Proceedings of the Subcommittee on
Veterans Affairs

Issue 13 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, March 23, 1999
(23)

[English]

The Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 10:30 a.m. in Room 257, East Block, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Phillips, presiding.

Members of the subcommittee present: The Honourable Senators Cohen, Cools, Johnstone, Phillips and Ruck (5).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Forrestall and Gill (2).

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Grant Purves, Research Officer; Chad Rogers, Adviser.

Pursuant to the Orders of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 18, 1999 and by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology on March 23, 1999, the subcommittee began its examination of Bill-61, An Act to amend the War Veterans Allowance Act, the Pension Act, the Merchant Navy Veteran and Civilian War-related Benefits Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act and the Halifax Relief Commission Pension Continuation Act and to amend certain other Acts in consequence thereof.

WITNESSES:

From Veterans Affairs Canada:

Mr. J. David Nicholson, Deputy Minister;

Mr. Bob Wood, M.P., Parliament Secretary to the minister;

Mr. Richard A. Brunton, Director of Portfolio Legislation, Portfolio Executive Services;

Mr. Alex Robert, Portfolio Quality Services Coordinator, Corporate Planning Division.

Mr. Nicholson read a statement on behalf of Mr. Wood, M.P., who was called to the chamber for an expected vote.

Mr. Wood, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Brunton and Mr. Robert responded to questions.

Senators expressed their appreciation to Senator Phillips, who is retiring, for his contribution on behalf of veterans. In addition, senators expressed their appreciation to Mr. Nicholson, who is also retiring, for his work as "a friend of veterans".

Moved by the Honourable Senator Johnstone that the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs do report Bill C-61 without amendment but include in the report to the Senate a special recommendation that the government make the fair settlement with Merchant Mariners an immediate priority.

After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

At 11:55 a.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Barbara Reynolds

Clerk of the Subcommittee