Veterans Affairs Committee on March 18th, 2010

[Scott Andrews, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Okay, I'll let my colleague ask--

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

I would like to make an additional comment, if you don't mind. At the Department, staff will be reviewing the files. However, the Minister will be making the final decision.

[Bonnie Crombie, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Thank you. My question is on the VIP, the veterans independence program, which has been steadily growing since 2007-08, when the decision was made to extend the benefits to the veterans of World War II and the Korean War.

Now, even with the steady increase, $11.3 million less is allocated to the program in the main estimates than had been in the 2009-10 budget. We are wondering why the funds allocated to the VIP have been reduced by $11.3 million, given that the expenses have increased significantly in the last three years.

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

Do you care to add anything, Ms. Tining?

[Suzanne Tining]

I think I can provide assistance.

The sad reality in the veterans independence program is that we are losing more traditional war veterans than we are gaining new clients. That is the main reason for the difference in the costing that you have there. There is no reduction in the services that we provide. There is no reduction in the eligibility of people who could access this program. It's the sheer result of the demographics that we are facing.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Sweet]

Now we go on to Monsieur Vincent for five minutes.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Thank you.

Good morning, Minister. As you already know, the Veterans Affairs Department has no register and no data with respect to how many veterans have committed suicide. What does the Department intend to do to address this situation?

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

Thank you for your question.

You are correct in saying that the Veterans Affairs Department has not collected statistics on suicide because, given the nature of the services we provide, this was not the kind of information that affected the benefits available to veterans through the Department.

However, I do want to say that an analysis was done recently—the Canadian Forces study of data relating to suicide among CF service personnel. One of the findings of that study was that rates are lower than in the general public. The study shows that, over the last 14 years, the number of suicides among Canadian Forces active personnel has fluctuated between 7 and 13 a year. At the same time, they do issue a warning. That is why we decided, in cooperation with the Department of National Defence, to conduct a study on the period from 1972 to 2007. National Defence has provided a list of all Canadian Forces personnel over that period. We then asked Statistics Canada to look at the data and identify the number of Canadian Forces personnel who had committed suicide. At the same time--

Do you still have the little blue pamphlet you showed me this morning? You'll see that it's very interesting.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Don't give me too many numbers, because I won't have time to ask any other questions!

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

No, no.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

I have reviewed your numbers, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008, approximately 26 people took their own lives. However, our research through Access to Information identifies 56 individuals. The figures you have, and even the document you provided recently, are not up-to-date and do not reflect the current reality. We can try and make them say whatever we want, but the reality is quite different.

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

You assume that the reality is quite different—and you may be right—and that is one of the reasons why we want to look at this. It will not take forever; we will have that information by the fall. Then we will be in a position to modify or improve our approach. I think it is important to consider that information, which is extremely relevant for all of us. At the same time, our study will deal with four aspects that are interesting and that I would like to tell you about now. One is the transition to civilian life—we will also be asking questions about that. As well, we will be seeking to identify the number of Canadian Forces personnel who have died of cancer. So, there are a number of different elements that we will be looking at.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

In a somewhat different vein, when a veteran applies for an award payment, the processing time for the application is 132 days, or about four months. It is unacceptable for a veteran to have to wait that long to find out how much support he will be receiving.

What does the Department intend to do to ensure that these applications can be processed in a reasonable timeframe?

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

That is an excellent question and, what is more, I agree with you. Currently it takes 24 weeks for a decision to be arrived at, as to whether you are going to receive a disability award. After that, a further 16 weeks are needed to determine how much you will be receiving. That represents 40 weeks in all—almost one year. I have asked the Department to try and correct that. A preliminary plan will soon be presented with a view to shortening our process by at least 12 to 14 weeks.

I could give you a very simple example. If I have lost a leg, why should I have to wait 24 weeks to be told that I am entitled to a disability award? That is an obvious one, it seems to me. However, if I have back problems and have to consult 12 different physicians, that is another matter. Some processes are lengthy, but others can be improved. That is my concern. Indeed, I had the same concern in other departments previously. This was the case at the Economic Development Agency of Canada, for example, where I told them it should not take six months for a company to find out whether or not it is going to receive money. So, the same applies here, and we are currently tackling the problem.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Will you be giving priority to people who have seen a physician and have been given a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress syndrome? In actual fact, if there is a diagnosis and you do not provide support to these individuals as quickly as possible, there are former Canadian Forces members who end up committing suicide subsequently, because the process takes too long and they need treatment when they ask for it.

Will you give priority to people who have a medical certificate confirming post-traumatic stress syndrome?

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

I will have to rely on my memory and proceed by deduction. For example, if the person is sick, we do not wait--

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Yes, but you have the file.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Sweet]

Mr. Vincent, we're way over time, so let the minister answer the question.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

You can answer the question; you are entitled to do so.

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

I am pleased to answer your question.

For example, if someone has a health problem, the Veterans Affairs Department assumes manage of the case and will provide that individual with all the other services. Now with respect to whether or not there is a mental health issue or post-traumatic stress syndrome, of course, the doctors will be the ones to make that scientific determination. The Minister is not the one who decides if someone has post-traumatic stress syndrome.

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Thank you, Minister.

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

So, we will really try to shorten that waiting time. I should soon be able to provide additional details in that regard. I will even try to make them public at the appropriate time.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Sweet]

Thank you, Minister.

I made an error in the order, so the punishment is to my own colleagues. We have about four and a half minutes left. I understand that it will be Mr. McColeman, who is going to exchange them with Mr. Lobb.

[Phil McColeman, Conservative, Brant, ON]

First of all, Minister, I want to thank you for being here. I want to thank you as well for following in the footsteps of what I perceive to be a very passionate view for veterans and the welfare of veterans, which you're exhibiting here today.

My question has to do with honouring our vets. In my community we have two very excellent examples of how we honour vets. Once is the Thank-A-Vet Luncheon, at which we get over 800 vets of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including many aboriginal vets from the Six Nations, who are in my riding. We also have a very rich Canadian Military Heritage Museum. Just as a plug, Minister Thompson visited on two occasions over the last three years, and I'd like you to consider it.

Nonetheless, here's my question. Often, because of the diversity of the backgrounds of some of our vets, some of them—and specifically to your own self, French Canadians, in the Second World War especially—are unfortunately not recognized as much as they should be in our history books. Could you discuss what you are contemplating or might be doing to ensure that Canadian heroes of all linguistic and ethnic backgrounds are remembered for their contributions to this country?

[Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Conservative, Jonquière—Alma, QC]

Thank you for your question. First of all, our program is always available to communities interested in organizing a commemorative event to honour our veterans. So, the answer is yes; the program is still there. Indeed, recently I have signed a number of letters awarding contributions of $5,000, $6,000 and $7,000, for example, for just this kind of event.

In fact, here in Canada, we are placing more and more emphasis on ceremonies that pay tribute to our veterans—the people who risked their lives as well as those who died for us.

I would also like to make the following comment. You talked about the previous Minister, Mr. Thompson, and I have to say he was an excellent Minister. He is a wonderful person and I want to pay tribute to him here. It is not easy for me to be wearing his shoes here today. When he was in Cabinet, I remember that, when he presented an item, he always did it with a great deal of conviction and force of character. He was a very strong supporter of veterans and was well loved. I at least wanted to mention that.

I forgot the other part of your question; my apologies. Could you remind me what it was?