Let me be very clear, Mr. Desilets: I never used the word “scientific” in the survey or the consultation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs undertook a consultation to listen to veterans, whether you call it a questionnaire, a survey or whatever. More than 10,000 people responded. Yes, 40% of them were Afghanistan veterans or family members, but a large percentage of respondents were veterans. That's why their wishes were so important to us. They told us that they felt the Stimson team's concept better reflected the mission.
I'd like to add that I'm extremely grateful to the artists for submitting their concepts to the competition. In the end, we had to choose one, and as Minister of Veterans Affairs, my priority was to listen to veterans.