Mr. Chair, on another note, according to a Postmedia News report today, the government is delaying its procurement of the Arctic patrol ships that were to be delivered in 2015. Can the minister tell us when he plans to take delivery of these ships?
House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2015, with 42% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, on another note, according to a Postmedia News report today, the government is delaying its procurement of the Arctic patrol ships that were to be delivered in 2015. Can the minister tell us when he plans to take delivery of these ships?
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, I have a question for the Minister of National Defence.
In 2008, the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimated that the mission in Afghanistan would cost roughly $18.5 billion by 2011. I would like to know what the government's estimate is of the total cost of the mission to date.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, the post living differential is an allowance that people receive when they are posted to locations where the cost of living is much higher. It helps them to compensate.
As a result of the rumours that are circulating, many military spouses have written to me because they are concerned that they will lose this allowance. The loss of this allowance would greatly affect their quality of life and could compromise their family's situation.
These people want to know whether or not this allowance is going to be cut. It is very important to give them a clear answer so that they can plan their lives and so that they do not have to wait until the last minute to know whether they will be receiving this money.
I would like a response from the minister.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, if possible, I would like to ask the minister a few questions about the post living differential.
Internally, some members of the Canadian Forces clearly heard talk of major cuts to the post living differential. Some were told by their superiors to start learning to live without this allowance right away.
Can the minister confirm whether or not the post living differential is going to be abolished?
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, I would like to know if, in recent years, some of these positions have been eliminated and if some of them are being cut at this time. I await the minister's response.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, it seems as though the minister's answers are longer than my questions, but I will continue nonetheless.
How many health care professionals and staff of the section doing research into the mental health of deployed soldiers are currently working on suicide prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress?
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Mr. Chair, I would like to ask a few specific questions about suicide among the soldiers of the armed forces.
In 2011, 19 regular force members committed suicide. In 2010, only 12 did. The 2011 figure is the highest number of suicides committed by regular forces soldiers since 1995. The suicide rate rose 63% from 2010 to 2011. That is quite disturbing. I would like to know how the minister can explain the parliamentary secretary's comments to the effect that the suicide rate has not increased.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, I would like to know why the minister is talking about investments in our soldiers' health. Many of them are still waiting up to four months to see a psychologist.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, I gave the minister four opportunities to give me a clear answer. I have still not received an answer, and I am very disappointed. I do not think it is too complicated to say whether or not epidemiologist positions will be cut.
I will change the subject. During a recent press conference, General Natynczyk said that he would call on volunteers to serve in remote regions instead of salaried professionals.
Does the minister think that volunteers can provide adequate services to soldiers and veterans in remote regions?
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, again, I did not get a clear answer and I would like to have one concerning the fate of the epidemiologists. Will any positions be cut? If so, what does the minister intend to do? I am simply looking for a clear answer. I think there are enough people around the table to help him give a clear answer about the epidemiologists so that we can move on to something else.