Veterans Affairs Committee on Nov. 25th, 2025

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Thank you very much.

Ms. Anderson, I'm going to continue the discussion on isolation.

You talked about your Facebook group, which, if I'm not mistaken, is meant to help veterans' families feel less isolated.

Can you talk to us about how your group helps families feel less isolated?

[Amanda Anderson]

We have our own Facebook group, specifically for CAF and veteran survivors. That's mostly how we function. Unfortunately, there's no funding for us to get together. When we do somehow manage to get together, it's incredible to have somebody who understands intuitively what we have gone through.

There was one lady I talked to online for seven years. Recently, we finally got to meet face to face. We just hugged. Peer support is incredibly important. That's how we communicate through Facebook. We also do a little coffee on whatever day is available, so we can just chat on screen.

There is a more formal peer support network through CFMWS. It's called HOPE, and it's for families that have lost. It's a more formal support. We're very informal.

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Thank you very much.

We're going into our last round, allowing each member of our committee to participate.

I will invite MP Viersen to take his five minutes.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Thank you.

Mr. Marceau, this study is about suicide among veterans. How much do you think the medication you were on contributed to suicide attempts and suicidal ideation?

[Michel Marceau]

The first time I had a reaction to my antidepressants was at the Valcartier military base. I was lucky because, when it happened, I was being treated by an extremely competent psychiatrist, Dr. Joëlle Bernier. I would like to commend her, actually. She's an amazing woman. I had logorrhea when I first got there. I was talking excessively and couldn't focus. I had a million projects. I was too aggressive and too “switched on”.

In my case, it was the antidepressants that made me the way I am. I hit rock bottom, and I had no choice but to take control of my life. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here today. In my case, antidepressants almost killed me. The reason I'm bitter is because it was the third time.

I've always told the truth, all my life. Last year, I would have come here out of revenge. This year, I'm here out of a sense of duty. I am doing this for those who can't speak up, those who are lying curled up at home and taking a bunch of disgusting pills, given to them by Mengele-style doctors. I'm not saying that all doctors are like him, but a few of them are.

I'm not against pharmaceuticals, but they're not the only solution. In my case, they brought me to where I am today.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Would you say there was an underlying cause that caused them to prescribe medications in the first place that should have been dealt with, rather than just prescribing medication?

[Michel Marceau]

That's a good question, sir.

Honestly, there are many extremely dedicated doctors in the medical system. I like to bitch, but that's not all I do. I'm a positive guy, generally. However, doctors don't know what to do with us veterans. We have a lot of problems, we're too intense and we have symptoms that aren't well documented and are very tough to treat.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

You made a statement, something to the effect that you're a warrior. You said something about burning flags. I didn't quite capture what you were trying to insinuate by that. I'll try to piece it together.

Is it your feeling that Canada doesn't have a place for warriors anymore? Is that what you were insinuating? What was the piece around burning flags about?

[Michel Marceau]

I don't think I'm clever enough to insinuate anything, sir. I can talk about my situation, but my friends are all here, too. Some of them were far more dedicated than I was. They did more than me in the army, and they received a lot more medals than I did, and even I got quite a few.

For guys like us who have spent our lives in the army, seeing a Canadian flag burn is sacrilege. It's disgusting. It's horrifying. I'm sorry, but if someone came and burned a Canadian flag in front of my house in Valcartier, I'd gladly go to prison.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

What about the warrior piece? You mentioned something about a warrior—that you were a warrior. What were you trying to say when you said that? Do you feel that we don't have a place in Canada for warriors any longer?

[Michel Marceau]

There isn't much of a place for warriors, sir. It's sad to say, but there are a lot of Canadians, even in my own family, who are quite content to live in bubble wrap.

Like the English expression says, nobody loves a warrior until the enemy is at the gate.

That's true, unfortunately.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Do you think that is perhaps contributing to the mental health decline of some of these warrior-type individuals?

[Michel Marceau]

That's not the only reason. Anyone who has served in missions and given their heart and soul for Canada would be disgusted to see someone burning our flag on television.

I'm sorry, but I take that very personally. I have sung O Canada on military bases. We saluted Jean Chrétien and saw nearly every minister. I saw Princess Anne in 2003. I've been to England four times. For a soldier, martial arts, allegiance and the flag are all sacred. If they weren't, we could be bought and we wouldn't go to war.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Thank you very much, Mr. Marceau.

We have Mr. Casey for five minutes.

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Thank you, Madam Chair

I don't propose to do a full round of questions, but I will take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to both of the witnesses for being here today. It is extremely difficult to come into a public forum and bare your soul as you have. Please know that it is appreciated.

Once again, thank you for your service to widows, Ms. Anderson, and thank you for your service, Monsieur Marceau, to our country.

I don't have anything further to add.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

I'd like to take this opportunity to say a few words. I don't usually take too much time, but I just want to thank the witnesses.

I want to say thank you for your courage and for your support.

Thank you for your service to the country.

Mr. Marceau, I saw you raise your hand, so I will briefly give you the floor.

[Michel Marceau]

Thank you very much. I'll just take a few seconds.

As a career soldier, I recommend and suggest that Parliament do something for women like Ms. Anderson, whether through legislation or through the Canadian Armed Forces; it doesn't matter. They should have the right to wear their deceased spouse's medals, even if it means wearing them on the other side of the body. This woman deserves to wear medals just as much as I do.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Thank you, Mr. Marceau.

We had discussed that, and I'm proud that you spoke up to share your point of view with us. Thank you for that.

That will conclude your time with us.

Once again, thank you for your service to the country.

Go ahead, Madame Gaudreau.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

This testimony makes us realize that every testimony and every study is important.

After hearing from a witness a few weeks ago, I tabled a notice of motion.

I'd like to move that motion today, if I could, since we have time and it's very relevant.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Yes, absolutely. However, before I turn the floor back over to you, I'd like to address the witnesses to make sure they understand that the testimony is over.

I invite the witnesses to stay for a few minutes. Ms. Gaudreau is going to move a motion that she'd like to discuss.

For now, we will not go back to you. I just want to make sure that if you need to leave, you can do it. We would appreciate it if you waited a few minutes so we can properly greet you and say thanks to you personally. Some of our colleagues like that.

Excuse me, Ms. Gaudreau.

Go ahead.

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

For everyone's benefit, I will read the motion I tabled:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study of a minimum of three meetings on service delivery, quality of care, and clinical guidelines provided by Lifemark Health Group, but not limited to that organization, as well as any company mandated to provide health care and psychological services to veterans. That the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs invite: Representatives from Lifemark Health Group; The Veterans Ombud; Officials from Veterans Affairs Canada; and That the Committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Thank you very much, Ms. Gaudreau.

Mr. Richards, go ahead.

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Airdrie—Cochrane, AB]

Thanks, Chair.

I'm certainly in agreement with the motion. It's something we hear about quite often from veterans and service providers. I think it is worthy. We should be looking at a number of things in this regard. I'm very supportive of the motion.

I won't speak to the motion any further other than to move an amendment to add the Minister of Veterans Affairs to the list of witnesses who would be invited.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Are there any comments on the amendment?

Go ahead, Mr. Casey.