Parm Gill

[Committees of the House, November 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I would like to point out that our government has a strong record when it comes to investing and providing benefits and services for Canada's veterans, because we appreciate the sacrifices they and their families have made, and the men and women in uniform continue to make. We have invested $4.7 billion, as I pointed out in my remarks, in additional funding because we believe veterans deserve those benefits and those services.

With regard to the office closures, we have to understand that most of these offices were used very little. Some of them had possibly two or three people show up throughout a day. The six centre points of service in Service Canada locations now provide assistance throughout the country.

For example, the riding I represent in Brampton did not have a district office. Veterans in many cities, neighbourhoods and regions had no district office. Where did they go before? They did not drive to a district office closest to them. They called Veterans Affairs Canada whereas now they have access to a Service Canada location where they can go and receive the necessary service.

[Committees of the House, November 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to have an opportunity to stand in this House and deliver my remarks.

Before I deliver my remarks on this particular motion, I want to say that it is a very significant day today in the Sikh community. It is the birthday of one of our gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I want to take this opportunity to offer best wishes to every single Sikh around the world who is celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and some of his teachings. The first one is to always remember God throughout the day. The second one is to earn a livelihood through hard work and honest means, and the third one is to selflessly serve and share with others, especially the ones who are less fortunate than oneself.

Obviously, I belong to the Sikh religion. I am a proud Sikh, and once again, I want to offer best wishes to every single Sikh around the world who is celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

As I mentioned, I appreciate the opportunity to join in this important debate today. One of the great honours in my life, as I mentioned, is the opportunity to rise in this House and provide my input in the heart of this country's democracy. In so many ways, this place represents what generations of courageous Canadians have served to defend.

I am also extremely proud to be part of a government that has demonstrated, at every turn, its deepest and most profound commitment to the men and women and families who have served our country and who continue to do so today.

I am also proud to have served on the veterans affairs committee and to have played a role in this remarkable, unanimous committee report that was put forward by the committee. Members from all different parties played an important role. Few committees are able to arrive at a unanimous recommendation or unanimous report. The bipartisan nature of this committee is a remarkable demonstration of respect for our veterans. I encourage all members to check their politics at the door when dealing with this issue. Our veterans deserve far better. As our committee led the way in a bipartisan manner, I encourage everyone here to follow suit.

I have said this a number of times, but it is worth repeating. I have had the distinct honour and privilege of meeting and working alongside many remarkable Canadian veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Each time, I have been impressed by the passion and honour with which they have worn our nation's uniform.

I am proud of every opportunity I get to pay tribute to their extraordinary service and sacrifice, because I have seen for myself some of the things they have done for our country. I have seen how dedicated, professional, and courageous our Canadian men and women have been in defending our great country and the values we all hold dear.

Sadly, I have also seen the devastating impact their service can have on them and their loved ones. I am painfully aware of how their lives, and the lives of their families, can be forever changed in a heartbeat. In these tragic instances, I have been humbled and inspired by their commitment and determination to rise above the challenges they face. They are truly Canadian heroes.

Our government is equally committed to our mission to provide exemplary service to Canadian veterans and their families.

Our government believes that legislation related to veterans programming should be clear and consistent with respect to our commitment to these brave men and women and their families. We want to ensure that we provide the best support possible, the best care, and the best programs for those who have been injured in service to Canada. That is why we believe that the most seriously injured veterans, whether they are regular force members or reservists, should receive the monthly financial benefits they need to support them and their families. That is why we believe that injured veterans should only leave the military when rehabilitation professionals have been identified to support them in civilian life and when they have medically stabilized from their injuries.

We believe that families of veterans with operational stress injuries should receive caregiver training and that more psychological support should be provided. We believe that veterans and their families deserve less red tape as they are making the transition between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.

Those are just some of the fundamental principles that guide our government in everything we do to enhance the veterans benefits, services, and programs we provide.

As all members of the House know, one of the first decisions made by the Minister of Veterans Affairs last year was to ask for a comprehensive parliamentary review of the new veterans charter. The new veterans charter, which was passed unanimously by Parliament in 2005, is a modern approach to ensuring that veterans and their families have the support they need, when they need it.

As part of this comprehensive review, the minister specifically asked the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs to study, number one, how Canada cares for its most seriously injured veterans; number two, how it supports their families; and number three, how the department delivers its programs. The minister later asked the committee to expand its mandate and to recommend the best way for Canada, as a nation, to express its commitment to current and future veterans. The members of the parliamentary committee accepted their mission with great enthusiasm. One of the first conclusions they reached was that the new veterans charter is providing a sound foundation upon which to support those who have served our country, both at home and abroad.

For the record, I want to again read what was written in the introduction of the report entitled, “The New Veterans Charter: Moving Forward”. It states:

The Committee members unanimously agree that the principles of the NVC should be upheld and that these principles foster an approach that is well suited to today’s veterans.

Our commitment echoed the findings of a similar report from the other chamber last year, when members of the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs also concluded that the new veterans charter is serving the majority of Canadian Armed Forces personnel and veterans well.

Quite frankly, I believe that these two reports have laid to rest any debate about turning back the clock. The new veterans charter was and remains the right approach for serving and supporting Canada's veterans. That is not to say that it is perfect or that it cannot be improved. Of course it can.

As the Prime Minister said when we implemented the new veterans charter in April of 2006, and as previous ministers in this portfolio have also repeated over the years, we consider the new veterans charter a living document. It is meant to evolve with the complex and diverse needs of those who serve.

The Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs developed a series of unanimous recommendations on how we can continue to enhance the new veterans charter. The government's response was a sincere effort to move the yardstick forward. Our report offers a common path forward. As the House is aware, our government has tabled its formal response to that report. It was clear and unequivocal in its response, which I will repeat here. It stated:

We will indeed move forward immediately with several initiatives as we continue to improve veterans benefits and services while consultations are undertaken with the Veterans Ombudsman and veterans stakeholders on the more complex proposals.

Let there be no mistake. We are saying that we agree with the spirit and intent of the vast majority of the committee's recommendations.

Our formal response also outlines our plan to address those recommendations through a phased approach. Our government understands and accepts that we have no greater responsibility than to care for and support our injured Canadian veterans and serving members and their families. That is why we will leave no stone unturned as we continue to find innovative new ways to build upon the almost $4.7 billion in additional funding we have already invested in veterans programming since 2006. We will move forward immediately with improvements to help veterans and their families and to improve the continuum of care for those military members who are making the transition to civilian life.

The transition is tough for anyone. That is why we are going to make changes to make the transition smoother for injured veterans and their family members. We will also change our way of doing business to ensure that those who are medically released can be assigned a VAC case manager and assisted earlier in the process by someone from Veterans Affairs. We are determined to reduce the uncertainty in the transition process. In the first phase of our plan, we are determined to help veterans and their families focus on themselves, their well-being, and their quality of life.

The second part of our plan consists of closely examining the more complex recommendations of the committee that require further work and consultation. Throughout this phased approach, we will strive to update this House, veterans, and all Canadians on how the implementation is going.

We are building on a record and the investments we have made to date. Our government is committed to making the ongoing improvements that are needed. While we have made substantial investments in veterans programming since 2006, we agree that more can and must be done. Our government's formal response to the veterans affairs committee's report is by no means a final destination. It is the continuation of a steadfast and ongoing effort. That is why I expect that we will have more good news and more significant improvements to announce in the coming weeks and months. We will keep moving forward and taking positive steps to improve what we do for veterans and their families.

We are on the right track. We have taken further steps in the right direction. For this, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs for their important and invaluable contributions. I also want to thank all those who participated in the parliamentary review: the many members of our veterans committee, their families, the ombudsman, the various veterans organizations and the individual Canadians who wanted to voice their gratitude and support for our men and women in uniform, both past and present.

Together we have moved the yardsticks forward. Together we will keep delivering for the men, women and families who have earned their place among our nation's truest heroes. They deserve our unending gratitude and our unwavering support, and they will always have it.

[1984 Anti-Sikh Attacks, November 5th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic massacre of Sikhs in India in 1984.

Thousands of Sikh men, women and children were tortured and brutally murdered in New Delhi and other parts of India. This massacre of Sikhs was a deliberate and calculated act by the perpetrators responsible.

In 2009, the New Delhi high court proclaimed:

Even though we boast of being the world's largest democracy...the sheer mention of the incidents of 1984 anti-Sikh riots in general and the role played by Delhi Police and state machinery in particular makes our heads hang in shame...

These were not just fundamental human rights issues. Sikhs around the world call for answers for this senseless killing and justice for the victims of this tragedy.

I call on all members of this House to join me in condemning this atrocity and remembering the victims of 1984.

[Expression of Thanks, October 31st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is not very often we get an opportunity to thank people who work extremely hard to support us in our roles as members of Parliament and help serve our constituents, under extremely stressful situations at times.

First I want to thank my staff here in Ottawa, Patrick, Graham, and Phil, and also in the Brampton office, led by Ninder Thind, Jasleen, Jessica, Mandeep, Evan, Sarah, and Tanya.

I also want to thank my family: my wife, of course, Amarpal; my daughter Parmeet; my two sons, Damanjit and Ramanjit; my brothers, Manjeet and Ranjit, and sisters-in-law Rasbinder and Dolly; my sister Karamjit; and brother-in-law Kamaljit, and all of my nephews and nieces. I have an amazing family.

Most importantly, I want to thank my mother. Her love and the tremendous sacrifices she has made over the years allowed me the opportunity to serve my amazing constituents. It is truly an honour.

[National War Memorial, October 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our National War Memorial looks a little different today. Yes, it still has that remarkable statue of Canada's First World War veterans, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remains stronger than ever. Today the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is blanketed with hundreds of poppies of remembrance, each left by one Canadian or another who has come to the memorial to pay his or her respects. More touching is the wall of flowers, flags, and letters Canadians have set beside the members of our armed forces, who resumed their sentry posts late last week.

However, colleagues, the most remarkable difference at the National War Memorial is the hundreds of Canadians who are still out there, showing their bravery, solidarity, and respect.

Yet again, Canada's proud traditions have been strengthened by the sacrifice of our veterans. This is something we shall never forget.

[Canadian Solidarity, October 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was Diwali and Bandi Chhorh Divas, a day normally reserved for celebration by the South Asian community. Instead of celebration, we have seen an outpouring of grief and support from members of the South Asian community.

In an act of solidarity led by the Ontario Gurdwara Committee, the Guru Nanak Mission Centre and the Sikh Spiritual Centre Toronto held off their fireworks and celebrations.

Members from across Canada, but especially in my hometown of Brampton, have reached out with a clear and consistent message: the community stands shoulder to shoulder with Canadians and our government as we refuse to be intimidated.

Together we will fight against terrorism here at home and abroad.

Most importantly, we stand with the families of Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo during this very difficult time.

[Veterans Affairs, October 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we have a strong record when it comes to helping Canada's veterans. Let me just highlight some of our government's record.

We have invested almost $30 billion since taking office. That is almost $5 billion in new funds, more than what the Liberals would have invested. A veteran who is injured and in rehabilitation receives a minimum of $3,500 in financial benefits each month. The most seriously injured veterans can receive upwards of $6,000, $7,000, or $8,000 a month in financial support.

[Veterans Affairs, October 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage the hon. member opposite first to get his facts right. I would encourage him to read the government response to the committee report. I would encourage him to maybe take a closer look at the new veterans charter.

Since taking office, our government has invested almost $30 billion to provide benefits and services for Canada's veterans, unlike the Liberals. Under their government, Canada's brave men and women, including veterans, basically suffered a decade of darkness. That was not under this government.

[Veterans Affairs, October 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our government is taking action. It has a strong record when it comes to providing benefits and services for Canada's veterans.

Let me read another quote from Tom Eagles, dominion president of the Royal Canadian Legion. He said, “we appreciate that these issues are complex and require considerable time, effort and financial resources to implement”.

I would encourage the member opposite to stop playing political games when it comes to Canada's veterans, get on board with the government and support us if he really cares about them.

[Veterans Affairs, October 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage that member to get his facts in order.

Let me just read a quote from Tim Laidler, who is an Afghanistan war veteran and executive director of the Veterans Transition Network. He said, “It is a step in the right direction.... Veterans...need the changes [the minister] is bringing in”.