Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much, Colonel, for being here.
Thank you for taking on this very important job. There may be questions around how it's organized, how it's structured, the relationship, and what not, but that said, there will be nothing but best wishes for you from all quarters as you begin a very important mandate.
I was pleased to hear in your comments that should you feel, as you get some experience in the role as veterans ombudsman, that legislation to back you up would be necessary, you won't be shy to speak up. That is encouraging.
I wish the best of luck to you. You will certainly have a lot of support as you move forward.
Otherwise, the thing that stood out most in your comments was your interest in a rapid decision-action cycle. The witnesses we had at our Tuesday meeting--whose testimony may be forwarded to you, depending on a motion that we will deal with at some point in time--was a case study in the opposite, in the lack of timeliness. It was a nine-year journey for a serviceman, now out of the service, and his wife. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
From my very limited involvement with the military, I do know that decisions within the military structure can be made quickly and decisively and that action can be brought to bear on a particular circumstance quickly. That is part of the culture of the military.
If there is one overriding theme for our veterans, it's red tape. Coupled with that is lack of timeliness. If it is not too early in your new role, could you talk a bit about the importance of that to you? Could you expand on your comment here?