Karen McCrimmon

[Veterans Affairs, October 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to let the members of the House know that just this morning at the veterans stakeholders' meeting, the stakeholders were briefed about the options available for an Afghanistan monument. The discussions are under way, and we will move forward as quickly as possible.

[Veterans Affairs, October 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the ministers offered him an opportunity to testify before committee. That has been negotiated with the committee involved, and it will happen in the near future.

[Veterans Affairs, October 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, those ministers met with Mr. Lalancette in good faith, and they offered him the opportunity to testify before committee as a witness. That is what he has been offered and he agreed to that.

Now there are issues that require extra work and extra diligence, and the department is involved—

[Veterans Affairs, October 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we take the health of members of the Canadian Forces and veterans very seriously. This is at the top of our list.

I cannot comment on specific cases. The member will understand that is the case. However, we do have a range of programs that are in place, and I would encourage any soldiers who feel they need that program or support from Veteran Affairs to reach out.

[Veterans Affairs, September 23rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I know the hon. member cares a great deal about veterans and only wants the best for them.

The issue around mefloquine has been discussed over the years. We know inside Veterans Affairs, National Defence, and Health Canada that we need to work together to address the issue.

We cannot comment on specific cases, but we now have a working group established that will work together on this issue and make sure that it is properly addressed.

[Carp Fair, September 22nd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to invite all my colleagues and all Canadians to the best little fair in Canada, which begins in the small town of Carp in my riding.

The Carp Fair, now in its 153rd year, celebrates agricultural excellence and is a great source of pride for the people of Kanata—Carleton. There will be animals, rides, games, terrific live music, and for those who like to eat, there will be an opportunity to thank a farmer.

I would especially like to thank general manager Joyce Trafford, who will be overseeing her last fair. She is to be congratulated for her 27 years as the general manager of the Carp Fair. I would also like to congratulate presidents Ron Bidgood and Tracey Zoobkoff, and the entire leadership and volunteer team for all their hard work.

I hope members accept my invitation. I look forward to seeing them in Carp.

[Veterans Affairs, June 17th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, not only do I want to thank the member for Cumberland—Colchester and all Nova Scotia MPs, I also want to thank all members of this House for their concern and advocacy for veterans.

I can confirm that Veterans Affairs works with all veterans, including allied veterans, to ensure they get the long-term care they need.

Veterans Affairs supports 6,000 veterans in 1,500 facilities right across the country, and we will continue to ensure all veterans get the care they need, regardless of where they live.

[Veterans Affairs, June 17th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his concern for veterans. This government made a significant commitment to veterans, and that commitment will be fulfilled. We have heard loud and clear from veterans that caring for veterans, including their families, whose service has left them ill or injured, should be our first priority.

We know that rebuilding relationships, rebuilding supports and service takes effort and commitment, and we will continue to invest the—

[National Defence, June 17th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, our government is committed to actively contributing to greater security and peace throughout the world.

NATO is Canada's key collective defence alliance and we take our commitment to our NATO allies very seriously. NATO allies have now agreed to increase the alliance presence in the Baltic states and in Poland to face the changed security environment in Europe. As a committed NATO ally, Canada is actively considering options to effectively contribute to this effort.

[Veterans Affairs, June 13th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians gave us a strong mandate to repair the relationship with veterans, with one of the focuses being on financial security for veterans, especially for ill and injured veterans. That is what we are working on. That work will include the development of a lifelong pension.

Veterans told us to get it right, and that is what we are doing. We are making progress on that mandate, and we will be delivering in short order.