Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again address this government's lack of compassion.
Early this morning, merchant navy veterans began to arrive on the Hill and two of them are up here in the gallery today. They arrived to protest the absence of the minister's promised legislation. This legislation was to make these veterans equal with all veterans in Canada.
When the minister stopped this morning to speak to the veterans, he was asked about compensation. His reply was “We cannot turn back the clock”. Thank God these brave soldiers did not turn back in World War II. Instead, they fought for our freedom and were never given any meaningful recognition for their role. These men and women may perish on the steps of Parliament Hill but the freedom they gave to us will never die.
It is my hope that the government will show some compassion soon and not turn its back on these vets as it did on the innocent victims of hepatitis C.