Veterans Affairs Committee on March 27th, 2014

[Michael Blais]

I'd have to do an approximation. I mean, my consultation's ongoing. We consult through Facebook. We consult through social networks. I've consulted today with three veterans who were visiting us, who came to me with problems that they're having. The consultation is ongoing. What that consultation creates, ironically, is reflected directly by the ombudsman's office. What a coincidence.

It's not a coincidence; it's reality. The ombudsman's report is accurate. So are our reports, because we are responding to the voices of veterans.

How many? I've been at this since 2008 when Pat Stogran was unceremoniously canned and we had the first national day of protest, which I organized as an independent veterans' advocate. How many people did I talk to there? Thousands, because I was out in the cold. We were establishing policy. It was active. Every veteran that I met, I said, “What do you need? What is it that you think we need to do?” To serving members, my regimental family, “Where do we go?”

[Parm Gill, Conservative, Brampton—Springdale, ON]

Sir, my question was related specifically to the press conference that you held today and the issue that was dealt with at the press conference, not from 2008.

[Michael Blais]

Well you know, we're going over time. I mean, you asked how many people I consulted from 2008 to now. I don't know. I would be lying to you if I guessed. Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands? You guess.

[John Rafferty, NDP, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON]

These guys can check Kijiji and tell us.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Parm Gill, Conservative, Brampton—Springdale, ON]

Can you also tell us how you believe our system fares compared to around the world with some of our allies?

[Michael Blais]

No, that's not my expertise.

[Parm Gill, Conservative, Brampton—Springdale, ON]

Do you have any knowledge of benefits offered to veterans by our allies?

[Michael Blais]

Yes, but that's not my expertise.

[Parm Gill, Conservative, Brampton—Springdale, ON]

I am done, Mr. Chair.

I have more questions, but you know—

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

No, I think that's probably a good time to go into recess. We're doing reasonably well here, I think, and it's been a long day. I appreciate it.

I'd like to thank our witnesses very much for taking the time. You could follow up on these other conversations afterwards.

I'd like to thank the veterans and the guests and family who've joined us today to participate.

We're going to break now for a minute. We have to go into committee business, which means anybody who's not part of the committee, we'd ask that they please move on with our thanks.

Thank you very much.

[Proceedings continue in camera]