Past Session:

Proceedings of the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs

Issue 4 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Wednesday, September 30, 2009
(7)

[English]

The Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day, in camera, at 12:13 p.m., in room 172-E, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Michael A. Meighen, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Dallaire, Meighen, Moore and Wallin (4).

In attendance: Jim Cox, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday April 29, 2009 and delegated on Wednesday May 6, 2009 by the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, the subcommittee continued its study on the services and benefits provided to veterans, members of the Canadian Forces, the RCMP and its antecedents; and all of their families.

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered its draft agenda.

It was agreed to alow staff to remain in the room.

At 1:13 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 7, 2009
(8)

[English]

The Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day at 12:09 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Michael A. Meighen, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Kenny, Meighen and Wallin (5).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Dallaire (1).

In attendance: Jim Cox, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament; Major- General (ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Saint-Yves, DND Liaison Officer.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

Royal Canadian Legion:

Pierre Allard, Service Bureau Director.

Veterans Affairs Canada:

Colonel (Ret'd) Patrick Stogran, Veterans Ombudsman.

The chair made opening remarks.

Mr. Allard made a statement.

It was agreed to circulate Mr. Allard's supplementary document even though it was submitted in one language only and the clerk was instructed to distribute a translated version as soon as possible.

Colonel (Ret'd) Stogran made a statement and, together with Mr. Allard, answered questions.

At 1:24 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 21, 2009
(9)

[English]

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Downe, Meighen and Wallin (5).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Dallaire (1).

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

National Defence:

Colonel Gérard J. Blais, Director, Casualty Support Management;

Brigadier-General (Ret'd) D. E. Martin, Director General, Personnel and Family Support Services.

Veterans Affairs Canada:

Keith Hillier, Assistant Deputy Minister, Service Delivery and Commemoration;

Ken Miller, Director, Policy.

The chair made opening remarks.

It was agreed that the following document be filed as an exhibit with the clerk of the committee:

Correspondence between the Honourable Senator Banks dated June 26, 2009 and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veteran's Affairs dated October 16, 2009.
(Exhibit #6050-2.40/V1-SS-1-7, 4, "1'')

It was agreed that the letter be translated and then circulated to all members of the subcommittee.

Mr. Hillier, Brigadier-General Martin and Colonel Blais each made a statement and, together with Mr. Miller, answered questions.

At 1:21 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Subcommittee