Ms. O'Brien, Mr. Speaker, I believe you have never attended a meeting of veterans, particularly of young veterans. These young veterans who have lost an arm or a leg or who have psychological problems, are no longer fit for active duty. The forces have rejected them and have no further use for them. These young people who are 20, 22 and 24 years old are fighting to receive services and they feel like they have been rejected by Veterans Affairs and by the politicians who are not doing their job.
For several years now, Betty, Roger and I have been working to make progress in certain areas and reach out to these veterans. For example, there was no talking to Louise Richard initially. However, she has started to come around and to enjoy attending meetings of the veterans affairs committee.
It is extremely important, Madam, to dedicate a room to veterans, for their welfare, their healing and their reintegration into society. The committee heard from some psychologists who told us that it was critically important to reach out to veterans. This is one way for us to do that. I never thought that I would need to argue my point so strongly, but I believe in this initiative and I feel very deeply for these young veterans.