I just wanted to add something, sir, to what was said.
We can't go back in time. This legislation is here to stay, but honestly, if I had the choice between the Pension Act and this new Veterans Charter, it would be the Pension Act, hands down.
Something was brought up that is a very serious issue. It's the lump sum disability award versus a disability pension. It's very different. With a disability pension, you receive something monthly. You have a sense of belonging. You have a sense that there's an ongoing process, that someone actually cares, and that if something happens you may have some recourse. But under this new charter and the disability award in a lump sum, it's here you go, and move on.
Where's the continuity? Where's the ongoing support? Where's the sense of belonging? In a sense, a lump sum is an abandonment, wouldn't you find? Also, when they're severely ill or disabled, many people can't manage the financial aspects of things.
As Mr. Fraser was saying, yes, the new Veterans Charter does address families. Well, for many veterans who come back and are ill, the family unit just falls apart. I don't know if this has been looked into, but what happens with this lump sum settlement? Is the wife just waiting for this big chunk of money to come home so that then she divorces him or moves on? Who's managing this? Who has the best interests of the veteran in hand here?
To me, it's serious. The lump sum needs to go and the monthly pension needs to be brought back. If that's part of the 16 recommendations, well, then, I approve of that.