Veterans Affairs Committee on March 10th, 2020

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

I can't give you an exact date. I can assure you that when I find out that there's a problem within the department, it's my responsibility to indicate to the department, as I did, to make sure that this policy is applied consistently and as flexibly—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Exactly who did the review, sir? Who was responsible for the review?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

I'll have to ask my deputy to find out. The department runs the department.

[Gen (Ret'd) Walter Natynczyk]

I'm responsible for everything.

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Okay, thank you.

[Gen (Ret'd) Walter Natynczyk]

I'm responsible.

Can I just highlight again that, with regard to mental health treatment for family members, the department is authorized to support the veteran, and all support for mental health focuses on the well-being of—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Thank you, Deputy Minister. I understand that, but also, I made it really clear that, from a veteran's perspective, when all of a sudden family members are cut off of their care and those family members are suffering because of the veteran's state, this does not help. When they know that there is a backlog of 40,000 and they no longer have that support but they're being told that somehow someone will help them get support.... The same thing happened with the caregiver allowance. Changes to the caregiver allowance meant that people who had it before no longer get it, which means that changes are being made to limit those who are able to receive it.

My question then is this. Because there were changes made to this program, and the minister is responsible—he's mandated to improve transparency and communications—when and what information on this change to policy was shared on the VAC website and on My VAC Account, so that they would be made aware directly by VAC that their benefits were being cut back?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

This situation was brought to my attention. I don't have the exact date before me. When it's brought to my attention my responsibility as minister is to make sure I inform the department as to what the wishes are—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

I find it discouraging—

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

If you're going to ask a question, you will have to let me answer it.

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

No, you told me when it was brought to your attention.

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

The fact is that—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

I would like to know, sir, at what point was it going to be important to let veterans know, without their having to find out the way they found out? That is so harmful to our veterans community. Who instructed the regional offices about the reviews and the results?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

It would be quite difficult when you find out something is not applied consistently within the department. I don't think we would find that in My VAC Account because we found the problem, we dealt with the problem and made sure that the ones who should require mental health services do get mental health—

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

You're not dealing fairly with veterans on this issue, sir.

Thank you, Chair.

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

—and we make sure this happens. I will make sure it will continue to happen.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bryan May]

Thank you, Minister.

Now we move to MP Lalonde, please.

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Minister, and all your officials for being here once again. It's a pleasure. This is my first time having you here in committee, so welcome.

One thing I'm very particular about is numbers. I like numbers, and I was reviewing a lot of the internal transfers taking place. I would certainly appreciate it if you could provide a little more insight as to.... One in particular was about the veterans emergency fund. We collectively would agree that when a veteran is in need, we need to be there. Sometimes as we can see, there are areas without information.

Could you please tell us a little more about the emergency fund, the impact it has had on the lives of our veterans and the flexibility of the department to help possibly more veterans?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

I'm certainly very supportive of this program because it helps veterans who have served our country, put their lives on the line and are in great difficulty.

You're looking for a figure, so I'll do my best. I mostly let the department do that, but 712 accessed the funds in 2018-19 and last year we added $700,000 to this fund as you're aware. Now over 800 people have already accessed this fund.

When you sit down with people, as I had the opportunity to do last week across western Canada, in British Columbia, in fact, to meet people who got help from this fund, getting their lives in order and becoming productive members of society.... There's a pride within us all, but I believe there's a different, very strong pride in the veterans community. They have served us and they do not want to ask for help. When they get down and out, that's exactly what this program does and that's why it's so important that it's well funded, because it gives people another chance in life.

The fact is, as I've said before, these people are very much needed. They have expertise in many areas. The deputy and I ran into people who were very well qualified in areas that the business community would be so pleased to have once they get their lives in order. That's the big help, and I appreciate your question.

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Thank you.

The emergency fund is probably helping reduce homelessness, I hope. This is very dear to my heart. Just outside our community in Orléans we have received funding to build 40 units. I know you refer to tiny houses. I don't know this one. I know the project in our community is the multifaith housing initiative to help veterans with addictions or personal problems to find lodging.

Can you please explain to me a little more about this one? I think it's in Alberta.

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

Yes. That's Homes for Heroes, with the tiny houses.

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Yes.

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Cardigan, PE]

I had the privilege of visiting there. To have had trouble in life and difficulties, probably with addictions or other things, to see them in their homes.... In fact, on the one that you just mentioned, there were two different families in those tiny houses who were just getting ready to move into their own homes. They had full-time jobs and were going to be full-time productive members of society.

I can tell you one thing. To be a politician and Minister of Veterans Affairs, that warms my heart. That's what it's all about, giving a person a hand up in order to become a productive member of society, and they are proud members of society who will add to our economy. That's what that is all about.

It's also important to indicate what the private sector has done, above and beyond government. They access funds through business communities, and it would amaze you, the different businesses that donate different things to those homes. Everybody wishes to be involved. They know that those people have served their country and they want to help.

These homes that are provided are basic. They're very small, but I can tell you that it puts a great sense of pride and security into the veterans themselves, men and women both. In particular, I met a woman veteran who was so highly qualified that, with just a little more, that person will be hired by a telecommunications company. That's what's so great.

Thank you so much.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bryan May]

Thank you, Minister.

MP Lloyd, please, you have five minutes.

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Minister, for being here today. I appreciated your comments in the House when you said that you would do anything for veterans and veterans' families.

Regarding mental health services for families, I have been informed that families are afraid to come forward, fearing retribution from your department. I just want to put it on the record today. Can you unequivocally assure these families that they will not face repercussions for coming forward with their challenges to your department?