I think that's one of the most important things. It's nice when veterans are recognized and there are implementations brought forward. But we're in a position here now, and veterans are very aware of this, where the Conservatives have a majority. If they wanted to fix these issues that are in the forefront...they could have inserted this in the omnibus bill.
Now, conversely, in the manner of dialogue and comprehensive discussions, it serves nobody to rush through a bill without addressing the issues in good faith and with the time required to come to adequate results.
In a perfect world it should be separate. Not only should the war pensioners' allowance and the Last Post fund be discussed, but the lump-sum award and the issues that are confronting veterans should be discussed. You do have an opportunity to make this right before veterans have to go to court.
Veterans are disenfranchised. They are not living the quality of life that they were given to expect when they signed that oath of allegiance, when they swore allegiance to this nation. We have an obligation. I'll go back to that as many times as necessary. It is sacred. Our obligation has to be to those men. Nothing would make me happier than if the government were to come forward and say, “Okay, we've heard veterans' voices.” I hear that often. Now let's see some action: “We've heard veterans' voices; we are going to assemble the team. We're going to address the issues. You may not like the end result, but we're going to engage in dialogue. We're going to have witnesses come forward. We're going to hear your story, and if warranted, we're going to fix it.”
Now, I think it's warranted. I'm biased, of course. You have to have an independent, open mind. I think that by the time that process is completed, you would be feeling very much like I am, that the cost is not that much, considering that in the grand scope of Canada there are not that many disabled veterans. There are not that many veterans over age 60 who need care compared to the general population. We can make this work. It takes willpower on all parties' behalf, however, and a sincere effort to work together to make the lives of these veterans better.