Thank you very much for sharing your stories and concern. They're certainly moving and they're compelling and very personal to you, and I want you to know that certainly to the extent that you've suffered any inconvenience and anguish, we're sorry for that. It would certainly be our view that the department and those of us on the committee who are able to need to do what we can to address your issues and resolve them.
From Mr. Vallière's point of view, you've certainly paid your dues and you've done all we would ask, and we certainly admire you for that. We don't want to get in your way. We want to be a part of the solution to your situation.
This problem we have is in some ways an archaic one and in some ways it has certain peculiarities that have existed for a number of years. I know the government--not this one but the governments in the past--has not addressed this issue as they should have. Certainly, the present minister has said she would like to see this issue fixed, and she's asked the committee to make recommendations that she will look at and will focus on.
Certainly, when you go through, as Lisa was saying...and certainly the mother can appreciate she's got a good advocate and someone who's well able to put your case forward very well. You're well-represented. But at times you may get conflicting information and a lot of documentation. In your case, as I understand it, you were born to a Canadian father and a British mother and were a Canadian citizen. It's a matter of just proving that as opposed to losing it, and you certainly didn't need to go through a lot of hassles to do that. The minister has indicated, and I think it's a good step, to be sure we have personnel in place who are familiar with the issues and can give you the right answer the first time, and we certainly need to be able to do that.
The minister has also indicated that she's working to ensure that those who have a substantial connection with Canada, as Mr. Vallière has said...that their benefits, like health care, old age security, and so on, are not in jeopardy and that they are secure. Certainly, after hearing from you today you can expect that there will be an expeditious review by the department into your individual cases to ensure that justice prevails. I appreciate your sharing all your concerns with us, and I think it will be our job to ensure that we find solutions to these issues, which obviously require some action on the government's part.
So thank you again for sharing some things that are very personal to you, and I realize you do it with emotion because it affects you very much personally. You're not just another case out there. It affects you very much, and I want you to know we hear that and we are listening to what you have to say.
Thank you.
Do I have any more time, Mr. Chair?