Mr. Speaker, I want to pick up on the fact that out of all of the offices that are closing, there is one in the city of Brandon. As is the case with the other offices, this closing will have a profound impact.
I want to emphasize that there is a difference between calling a phone number and being able to walk into an office. We believe veterans deserve the respect of allowing these offices to remain open.
What transpired in the meeting with the vets the other day was exceptionally disrespectful. The following day we had a very heated question period dealing with the Minister of Veterans Affairs being called to task.
My own leader suggested that it is time for the minister to be relieved of his responsibilities as the minister responsible for veterans. My leader wanted the minister to resign. Not only was the leader of the Liberal Party calling for this, but the Leader of the Opposition was as well.
I wonder if the member might want to comment on the whole issue of respect and the need to replace the current minister.