Defining a family is deceptively simple. When we look to the body of legislation in law that surrounds compensation and benefits, insurance and others, everybody seems to have a very specific definition. That's part of the problem the ombudsman encountered. We have a very clear and inclusive definition for the family service program, but we have decided that we would like to lead the charge with that specific recommendation in trying to energize the department to find one definition.
I am particularly taken by the ombudsman's observation on that one, that said the Canadian government has a definition of family. We also note that the Vanier Institute of the Family, a non-profit organization set up to serve all Canadians, has a modern definition of the family, which we believe may apply to the Canadian military family context as much as other Canadians.
We are taking that and we are trying to look at it, but there are more than 12 definitions the ombudsman found. I suspect as we delve into statutes and policies, we may find in fact more. I have committed, sir, to lead the examination of that and to respond to the ombudsman within a year as to what we think is an appropriate definition.