There's another point I would like to raise with you, or maybe two quick points. One is the question, in my view, of an ombudsman. I think it's been stated by many people in different ways, but I see some veterans come to my door who've been through the process and are unsatisfied. Now maybe the decisions that have been taken are completely justifiable, and then maybe they're not.
I see the role of an ombudsman as not necessarily somebody who would have authority, but somebody who would have the tools to review and make a recommendation that the file be reopened or not, just so that there would be an independent or impartial person who would look at whether the people in the positions of authority did their jobs properly as this was managed. That's where I see it.
In regard to the veterans independence program, I am surprised at how many people there are. Those who are the widows or widowers or caregivers of veterans are at the age now where they need it, and they don't have six to seven years left for study. I don't know what the numbers are, how many there are, but I would say that I've been in contact with at least a dozen in western Nova Scotia.
It's something I regret that we missed when we did the last modifications, because we did include a whole new group of people who I'm pleased are not cut off any more a year after the loss of their spouse; they maintain their service. I would hope that we are able to do that.
Thank you. I guess I'm out of time. I do thank you for coming and appearing and making your presentation here today.