Thank you, Chair.
I want to take a brief moment to say thank you to our witnesses today. From the moment I was elected in 2015 I have been a tireless champion for our frontline heroes, those who serve our country and our communities and their families. Far too often the families are left behind to pick up the pieces, so I want to say thank you to all who are here today.
With respect to Veterans Affairs Canada, the mental health assistance service, according to the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, the low participation rate of family members is because:
This service is an important element in providing short-term counselling for a defined issue as well as crisis intervention, but it is unable to provide mental health diagnosis or address the long-term mental health needs of family members of Veterans.
In your view, is this the case, and why is there such a low participation rate in this program?
Ms. Malette, I think it is exactly what you just said about how frustrating it is. Is that correct?