I'm sorry to cut you off.
Evidence of meeting #1 for Veterans Affairs in the 43rd Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was motions.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #1 for Veterans Affairs in the 43rd Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was motions.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC
That's okay.
I thank the member for this motion. I think it's an important discussion to be having around service dogs. I don't have anything formalized, but one of the things that I think should be added to that is the resources for our veterans to get those service dogs. We know there are a lot of veterans on the waiting list. There's a limited amount of resources; these are significant expenses for veterans.
The other aspect, just for the purposes of discussion, is around the limits on housing for many of our veterans who have service dogs. I've worked with multiple constituents who have service dogs and who are at risk of homelessness, in some cases because they cannot access housing that will allow them to have a pet. This is far more than a pet. This is often what makes a veteran's life more accessible; they can actually walk out the door.
I will take this to review, but I think we have to look at the resources for our veterans to get these services dogs. The other part is how we can find ways to make housing more accessible for them.
Thank you.
Conservative
Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
I was just going to add a little bit of context to the motion. This is something I've heard is a huge issue right across the country. Let's take travel as an example. A lot of our veterans sometimes can't fly with their dog because of a lack of a national standard. We need to get that standard in place so that our veterans can travel with these animals, because they're essential. I witnessed it just this past week. A week ago Sunday, there was a mental wellness day for paramedics and veterans. It impacts my riding, and the service dog thing came up countless times in discussions with those people who utilize this great service. We need to get a national standard out there.
Conservative
Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB
I believe I'm the last one to speak on this, or is there anyone else?
Conservative
Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB
Okay.
I'm certainly open to amending this. I just feel that.... We put it on notice, and maybe when we have further discussion, it will give you some more time....
Oh, you're different from the person who was here before.
Conservative
Conservative
Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB
Oh, look, they changed your name, too. Good.
At any rate, it will give you some time to review it. If you have any amendments, we can discuss that at the next meeting, to amend it to have the housing and resources for veterans and things of that nature.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bryan May
Thank you.
Is there any further discussion on the motion?
Are there any other motions to put forward?
Seeing none, I would ask whether the committee is in agreement to adjourn today's meeting.
Mr. Samson.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Mr. Speaker, we don't have to do this today, but I think we should reflect on and come forward with names for subcommittee members. I believe it's one per party.
Liberal
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Two of the opposition and two of the government...?
