Thank you, Mr. Chair.
While I appreciate the intent of the bill, I cannot support this. The Legion, the largest veteran organization in the country with almost 360,000 vets, doesn't support it. I believe this committee's job is to respect the veterans. We are not hearing their views that were spoken last week.
They explained the process for reviewing the bill. They said it was a bottom up organization. They urged us not to pass the legislation, that it would violate Canadian rights and they should not be violated lightly.
The army, navy, and air force vets do not support it, along with the Canadian Naval Air Group, the Naval Officers Association of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Naval Association. The fundamental issue is the right of individuals to determine their private property. When we asked if this could be overcome, both representatives last week very clearly said no.