Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the question. Right now, as part of our 10-year strategic plan, this is a blueprint for future commemorative programming. One key element of this plan is creative approaches to engage all Canadians including youth, new Canadians and indigenous peoples.

Veterans Affairs committee  The safety and health and well-being of our veterans is the priority. As I mentioned during my remarks, we've been providing updates to our veterans organizations and stakeholders, and they're very saddened to see the disrespect that has occurred. These monuments are public spaces.

Veterans Affairs committee  In terms of veterans, we represent or have about 190,000 veterans who are clients out of over 600,000 in the country. Those who engage with Veterans Affairs Canada are seeking support in benefits and services. In terms of those who have contacted us, we're working with them to ensure that they are getting the support they need.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. Thank you for the question. As the member referred to, in Charlottetown on Saturday, there was a convoy, as there were in other parts of the country. It started on John Yeo Drive in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and then continued to move down University Avenue, which turns into Great George Street.

Veterans Affairs committee  Over the past number of weeks, we've been working closely with our colleagues, public servants at Procurement Canada and the National Capital Commission, who have kept us up to date on the situation in Ottawa and how that has been evolving. As a stakeholder, we have been working with them, and we are grateful for that partnership.

Veterans Affairs committee  Sure. It's important to know that there are approximately 600,000 veterans throughout Canada, and around 190,000 of them are clients of Veterans Affairs Canada. Our goal and our role is to ensure that we are providing the benefits and services to meet their needs. We know that the events over the past number of weeks have been challenging for Canadians, for veterans and for those who are serving.

Veterans Affairs committee  The mandate of Veterans Affairs Canada is to keep the memory alive of the achievements and sacrifices of all those who served Canadians in times of war, military conflict and peace. We do not have any role in law enforcement or anything of the sort. We're very focused on providing benefits and services to veterans and their families in the interest of their well-being and, as I noted, to commemorate those sacrifices and achievements.

Veterans Affairs committee  Monuments and cenotaphs recognize the commitment and sacrifices of Canadians who have served. They are a public space to remember the selfless duty of Canadians who have bravely put their lives on the line in the defence of peace and freedom. These monuments and cenotaphs also give future generations an opportunity to learn and remember.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you. These monuments and several others located in the national capital region are visible records of our identity as a nation. The National Capital Commission plays an important role in protecting these cultural assets, and managing them as part of Canada's legacy. Public Services and Procurement Canada, or PSPC, acts as the custodian and maintains the National War Memorial site, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

Veterans Affairs committee  Good evening, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for inviting me to join you today. I would like to begin by acknowledging that the land I speak to you from is the traditional and unceded territory of the Abegweit Mi'kmaq first nation. I also want to take a moment to recognize that today is National Flag of Canada Day, a day to reflect on what the flag means to each of us.