In theory, you're looking at two walking recruiters. There are a couple more behind us. On paper, we're supposed to be selling the service to the next generation and the benefits that are obtained by being a member of a family that has important work to do, and on and on. When you end up in the situations we're in today and have been on the journey we've had to go on, it doesn't necessarily incentivize you to tell the teenager who rings your doorbell and asks if they should join the military, “You know, it's great when you're in—maybe—but be careful when you get out and if you have issues.”
You guys are more of an expert on that than I am. You could be homeless or you could have PTSD. You could have all kinds of issues. This is not something you think about when you're wearing a uniform. Your laser focus is on training, doing your mission and looking after the person on the left and the right. That's all you care about. It's only when it's over and you're out that you then discover what the heck is going on here.
If this gets out.... We've been trying to work within government. We've been trying to solve this inside the tent. Harold and I are not standing on Parliament Hill, waving placards, talking to CBC or doing anything. We're relying on your good graces as parliamentarians to see the problem and fix the frigging problem in a timely manner.
This is what you do. You know how to do it. I can't do it. I now turn it over to you. I have to say “please”. I have my tin cup.
Thank you.