I spoke to Madame Faille and Mr. Siksay before I came here today. They described to me how long this committee—and you know how long—has studied this issue.
At the end of the day, I believe that Parliament is supreme. If we say “within 365 days”, that's a whole year. I sense a consensus that this is a priority for all of us. I understand that some of the war brides and others are getting on in age. Let's try.... I would support an amendment to say within 365 days.
Two days ago I asked the department whether there was a budget allocation from the department on this issue. “We aren't sure.” Do they have a public communication plan? “We are not sure.”
Well, the committee has studied this issue for two years, and the bill came forward on December 10. You just heard from me how long this issue has been around.
I'm hearing that there's a willingness to extend from six months to a year, which is totally reasonable.
Mr. Chair, if there is some reason the department cannot get it done within a year, I say there is no reason Parliament—the next Parliament, or this Parliament—can't put something through, if that's the case. But let's have a deadline.
I urge people to put in a deadline. At least then there's a sense of hope. If we don't do it, the people who are watching this will ask us when this issue will actually be implemented. We'll say soon. What is soon? It will be eventually. When?
I would much rather give an answer. It's better for the minister and it's better for the government to say “within 365 days”.