Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to support my colleague's statement to the effect that transparency is sometimes lacking when we want to access certain information. That prevents us, as parliamentarians, from doing a better job, going beyond information and determining—even on the opposition side—whether we agree with what is happening within the government.
The estimates set out departmental priorities for 2013-2014, such as improving service delivery and advancing the fair treatment of the veteran community. The goal is commendable, but what kind of concrete plans does the department have to improve the situation with regard to those important issues? I would like to know what the new programs and investments are, since I am being told that more will be done with less despite those cutbacks to the department's operating costs. It is difficult for us to find out what changes will be made to programs, services and investments.