Evidence of meeting #36 for Veterans Affairs in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was recommendations.
A recording is available from Parliament.
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Capt(N) Perry Gray
I concur with Mr. Fraser.
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Freelance advocate for disabled veterans and their families, Gulf War Veterans Association of Canada
You were talking about the financial aspect of all of this. There's been one big difference in the new definition of a CF veteran. In our time, we had to leave the military before we even started addressing our issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, the member is in uniform receiving a full salary and is also entitled to receive a disability benefit from VAC.
It causes a great problem, because, as Mr. Fraser was saying earlier, there's a two-year transitional period now when you're still in uniform. So you have these benefits, this money, and these salaries. When the uniform comes off, it becomes a problem, because the salary is no longer there. Issues change very quickly and it is absolutely a concern of ours.
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Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Thank you very much.
Captain Gray, Lieutenant Richard, and Chief Petty Officer Fraser, there are two things for which we want to sincerely thank you.
First, I know that you feel most sincerely--and I would, too, if I were in your position--that you are continuing a fight that you don't think should be necessary. We thank you for continuing that.
Secondly, it's apparent to every member of this committee, by looking at your chests, what extraordinary service you've given to this country, and we'd like to thank you for that. We appreciate that.
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Some hon. members
Hear, hear!
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Liberal
Judy Sgro Liberal York West, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd just like to ask that our December 8 meeting be televised.
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Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
If members can wait one minute, we're going to deal with some business now.
Our witnesses don't need to be burdened by that.
Thank you very much.
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Liberal
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Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Just one minute, folks. Madam Sgro is suggesting that the December 8 meeting be televised.
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Conservative
Greg Kerr Conservative West Nova, NS
I don't think that would be a problem. I know that we have no motive for being televised at all, so...
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Liberal
Judy Sgro Liberal York West, ON
I think it's an issue that it would be good for Canadians should know about.
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Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
It can only be agreed upon by unanimous consent. Madam Sgro has asked for the December 8 meeting to be televised. Do we have unanimous consent?
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Some hon. members
Yes.
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Conservative