Good morning.
I've had the opportunity on several occasions to be in the company of Colonel Ethell. There are a couple of comments I'd like to make, and I have one question that I'd like all four of you to answer afterward.
The comment I'd like to make is how much I enjoy your candour; you usually say exactly what's on your mind, which is exactly what we want to have happen in this room. You did make a comment earlier today, though, regarding the peer program, and you spoke about psychologists and psychiatrists, which I recognize you have a great deal of respect for, but I think the comment you made hit home with me. I think what I heard you say is that there's no substitute for experience, which is why you value the peer program as much as you do. I happen to agree with you. I think if you've been in the situation, you're in a far better position to support somebody who's going through these kinds of traumas, and I'm very pleased to hear more detail about the peer program. It's very interesting for me.
Another comment I wanted to make is I have a great deal of respect for everyone on this committee, but Mr. Perron and I may disagree on one point he made. I think there would be more stress if the plane, the truck, the tank, or the tools that are necessary to do the job weren't there. I think that would add to the stress that our men and women in uniform face on a daily basis.
In terms of reservists, I have one of the finest reserve groups in the country in my riding; they're called the Rocky Mountain Rangers. I know they do have a group of people who can talk to one another and they do have a spot where they can get together. So I'm hoping there's that kind of support group. Major Le Beau reinforced that today, that these kinds of programs are accessible and they can get help. So that's a positive thing.
I'm going to ask all four of you to answer a question that I have asked of every witness that has appeared in front of this committee on this issue. To date, no one has been able to answer it. How do you think Veterans Affairs Canada can contribute to changing the negative stereotype for veterans who suffer in silence from PTSD?