Madam Speaker, the heavy-handed removal of child benefits from Sean Bruyea is only one example of similar behaviour against other veterans who speak out about VAC's mishandling of their files.
The veterans ombudsman investigation is clear. A day after the former minister dragged Mr. Bruyea over the coals for his criticism of the department, his son's child care support was revoked. Mr. Bruyea has called VAC's decision both vengeful and retaliatory.
Given the timing, it is clear this was a political decision. I do not want the member to say to me that this is an issue with the public service. It is not an error or misinterpretation by the hard-working public servants; it is an egregious retribution on this Canadian veteran. However, as I have elaborated in my speech, Mr. Bruyea's case is just the tip of the iceberg.
Why does the government choose to attack veterans who disagree with it? After serving our country abroad, veterans are returning home only to live in fear for expressing their concerns: loss of service, harassment and red flagging of their files. Why are the government and Veterans Affairs contributing to veterans' sanctuary trauma?