Veterans Affairs Committee on June 3rd, 2026

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

There are 40 seconds remaining.

[Isaac Bosquet]

Up until now, my wife has been telling me that I should have kept my job in the military. I just want to let you know that this wasn't a family decision. I had to leave the regular force. I wanted to enlist in the part-time forces as a reservist, but the re-enlistment process to join as a reservist was very long, even discouraging.

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Thank you very much, Mr. Bosquet.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Thank you very much.

I will now give the floor to Ms. Gaudreau for six minutes.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you for being with us, Mr. Bosquet.

My questions are really going to focus more on the culture within the Canadian Armed Forces. We've looked at interpersonal relationships and treatment. For example, we've looked at how things were for women as well as for indigenous people.

Was there anything in the process or in your interactions during your time in the military that might have signalled different treatment because you are Black?

[Isaac Bosquet]

Honestly, I can't make that argument.

Of course, within the Canadian Armed Forces, there's a system that promotes discipline and competence. In my case, I was nearly at the top of my class in all my training programs within the forces, and I didn't notice any such difference. Was there discrimination within the forces? I don't really know, I couldn't say. During the time I joined, in 2018, there were certainly a lot of prevention campaigns regarding psychological harassment, and so on. That did help. When you first join, during basic military training, a sergeant or corporal will be careful what they say so as not to hurt someone's feelings.

I couldn't say that within the forces there's a system that marginalizes people from the Black community. As I said, in almost all my assignments, I was the only person of colour, but I'd say there was always camaraderie. Everything is done in pairs. I sleep in a room with a white person, and we share the room. This camaraderie is somewhat forced. When you spend six months in training with someone, you become like brothers in the military.

So I can't make that argument, Ms. Gaudreau.

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

That's interesting. The important thing is to look at the changes that have taken place over the past few decades in terms of discrimination throughout the system, in civilian life, and to compare that with the Canadian Armed Forces. I'm glad to hear that, especially since—given that you weren't part of a group, but appeared to be the only Black person specifically in the field of aviation systems—the situation could have led to mistreatment. If that had been the case, we could have shed light on the matter.

Thank you for the recommendations you've shared with us.

Are there other things that come to mind in hindsight? Are there any changes that Veterans Affairs should implement to ensure a smooth transition from your time in the military to your return to civilian life? Is there anything else you'd like to add?

[Isaac Bosquet]

Since we are talking about culture within the armed forces, there is perhaps one thing I could add regarding food. They wanted to try to ensure that the food was diversified. That was going to be interesting. I know that the military is a microcosm of society. They should try to see if they can diversify the content of the dishes. I know that they can't please everyone, but that could also help. Someone who is used to eating a certain type of food might be happy to have that.

As for veterans—

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

When it comes to diversity, we understand that, when there are food intolerances or allergies, we have to make adjustments, but I understand that, if people have specific tastes because of their culture or habits, there is no openness to the idea of offering menus like the ones we have here in Parliament—in other words, a diversified menu throughout the year.

[Isaac Bosquet]

No.

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

That's something you'd like to see, though, isn't it?

[Isaac Bosquet]

Yes. That could attract a lot more people. Even in our case, as former military members who are now entrepreneurs, it could give us other opportunities to serve the military, at least in that way.

I know that the department is conducting studies, in which I have participated, to see how the menu can be diversified, but this isn't in effect yet.

As for services to veterans, I mentioned this, but I'll try to clarify my point. As I was saying, veterans have left the forces either because of a disability or voluntarily. They are already allies. Work could be done to strengthen this bond between veterans and the army. It should be much stronger. Besides, there aren't many of us. So that's what I could encourage the department to do.

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

Madam Chair, I know I have some time left, but I think we can also include the next witness in the discussion.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Thank you very much for that very thoughtful comment, Ms. Gaudreau.

We are welcoming our second witness.

I want to give you a moment to breathe. I know that you just arrived, so if you need a bit of time, we can suspend to get you settled. I don't want to rush you. That's not the intent of this committee. We are at your discretion, madame.

[Door L. Gibson, Captain (Retired) and Activist, As an Individual]

Thank you very much, Chair. I apologize for being late. If I can have more than five minutes so that I can be clear and get through this, then there is no need to suspend.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

You will have five minutes for your testimony, if that's all right. I usually allow a few seconds more, but I'm really strict. Everybody around the table will know that I try to be fair to everyone.

Ms. Gibson, we're just very happy that you're able to join us. I will give you the floor for five minutes.

[Door L. Gibson]

Thank you, Chair.

Good afternoon, distinguished members of Parliament, chair and all who are associated with today's activities on the experience of Black veterans.

This is a historic moment for me. I apologize in advance to all, because the notes I submitted are not the notes I'm reading. They took a little longer.

My name is Doreen Louise Gibson. I go by the nickname “Door”, as in a door of opportunity, and today I have the opportunity and honour to be here.

I'm the daughter of the late Danny Edson Gibson, also a veteran and a strong Black man. My late mother, Hannah Louise Romans, was an equally strong white woman. I'm proud to be a product of their love. I am a life partner to Shirley Avril; sister to Jean, June, Larry and Trevor; and aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, cousin and sister-in-law to several beautiful souls of my mosaic family.

I volunteer as vice-president of the BC Black History Awareness Society, and I'm honoured to be project manager for No. 2 Construction Battalion legacy in B.C. and beyond. Since 2010, I have volunteered with the Last Post Fund, and for the last three years I've been the vice-president of the B.C.-Yukon branch. I volunteer with the poppy office in Victoria, and after 44-plus years of service in the Canadian Army Reserves, I am a veteran and retired captain, which is the purpose of my day today.

I currently reside on the Salish Sea in the coastal and traditional territories of the Halkomelem-speaking people. I'd like to acknowledge my Black ancestors. Some of them were bound by chains and persecution; others were of free will and came to the shores of Mi'kma'ki, also known as Halifax, Nova Scotia, where I grew up. Together, side by side, we stand as treaty people.

I acknowledge the Black veterans who have paved the path, in particular, No. 2 Construction Battalion's soldiers, family and descendants, for the resolve and fight for equality and justice in order to serve our beautiful country, Canada. It is upon their shoulders that I am grateful.

Growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I faced racism at an early age. I experienced devastation and the total destruction of Africville. When I joined the military summer youth employment program in 1973, I mistook racist behaviour as the military way of life.

In the early days, it was difficult to distinguish the combination of leadership and alcohol mixed with the abuse of authority. I witnessed an RSM do nothing about one of my male soldiers when he reported being a victim of a blanket party. The same RSM was later charged in a gang rape. I witnessed an MWO on a major charge for financial fraud.

In 1975, in the junior leadership course, I was first on the course, but was told that a woman had never been nor would ever be a platoon commander, so I stood in the back as the platoon warrant officer.

Back at my home unit, two members who were of the same course got promoted to master corporal, and I spent the next six months fighting for what I had earned. The experience changed the trajectory of my military career.

I experienced racism, discrimination, sexism, harassment and several incidents of systemic barriers over 44-plus years of service. I grew up in the ranks, inspired by the early leadership not to be like them. I was firm. I was fair. I believed in and encouraged individuals' potential. I led with the intention of respect.

I retired at the compulsory age in 2017. I did not receive my reserve pension until 2020. I believe the CAF are going to have a class action right now, on delayed pension, and I will be submitting a claim.

I missed the opportunity, as a reservist, to be recognized as part of the purge settlement and to submit a claim for the military sexual and misconduct class action. I was part of a Black federal employees class action that was denied.

Last year, CAF admitted to the racism and discrimination in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the CDS apologized. For that particular event, I paid my own money to come down, because I felt that I needed it for my self-healing. When I was there, I couldn't believe how much I broke down. I bawled my eyes out. However, I thanked her for doing that.

In closing, I'll share two highlights from my career: when I was appointed the RSM of the Victoria Medical Company and when I received my member of military merit from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, the former governor general of Canada.

In 2021, I got called back to service by the former minister of national defence, Harjit Sajjan, to work on the minister’s advisory panel on systemic racism and discrimination, with a focus on anti-indigenous and anti-Black racism, LGBTQ2+ prejudice, gender bias and white supremacy. The report was released in 2022 by the former minister of national defence, the Honourable Anita Anand.

Today, you ask me what the experience of Black veterans is. The Black experience in the military was traumatic for me, and I have never been able to share it. There has never been a place I could trust to get support to heal. I truly appreciate that Veterans Affairs is trying to pick up the slack in terms of past injustice. I will do what I can to support their efforts in the restorative engagement on systemic racism, as well as the efforts of the Black and racialized veterans engagement team. Unless immediate action is taken, faith will be limited, leaving little room for hope and committed participation. The first time I benefited, as a veteran, was when I took a “Lifeshop” at the Pepper Pod, a retreat for women, in 2023.

Thank you, my sister Sandra Perron.

I regret that I cannot provide recommendations in advance. However, by the end of this conversation and your questioning, I hope to do so. Chair and members of Parliament, I look forward to the conversation. Respectfully, I was there too—or was I really?

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marie-France Lalonde]

Mrs. Gibson, we've been working very hard to bring Black veterans to this committee. Today you're validating the efforts we've made, so I say, on everyone's behalf, thank you for coming in front of our committee today.

We've started—just to let you know. Therefore, we will start our second round of questions. Each member of Parliament will have five minutes or two and a half minutes. As I said to Mr. Bosquet, sometimes I have to interrupt, if either you or the member of Parliament goes above that amount of time.

I will open the floor to Mr. Richards for five minutes.

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

Chair, thank you.

First, to both witnesses with us today, thank you for your service.

I will apologize to Mr. Bosquet. I had another veterans-related meeting that was finishing, so I didn't get to hear your opening testimony. I hope I'm not going to ask any questions that you already covered. If I do, just consider it a chance to reinforce your point.

I'd like to start by asking both of you about what you experienced in your dealings with Veterans Affairs—if you had any dealings with Veterans Affairs. Were they positive or negative? What was the biggest challenge you faced in dealing with Veterans Affairs?

Let's start with you, Mr. Bosquet. I'll then go to Ms. Gibson.

[Isaac Bosquet]

As I explained earlier, based on my experience with Veterans Affairs Canada, information is lacking. Not enough effort has been made to provide us with information that is relevant enough for us to know what we are entitled to or what we might be entitled to as veterans, especially within the Black community. We know that there is systemic racism in the institutions, and so on. When we leave the army, we know that we are sort of cast out, but there is certainly a system in place that could support us when it comes to mental health or professional integration. I'm thinking of people who, like me, are entrepreneurs. Even support along the entrepreneurial journey could make things easier for us as veterans.

However, I haven't had the opportunity to speak with a Veterans Affairs Canada representative or even receive an invitation to a veterans' event. We haven't had anything since 2020.

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

Thank you.

I'd like to give Ms. Gibson a chance to respond to that first question as well, but I would like to return, I hope, and get your suggestions on how those things could be better. You mentioned a couple of things that you think could be better. I'd like to hear your thoughts on how that could work.

Ms. Gibson, do you want to fill us in? Have you had interactions with Veterans Affairs? What did you find were some of the challenges you faced in any dealings you had there?

[Door L. Gibson]

First of all, I have not had any dealings with them, because I was a reservist. There was no area of benefits or support for reservists that I knew of to help me.

On October 30, when I was here for the CDS's apology, I met a gentleman. The name escapes me at the moment. Three months later—because I had something to say about reservists and because I care about them, not just myself—I got a phone call from an individual two levels down from him. He was told to get in touch with me. He shared the process with me and I'm building a relationship with him. Medical people may be there to help support me—because I'm doing this not just for others but also for myself—but I have to make sure it's okay to trust before I move forward with this.

I've had very few dealings on this journey.

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

Okay.

Let me ask a couple of questions more to follow up on that. You may have shared this, but can you remind me of when you left the reserves?

[Door L. Gibson]

It was 2017, sir.

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

It really was almost nine years before you were aware that there might be something there that could be available to you.

Would you say that, first of all, this in itself is a problem and that more may need to be done to make sure that someone is aware when they leave service, whether it be the regular forces, the reserves or otherwise, of what's available to them?