Thank you.
I dare say, I think there have been improvements to the VIP program in the last year and a half. I would give full credit to members of this committee who were here last year--Anthony Rota, Gilles Perron, and me--because we fought very hard for VIP improvements, and we were successful in having some people included who used to be excluded. So I think that speaks well of this committee as a whole and the commitment this committee has to veterans.
That said, I've been listening very carefully to the conversation that has been going on around the table today. It's always good conversation, but there seem to be some misconceptions here.
On the ombudsman, I agree with you, it was originally talked about in 1966, and here we are in 2006 and we still don't have it. So it's long overdue and it's time. But in terms of what the government could do, it had two choices: one choice was simply to decide on its own what an ombudsman would be and how it would be structured, and just do it, or it could do what we have chosen to do, which is to give a choice to all parties in the House, who all have concerns, and to consult with all veterans groups and get their input. So there's no reason to be the least bit embarrassed about being a little unsure of what you think the ombudsman's role is going to be, because it hasn't been determined yet.
We need to hear from veterans groups. We need to hear from opposition parties. We need to hear input from veterans themselves--and I'm hoping we're going to hear from a lot of veterans--about what we could actually do that would improve their lives.
This isn't a question. It's more a statement than anything else.
I would like to close by thanking you very much for all you do as the Legion. I recognize the contribution you make to this country, I recognize the contribution you make to veterans, and I'm here to assure you that all we want to do is back that up. That's what the ombudsman position is all about.
The bill of rights is another issue that's going to have to be dealt with, and I agree again. I've heard it said today that it would be like putting the cart before the horse if you didn't have a bill of rights for an ombudsman to oversee or to enforce--whatever wording you want to use. So I look forward to your cooperation in putting this together, and I think we can play a very significant role.
My understanding, Ms. Burdett, is that you're going to be leaving your position, so I may not see you again. That's happening in the next little while, is it?