The minister has assured us several times that the money destined for programs will not be cut. But he was in no position, when he gave those assurances, to assure us there would not be cuts to the department. If the cuts to the department remove front-line workers, veterans will suffer. If you're right and there are not going to be any cuts to the department, that's lovely. We will cheer.
On March 15th, 2012. See this statement in context.