Thank you, Chair.
Yes, I have concerns, Mr. Desilets, about deleting those last two, because I heard a lot of confusion around the issues as to whether or not phone calls were recorded in the first place. I also heard from a veteran who tried to reach out to get information about what was in that phone call. They said that it was recorded, but is now deleted because they don't keep them forever.
There are issues around communications with veterans where they are, I think, trying to find the right routes to make sure that what they're saying is corroborated and backed up, but it seems very difficult, so I think it is important that we take a look and see what has happened there.
I agree with you. I have trouble believing anything truly gets deleted in this government. It's there somewhere, most likely. I don't know. As for communications, they are deleted or they are destroyed. To a certain level, I don't question that, because we can't keep everything forever. At the same time, this is something our veterans are depending on to be able to confirm. As Mr. Casey mentioned, we need that proof. We need actual facts, and it's very difficult for them.
I can't help but think that if I was in their place—I don't know why I say that because I wouldn't have a clue—and going through what they are going through with illness, with trying to get help and with PTSD and then, in the midst of all that, being offered MAID.... I don't think my mind would be in that moment thinking that I needed to be able to corroborate, to be recording this or have all the information to be able to confirm this.
This is our way, as a committee, of possibly enabling them to get some of that information.