Veterans Affairs Committee on Nov. 21st, 2013

[LGen Walter Semianiw]

Mr. Chair, that's a great question, and it's one of the questions the minister asked this committee to look at among all issues involving the new Veterans Charter and Veterans Affairs. I'm sure this committee will look at this item and at some point in time come with some type of recommendation.

Thank you.

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

May I have another word, Chair?

I could be mistaken, but our centres are scheduled to close in February of next year.

[The Vice-Chair, NDP, Peter Stoffer]

I believe it's not all going to happen at one time. Certain centres will be closing earlier than others.

[LGen Walter Semianiw]

I agree, Mr. Chair; therefore, the committee is going to have to get on and do its work a lot quicker.

Thank you.

[The Vice-Chair, NDP, Peter Stoffer]

In fairness to the witnesses, that question was something I would ask more in political terms. It would be the minister who would answer that question in a more forthright manner. A suggestion to recommend to the minister is fair, but the actual decision would come from the ministerial level.

General Semianiw, Madame Burke, and Andrea Siew, thanks to each and every one of you for coming today. We greatly appreciate your input to help us, help our veterans, and help the department eventually to work hopefully towards more improvement and better enhancements, which we all want for our veterans and their families.

Thank you very much.

[LGen Walter Semianiw]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Thanks to the committee.

[The Vice-Chair, NDP, Peter Stoffer]

Thank you.

We'll take one minute to go in camera to pass the supplementary....

[Proceedings continue in camera]