Veterans Affairs committee  They are practically non-existent. It is something very rare. As far as we are concerned, we can muddle through, but that will not necessarily be the case for someone who belonged to the 22nd Regiment, which is a French-Canadian regiment. During the entire period of his service, even if it lasted five or ten years, the soldier worked in French, he had no opportunity to learn any English.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, when we are able to get in touch with them. We do not have access to the people in Charlottetown. When we call, someone in Montreal answers us, and then we are transferred somewhere. It is rather like a maze, it is complex. What does someone who is not too familiar with those things do?

Veterans Affairs committee  Even if those people have already received a lump sum payment, there would be some way of coming back to a pension. It would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, more or less in the same way as when an individual receives too much money from the employment insurance system. He goes on receiving his benefits, but a certain amount is clawed back from his cheque.

Veterans Affairs committee  The chair has just said that we did not have much time so I will try to get right to the point. Good afternoon to all committee members. Let me introduce myself. My name is Elphège Renaud and I am 78 years old. I am president of the Quebec branch of the Association du Royal 22e Régiment.