Thank you very much, Chair.
I first want to acknowledge the stories shared by each of you today, and of course your service. It's not just the service you've offered Canadians. You're offering a service here as well. I know how hard and difficult that is and how painful it has been, suffering for so long and maybe even suffering in silence. I really appreciate your voice. It means a lot to me as a newer member of Parliament, but also as someone from Edmonton.
Your story in particular, Master Corporal, has really pained me to listen to, but I'm just so proud and grateful that you're a member of our province, you're a member of our city, and you're a member of our country, because it's not without sacrifice that it gets better.
I just wanted to say that it's not for naught. No matter what happens, no matter if this report goes the way it needs to and no matter if these things are not implemented, you're doing something that's going to help people no matter what, even if governments, whether this one or the next, don't do those things. I want you to know that your story will live on in my heart, and hopefully the hearts of every member of this committee, to help us know that we have far more work to do.
As a matter of fact, this is a true failure. You're talking about a failure of our governments, not just the sitting government but governments. We've heard the testimony from members who are with us and who have served for so long, and to hear that this is continuous, and that your experience validates that it's continuing, brings me great sadness, especially coming from a tradition of matriarchy. I come from a small community originally, in the northeast of Alberta, a first nations and Métis community. To hear of women being treated this way, especially women who are warriors, pains me a lot. I know how much more you're worth than this system has allowed you.
I wanted to start with that and to also mention the aspect of cultural change that was spoken to and how important that cultural change needs to be. This isn't just an issue of VAC. It's not just an issue of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is an issue of our culture, of how we prop up hatred in this place and across our country and how it has devastating results. It devastates our sisters, our mothers and our grandmothers. It demeans all Canadians when we allow this kind of treatment to continue. I want to thank you for that.
I also want to speak directly to transition supports.
Sergeant Kate Ryan and Major Seviour, I know that you both, of course, have had to go through this experience. You've had to endure in many ways, I think, the lack of supports that should be necessary for many folks serving. Could you explain to us your experience of transitioning out of military life and back into civilian life, and the kinds of supports that you feel were lacking—or that were there and that worked?
Maybe I'll start with Major Seviour.