Veterans Affairs committee  We're a pretty new organization; we don't have an official membership yet. We work with about 200 veterans currently, mostly through informal Facebook groups that are private.

Veterans Affairs committee  It needs to start before the veterans are leaving service. There needs to be a phase from serving into Veterans Affairs. There needs to be a bridge between the two that would be beneficial. Particularly if the veteran is leaving for a medical discharge of some sort, it's critical that they get into VAC as soon as possible and that it's as easy as possible for them to receive those services.

Veterans Affairs committee  Again, with the traumatic experience of LGBT purge survivors specifically and then going to VAC and having to go to get paperwork filled out, going through the process, often doing this alone can be very daunting and, as Oliver pointed out, people do just disengage. They walk away.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. I gave the example of the chaplains. There are people being released now who are experiencing post-traumatic stress because of dealing with chaplains within the military. That is an ongoing issue. There are other examples. It is very difficult within the military environment to be an openly gay, lesbian, trans or bi person and to be accepted by everyone.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, we have been working with Veterans Affairs Canada to do some training. We did a virtual training exercise just recently—I believe it was earlier this year—with a few hundred staff from across the country. As people come on board to Veterans Affairs Canada, there should be minimum training.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, absolutely. Thank you. Very easily there could be an identifier on the website that says it is a safe space for 2SLGBQ+ veterans. It would be very easy to have a little button, but there also needs to be inclusion throughout the website. We've seen an increase on the VAC website.

Veterans Affairs committee  Sorry, is that for me?

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you. I don't know the experience of women in the armed forces. I don't think that I can say whether or not one has been more or less harmed. I do know that a high number of LGBT purge survivors went through the class action lawsuit, and a very high number were women. That points to a couple of things.

Veterans Affairs committee  No, sir.

Veterans Affairs committee  Again, it's difficult to put a price amount on the harm that was done to individuals. I think that the amount ended up being some comfort to those who had their lives destroyed, but it certainly cannot erase the years of trauma and anguish that resulted from the LGBT purge. It also does not recognize those who have passed away.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, of course. Thank you. I was in the House that day. It was a very emotional day, and still is. My understanding is that VAC ages out veterans at 65. Once you're 65, the policy is that you can receive benefits through other government services, so VAC services are no longer required.

Veterans Affairs committee  Absolutely. I'll remind you that I was discharged in 1990, so it's been a little while since I've been in military service. Challenges still exist within the Canadian Armed Forces for 2SLGBQ+ people. For example, we have been looking at the chaplain service where we know homophobia still exists.

Veterans Affairs committee  Recently, the experience has been very good. We have had challenges with some individuals, such as the individual I mentioned who's dealing with case managers. We've had challenges with others who are 65 plus, who have been denied services. With some, we've been able to address that.

Veterans Affairs committee  I'm sorry. To clarify, do you mean how their experience changes with VAC before and after service?

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Chair. [Member spoke in Anishinabe and provided the following translation:] I introduced myself as Wabinaquot, my spirit name. I am from the Eagle Clan. My grandmother is from Duck Lake. I am Métis and a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. I am joining you today from the unceded and unsurrendered lands of Wolastoqey in what is known as Menahkwesk, now called the City of Saint John.