Mr. Chair, members of the Standing Committee on National Defence, I am very pleased to be here with you today.
To begin with the Sam Sharpe Breakfast this morning, this was my second year in attendance as Minister of National Defence. It was the tenth anniversary of the Sam Sharpe Breakfast. Erin O'Toole and Roméo Dallaire need to be thanked, not only for their service to our country, but also for memorializing the legacy of Sam Sharpe and his service to Canada during the First World War.
In particular, Sam Sharpe did incredible work on the battlefield in leading his troops, including at Passchendaele, but when he returned home to Montreal he committed suicide, a fact speaks volumes to the work that we need to continue to do to address mental health issues and concerns.
As MP Erin O'Toole explained this morning, Sam Sharpe's legacy was really hidden for a very long time until a bust was erected and this breakfast was started.
With regard to my own personal reflections, I kind of go back to when I was young when discussions about mental health and the study of mental health were not on the agenda, either in school or in our activities, or even at home around the dinner table. In fact, mental health, I believe, probably was addressed by your parents telling you to go outside and play or do some sports or something like that.
In other words, we have come a long way in the Canadian Armed Forces in ensuring that there are supports available 24-7 to those who need supports via a hotline or other organizations. We work closely with Veterans Affairs Canada for the establishment and perpetuation of these supports.
I don't for a moment want to give the impression that we're resting on these programs as though they were sufficient. I think that we need to keep ensuring that every member of our armed forces is protected and respected when they put on a uniform in service of this country, and part of that includes ensuring that mental health issues are addressed and can be addressed by the members themselves, should they choose to seek assistance.
I'll just say that more work needs to be done, but it's a very meaningful moment for all of us around the table. As I said this morning, one of the most impactful things about the Sam Sharpe Breakfast is that we leave politics at the door, and all of us in the room pull in the same direction for the safety and security of families, troops and veterans, as well as specifically stressing the importance of their mental health.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me an opportunity to express my feelings.