I would like to add my voice to the people who are saying that, if we cannot come up with a legal solution, it won't be good for the morale of the troops. We are lawmakers, so we pass legislation. Clearly, with this amendment, we are giving the CDS the power to settle financial claims. So put yourselves in the position of who knows how many individuals who have suffered injustices and lost money because of the financial repercussions. At the end of the day, they are being told that yes, an injustice was committed, but they should forget about the money they lost because it's over. They will go to see a lawyer who will tell them that they don't have the right to sue the Crown, so they won't get the money. That will have an impact on the soldiers' morale.
I have always appreciated the contribution of lawmakers. If this amendment is passed, the intention is to rectify an unacceptable situation. I caution my colleagues, because all we have before us are the provisions that the department wanted. They don't seem to want to add anything else to the legislation. Some people have been waiting for eight years. How much longer will they have to wait? We will have a huge problem on our hands if we pass the reform proposed by the bill asking that more judges be added, that military officials have more control and give instructions, and that we completely forget about 90% of those who have been treated unfairly.
That is why I am asking you to support this amendment and then see how useful it can be. Higher decision-making authorities will perhaps tell us that the only way to correct this is with a decision by Queen Elizabeth. I am a lawmaker and I would like us to be able to amend the bill so that the CDS gets a new mandate. Not only would he be able to remedy an injustice in principle and in practice, on paper, but he would also have the power to address financial matters.