Veterans Affairs committee  I'm going to just answer that briefly, but then I'm going to ask Pierre to answer it also. There are two separate ministries, and they're not the same. We feel it would definitely require a separate ombudsman. The DND ombudsman right now has a full plate, and he has different issues that he's working with.

Veterans Affairs committee  We're well aware of changing lifestyles. The needs of the young serving member being discharged today are not the same as those of the veterans of World War II or Korea. Those needs are different and their lifestyles are different. It is a major concern of ours. It's a documented fact that our membership is dropping.

Veterans Affairs committee  It'll go to the grassroots. It is our official stand that, yes, we support an ombudsman, but we would like to have input before the final documentation is completed. As well, I'm sure the other veterans organizations would also like to see it before the ink is dry.

Veterans Affairs committee  Certainly that works easily through our service bureau network, through the organization of the Royal Canadian Legion. It's a bottom-up organization, where if there are issues at the grassroots level and somebody wants to press the right buttons, they can get to me within a matter of weeks with issues that I can bring forward.

Veterans Affairs committee  We've discussed it with the provincial presidents extensively. We've asked for their input. At this time, we have a consensus that we agree with having an ombudsman. It's just a matter of what the model will be. If we had an advisory council that could take those issues and speak directly to the ombudsman, it would probably work even better.

Veterans Affairs committee  It's certainly possible. It's on our website.

Veterans Affairs committee  There's definitely a role in long-term care. We have problems today, for example, with the wait list. We've had veterans' dependants who have had extreme difficulty getting information from the hospital or doctors regarding their loved one's well-being or in fact their demise.

Veterans Affairs committee  Well, I guess we're listening. I think the veterans' responsibility is to the country. As a serving member, basically his responsibility ended when he was discharged, and certainly after he was discharged, he has those specific rights. Now, if you're asking if he misrepresents himself, then...we have that happening every day...and I'm not saying it would never happen.

Veterans Affairs committee  I don't think that's a fair statement. They're closely tied to each other, but you could have an ombudsman...whether it would work as well without a bill of rights. Ideally you should have both.

Veterans Affairs committee  The charter should describe what the individual veteran's rights are, especially as to due process. It should guarantee this, and the charter should be short but specific. It should be capable of being monitored; somebody should be able to come in and specifically say, well, you failed in your obligations to this charter, or do an audit and say, you've done everything encompassed within this charter.

Veterans Affairs committee  It's our belief—and I've worked in private industry for a long time as well—that the ombudsman's role is to protect. But he brings forward injustices that are occurring, such as in your bank. The bank manager knows that suddenly he has to take a second sober look and say, gee, this guy is right, and not only is he telling me, he's probably telling my boss, so maybe I'd better get in line and get back on the wagon here.

Veterans Affairs committee  I'm going to give Mr. Allard the opportunity. He has the short version.

Veterans Affairs committee  Actually, I could go on for quite a long time.

Veterans Affairs committee  We believe they're inclusive. If I could just digress for a moment, I'm not answering your question 100% to your satisfaction, but I'm a firm believer that there should be a bill of rights for seniors in this country, just as there should be a bill of rights for the veterans.

Veterans Affairs committee  We've examined some of Australia's policies. In fact, Pierre, I'm quite sure, is well up to speed on them. They have some very good stuff that we're looking at, and possibly we would like to come back and discuss putting amendments forward to our present-day charter that has just been issued.