Thank you, Chair, and thank you, witnesses, for being here.
This week in Ottawa, a group of veterans arrived who have formed a group called Equitas. They are moving forward with an application to the Supreme Court of Canada for leave to argue their case, which was won at one court level but then turned down by the court of appeal in British Columbia.
One of the main issues in this particular situation is their request to the court to recognize a social covenant between Canadians and military members—or in some people's minds you can insert the term “military covenant”. One of my colleagues has a private member's bill currently being debated in the House of Commons calling for the recognition of a military covenant.
What is your view?
This is especially to you first, Mr. English, and then to the other people on the panel. Does this exist in Canada already? Is there a covenant? Has there ever been a covenant historically between Canadians and military personnel and the military?