Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am terribly disappointed with the department's handling of your case. I am deeply moved by your account.
We have worked with your family, Mr. Vallière. Testifying before the committee is not an easy thing to do. We hear similar stories at our offices. My riding is home to a fairly large population, perhaps because of its close proximity to the veterans hospital. Many people, particularly in the Hudson area with its large anglophone population, are affected by this issue. For those caught up in administrative red tape, misinformation is a terrible thing to have to content with.
I would also like to thank Melynda Jarratt for offering to help us. Normally help should be forthcoming from the department. Fortunately, her website is a good source of information. I would like to take this opportunity to praise her for the superb job she has done. We have also received a tremendous amount of support from the organization Lost Canadians and from a several immigration lawyers who are well versed on this subject. It is unfortunate to have to cut through so many layers of red tape.
This afternoon, we will be hearing from the minister, who will confirm cuts of nearly $26 million to the citizenship program's budget, compared to last year. It is very disappointing. We will be asking the minister to explain the reasons for these cuts and I hope her answers will prove satisfactory.