Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm glad I won't be flying back to my riding of Richmond Centre tonight. I have plenty of time to get into this.
Before I speak on the amendment—we are going to support that, of course—I understand that today is a very important day. I'd like to convey my gratitude and thank our veterans, especially those who served in the Persian Gulf region from 1990 to 1991. On this day in 1991, the Gulf War ended. More than 4,000 Canadians served in the Persian Gulf region for over a year. Even in the aftermath of this conflict, Canadians continue to serve in a peacekeeping role around the world and in an embargo enforcement role there. I sincerely regret that I couldn't make it. I understand most members here today were at the memorial, laying down wreaths for our Gulf War veterans to commemorate this occasion, which is also the 33rd anniversary of the ceasefire in the Gulf War.
I'd like to encourage all members of the committee, especially those across from us, to prioritize my motion, which was passed and tabled a couple of weeks ago. We agreed to a study right after the study we're doing on transition to civilian life. It's unfortunate that we couldn't hear from the witnesses who had arranged to speak to us today because of this. I want to encourage us to get on with the studies we have on the list.
It's especially surprising that today we received over 14 motions from the Conservative members. As a newly elected member without too much experience compared with most of you seated around the table here today, I don't understand why we have to put out so many motions. It is taking away from the important work we're doing. I was very glad that we finished our women veterans study, because that was a very important study, one that I feel has not been done in the history of Canada. I really appreciate Rachel Blaney putting that motion forward. We're also looking forward to the report. I thank the analysts, especially, for putting together the report.
Going back to the national monument to Canada's mission in Afghanistan, I recall that last year, in June, all of us—except for those who are new to this committee—attended the opening ceremony at the war museum. Really, this monument recognizes the commitment and sacrifice of Canadians—not just men, but also women—who served in Afghanistan and supported those who provide safety to Canadians here at home. I find it quite strange that we're still discussing the artists instead of the veterans who are going to be honoured with this monument.
I think there's a reason we're hearing the opposition members talking only about the artist community. The reason is that most veterans are actually content with the choice for the monument. They weren't happy with the location chosen by the previous government, and rightly so, because veterans weren't even consulted on a monument in their honour in the first place. From my understanding, that location was not as ideal as the location being picked here right now.
You know, I believe our government is here to listen to veterans and to support them. In a previous study on this, ministers appeared and said many times that Veterans Affairs Canada heard from more than 12,000 Canadians about the monument design. The majority of those who responded were veterans, their families and those who served in the mission.
Team Stimson's design best reflects their input, and when it comes to honouring the sacrifice of our veterans, I truly believe that we must listen to them. That is why I feel it's very important for us to acknowledge that this design has been set and we should really respect the voices of our veterans and their families, because the monument that is being designed and built is for them.
I understand that we are all here serving our veterans, and that's why we're here discussing this. It's important to continue hearing from our veterans and their families, who really want us to do the work we should be doing, especially in supporting them with the transition to civilian life, which we're currently studying, and at the same time supporting—