Thank you, Chair.
I'd like to acknowledge the presence of Laurie Hawn at the committee. He's been here before dealing with this matter. Welcome to a “new old-comer”.
Thank you, Mr. Daigle, for your appearance here this afternoon. I know that you and others, going back to Justice Lamer, at least, in 2003, all recommended that there's a serious problem with the actual ability for delivery of the benefits of a grievance to a member because of the second stage. In some cases, members have actually had to file a lawsuit against the government to get money that they were found to have been owed.
I am going to give you a copy of an order in council dated June 19, 2012, in both official languages. I have copies for all members of the committee.
This order in council gives authority to the chief of the defence staff to make an ex gratia payment where a final decision is made under the grievance process established under the National Defence Act.
I note two limitations there. One is that the payment can only be made for something that had already been decided on the day of coming into force of this order in council. The other is that the payment is subject to any conditions imposed by the Treasury Board.
I want to ask you whether you think that will help in any way the people who have outstanding grievances and need for redress.