Veterans Affairs committee  Especially when I'm on the ground visiting these clinics, we do take the time to talk to the patients. For the most part, what I hear is that once they're in the fold, the service is great. They're taken care of. They're not only talking about their immediate needs, but people are also starting to talk about their future needs.

Veterans Affairs committee  If we look at what we're asking Veterans Affairs Canada to do, which is to provide services and benefits based on the impact on the quality of life of our releasing members, they could be anywhere. I think sometimes a sense of urgency may get lost because of distance. With the technology we have, the abilities we have, the DM being here in Ottawa, I think it can work, but it goes back to the conversation we've been having at the base of this: it can work, but we're going to have to change the model somewhat.

Veterans Affairs committee  In my opinion—I know there would be a small uptake of resources—first and foremost, attribution of service should be determined by the Canadian Armed Forces. It is absolutely critical. If we did that, I would put my reputation on the line that we could cut four to six weeks from the 16 weeks up front.

Veterans Affairs committee  If it happened while they were in service, then I think there is a correlation, yes.

Veterans Affairs committee  That is my hope. I have no evidence to support that one way or another. I do know there has been activity in the centre. They've gotten a few hundred calls or engagements. There have been some charges laid. It may not be the model I would like to see, but I believe it is bringing light to the issue.

Veterans Affairs committee  We have just recently asked for and received their procedures. We're doing a thorough review of those now to see what they have included inside of that team. Once I've done that review, madam, I'd be in a better position to answer that question, but we are in the process of doing that as we speak.

Veterans Affairs committee  I think there are two issues. One, I think, would be probably an uptick in resource requirement through the Surgeon General, but I believe any money invested there will be more than gained on the other end. It comes down to whether there is leadership and desire. If there is a desire to fix something and you put the right leadership to it, it will get done.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, in my opinion.

Veterans Affairs committee  I think there are many things we can do. I'm going to go back and keep beating my drum to ensure that the releasing member has everything he or she needs for quality of life. This means the basics, enough money for food, heat, and light, and a place to live. It's the basics. Get those in place first.

Veterans Affairs committee  We haven't been consulted, but I think a lot of things are going on. I don't know if we have a coherent approach yet. I know the Chief of the Defence Staff and the senior cadre of the Canadian Armed Forces are talking about this at every opportunity they get. It's in every newsletter that's released.

Veterans Affairs committee  This office was created in 1998 coming out of Somalia, and if anyone knows the history about Somalia and the issues that arose there, we can say that sexual assault and harassment and conduct unbecoming were some of the catalysts that caused this office to be created. I wasn't around when they created the office, so I'm not quite sure what authorities were given or were not given to the ombudsman at that point in time, but we have handled and continue to handle sexual assault and sexual harassment complaints at our office.

Veterans Affairs committee  When we do our outreach—our “stakeholder engagements”, as we call them—funnily enough, a lot of the questions come back to Veterans Affairs Canada and benefits and services. Thankfully, I've had the opportunity to work there, so we can have a little more detailed conversation.

Veterans Affairs committee  Prevention and reduction of this issue means a multi-pronged approach. I'm stuck on having a solid platform ready for the releasing member, and that's financial services, benefits, and those things that are essential to life. I think that's number one. Number two, we need to start talking again about awareness and opportunity.

Veterans Affairs committee  One of the things you'll find, especially in those suffering from operational stress injuries, is that when you take them out of the unit or a very tight construct where there's a very clear chain of command and put them into an environment that's a little looser, it probably doesn't help them.

Veterans Affairs committee  When I was deputy ombudsman at Veterans Affairs Canada, we did a review on an ID card for veterans. I was absolutely staggered by the amount of emotion and sentiment that was wrapped around that type of identification. I think you become a veteran the day you enlist. We're at a point in time, I think, when I wonder why we have multiple cards.