We're back in session. We're doing the letter in public session. We then have some business looking forward, for which we'll go in camera.
You all have a copy of the letter from the ANAVETS. They could not appear but they did send along their comments. Everybody has a copy of that. If there's anything from that you want reflected in the letter, I'd appreciate you passing it along to us. It's pretty straightforward.
As you know, I'm obligated to write back to the chair of the finance committee with comments or views that came from our session. We're asked to provide comments. I have drafted some the staff prepared. I'd like to read it out. If it's the will of the committee, we will adopt the letter. Certainly, if there are any comments or points to be made, we can do that before we do the adoption.
Dear Mr. Rajotte, On behalf of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, I would like to thank you for your letter inviting our committee to consider the subject matter of Bill C-60, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 21, 2013 and other measures and more specifically the subject matter of Clauses 156 to 160 (Pension Act and War Veterans Allowance Act) of the Bill. After careful consideration of your request, our Committee agreed on Thursday May 9, 2013 to undertake a study of the subject matter of the said clauses and has met in this regard on Tuesday May 21 and Thursday May 23, 2013 in order to hear from senior officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as several veterans organisations including: Canadian Veterans Advocacy, Air Force Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, ANAVETS, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones and the Korean Veterans Association. Their contribution to this study has been very valuable and informative. After hearing from the witnesses, and considering the provisions contained in clauses 156-160, the Committee wishes to inform you that it has no amendments or recommendations to forward to the Standing Committee on Finance for its consideration.
That is signed by myself as chair of your committee.
That is the draft letter that we have prepared. It's certainly open to comment and the committee's wish as to what they wish to do with the letter.
Mr. O'Toole.