Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to come back to the peer support issue.
As far as programs go, it's clear that people have a very hard time overcoming the stigma and admitting they have a mental health problem that is affecting their life. Alcohol or substance abuse problems are prevalent. In terms of alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous is one example of a peer support program that works well.
The situation is different when it comes to drugs, however. Unlike in the civilian world, where drug use doesn't have a stigma, in the armed forces, it does. So on top of the initial stigma of having a mental illness, people face a secondary problem. If someone talks about their drug use, they risk ending their military career.
How can we handle drug or substance addiction by members of the armed forces more effectively? Could peers play a role in that regard? I would appreciate hearing your view on that problem.