What is to be done? Regardless of the stage of service, it is important that all personnel understand the consequences of that service and have confidence in the system. That starts here, with the support of government, which makes the ultimate decision to place Canadian men and women in harm's way.
Personnel have to understand that the system they have been indoctrinated into will look after them and their families. In normal, non-injury, transitional situations, I have still seen people having difficulty leaving the sanctuary of military life. Everything was provided for them and now they are left to deal with a foreign world in arranging health care and other services that were once provided by the military. For those who are transitioning with more complex issues, extra care is needed. Knowledge and communication are paramount throughout the military career, so that those who need assistance know how to avail themselves of it.
Right now, that's not happening. Even for those who leave the service, with no apparent issues, they need to understand that support is there when and if needed. The Canadian Forces has stated that it will revamp the complete transitional process and ensure that only those who are fit to be transitioned are. Close coordination between the Departments of National Defence and Veterans Affairs is extremely essential to ensure that not one person falls through those cracks and that continuous support is provided throughout.
The ultimate aim in all of this is that a service person and their family will be able to reintegrate back into life outside of the military.
Chairman, thank you. That's our statement. We're prepared to answer questions.