we're trying to recruit more people—that this is a viable career? On the back end, once you have been in service and become a veteran, we need to show some of the younger people potentially coming into this line of work that it can be a viable and supportive workplace. I'm wondering if you could speak to the importance of that.

[BGen Serge Ménard]

What we want to promote is that transition needs to be as worthy as recruitment or the entry into service. We know that we allow a lot of time for members to become accustomed to the new military culture, but during the transition process, we want to allocate as much time for members to be prepared and ready for what comes next after service.

One aspect that we cannot underestimate is the loss of identity as we take off the uniform. That's why, as part of the seven domains of well-being, we look at the sense of purpose and the loss of identity. We know that can have an impact on the ability of a serving members to adapt to civilian life after service. We look at that aspect as well, if it helps.

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Thank you very much.

Oh, we're done. The five minutes go way too quickly.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

If you have a quick question, go ahead.

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

It was for the Coast Guard in regard to our putting money into shipbuilding. Hopefully, we'll get him on the turnaround.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

That's perfect.

Madame Gaudreau, go ahead.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Thompson, you listened to the last few meetings we held. We heard from witnesses from both municipalities and legislative assemblies, and of course, all those who focused on the Amherst armoury.

Here's my question. Why are we talking about a process that's already under way? Why do you think we've focused on the Amherst armoury?

[David Thompson]

The Canadian Armed Forces no longer need the Amherst armoury, which is why this process is under way.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Are you currently considering other vacant land or buildings?

[David Thompson]

Yes, we are following the same process for other properties elsewhere in Canada.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Do you think this motion will speed up the process for the Amherst armoury, or are the other properties at the same stage of the approval process?

[David Thompson]

At present, we're following the Treasury Board process, as that's the one we're required to follow.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

So if I understand correctly, there is a process established by Treasury Board that outlines the steps to follow. That's where those responsible should have made the changes, instead of having us go through this exercise here. There are people on the street, veterans who are suffering and veterans who are dying, but we're examining something that already exists for political reasons. This is really disappointing to me.

I'm finished, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Thanks, Madame Gaudreau.

Ms. Cobena, please go ahead.

[Sandra Cobena, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

My questions are for Mr. Ménard.

As you know, women veterans have unique challenges as they transition from military life to civilian life. That's why the women veterans council was created. It's so that there would be a voice of women in contributing to improving the transition from military life to civilian life. However, earlier this year, five members of this council quit. They were citing challenges with inadequate resources, poor communication and, most importantly, the inability to achieve meaningful outcomes.

I'd love to know whether you're aware of these concerns and if anything has been done since their resignation, which was roughly nine months ago.

[BGen Serge Ménard]

My understanding is that the advisory committee is there to support and advise the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Unfortunately, I don't have specific information to be able to answer that specific question.

[Sandra Cobena, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Were you aware of the challenges?

[BGen Serge Ménard]

I was anecdotally, but I wasn't part of any official discussions related to that committee. I don't have any specifics.

[Sandra Cobena, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

You work in the transition office. Are you aware of any changes that have been made since the resignation of these ladies in January?

[BGen Serge Ménard]

I've been made aware—I've read the news, as an example—but I've not been part of any official discussion related to that.

[Sandra Cobena, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

It's fair to say, then, that there have been no changes since.

[BGen Serge Ménard]

I could not talk about that. I am not privy to the advice that the committee provides to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. I am not part of those discussions.

[Sandra Cobena, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to share my time with Mr. Mazier.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Go ahead, Mr. Mazier. You have three minutes.

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Riding Mountain, MB]

Thank you, Chair.

Mr. Quinlan, Global News reported that companies run by “the son of Iran's former vice-president”, who CSIS alleges helped procure parts for Iran's military and the IRGC, won federal contracts, including from the Department of National Defence.

Your department is responsible for procurement. How was one part of the government building a national security case against this man while your department was awarding him federal contracts?