I think the veterans who have gone overseas and gone to war for more than a century have fought for Canada. We don't go and fight for an individual or for a political party--in spite of the good work of the parties. I think an ombudsman who's going to ensure that this sacrifice is honoured and upheld should report to all Canadians, to Parliament. I believe it should not be filtered by a political party or by a minister.
There are also practical reasons for that. The Veterans Review and Appeal Board does need to have some oversight. There is very little accountability. That has been noted through multiple presentations over the past decade. The ombudsman would offer that accountability.
VRAB reports through the minister to the Governor in Council, so the ombudsman would have to report to either the Governor in Council or Parliament in order to ensure the effective operation and oversight of VRAB.