Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to thank all our witnesses very much for being here today.
I spoke to a number of veterans over several months when I was the deputy critic for Veterans Affairs Canada, and they told me about the importance of front-line services. When we spoke about their needs, it was the importance of talking to people that came up the most. I have to say a few words about all the staff cuts, particularly in Quebec City, where I am the MP. Eleven public service positions have been eliminated in Quebec, including three in Quebec City. These are people whose main responsibility is to help veterans dealing with operational stress trauma. Of the four positions in Quebec City, only one remains. Ultimately, 75 client services positions will be eliminated. That will certainly prevent the department from responding directly to the needs of veterans. I would like to hear what you have to say about that.
This is of enormous concern to us. If we continue in this direction, there will be serious problems within five years, given our presence in Afghanistan and the fact that we will have more and more veterans. In addition, the effects of missions in Bosnia, Rwanda and Somalia are still being felt. What will the situation be in the coming years? I would like to hear what the Veterans Affairs Canada representatives have to say about that. We can talk about statistics and reports and making investments, but what about direct services for veterans and their families?