Veterans Affairs committee  That's probably an advantage, and it has been discussed among clinicians. If you're a veteran here, you are a citizen of Canada, and you have access to health care. I would assume there are many veterans--although we don't know--who are seeking and accessing treatment but are not identified or having their treatment paid for directly by Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Affairs committee  I think there's been sufficient research done on that, and I can probably get you or the committee some comprehensive studies that specifically examine the area of the risk factors for suicide. I'm not aware of specific risk factors for suicide in veterans. They are a distinct group, and I'll probably have to look at that specifically.

Veterans Affairs committee  For that, you could probably contact our clinic and the network of clinics to get the specific number of weeks, but you're probably looking at waiting six to eight weeks to see a specialist like me, and sometimes longer. Because we work within a team, if somebody is at a higher risk, then the wait list is modified.

Veterans Affairs committee  With respect to accessing services, the Government of Ontario came up with a paper. I think it was called “All doors are open” or “No doors are closed”. It has something to do with the analogy that wherever you access service, the answer should not be no, but that we will take you on and help direct you to where you need to go to be able to access service.

Veterans Affairs committee  I'd have to review the exact study you're talking about. I probably have heard the same stats from the Canadian Forces, because they presented recently at the symposium in Kingston. The data they have indicate that the rate of suicide in currently serving members has not changed, meaning that it hasn't gone up with recent deployments, in contrast to what has been presented in the U.S., where the rates of post-deployment suicide were higher.

Veterans Affairs committee  Is it strictly confidential in what way?

Veterans Affairs committee  They will see a therapist. It's for short-term therapy for identifying issues and problems. If it turns out the person will need longer-term treatment, then part of it is to refer them.

Veterans Affairs committee  That's a good question. The veterans have a 1-800 number they can call, and I think it's the same number for—

Veterans Affairs committee  The first part I think you're touching on is the issue of the stigma of mental illness. The observation, especially in the military culture, which is a macho culture, adds another variable to the difficulty in seeking treatment. Part of the culture of the military is to be strong and to help others.

Veterans Affairs committee  Pardon me?

Veterans Affairs committee  A lot of the companies have it, especially people working for the federal government.

Veterans Affairs committee  That's a good question. You'd probably need to ask somebody from Veterans Affairs specifically, a person who administers that program. I would assume it's confidential in the sense that there is usually confidentiality when you see a clinician.

Veterans Affairs committee  I think it may help; however, if they see their family doctor, that would be confidential too. It would be confidential in the same way.

Veterans Affairs committee  I don't know about two to four years. I think it is helpful if you have somebody who is caring and understanding. They may not understand the entire culture of the military, but they are able to screen and know what resources are available. That one person will not necessarily be able to help everybody, but that person would be somebody you're working with who would know what resources are available to you to get treatment.

Veterans Affairs committee  You may have to clarify what you mean by the assessment and treatment.