THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 29, 2024
(26)
[English]
The Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs met this day at 12:02 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Rebecca Patterson, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Deacon (Ontario), Patterson, Richards and Varone (4).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senator McNair (1).
Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas, analyst, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 10, 2022, the subcommittee continued its study on issues relating to Veterans Affairs, including services and benefits provided, commemorative activities, and the continuing implementation of the Veterans Well-being Act.
TOPIC: Veterans’ homelessness
WITNESSES:
Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada:
Debbie Lowther, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder.
Respect Forum Canada:
LCol. (Ret'd) James Ostler, Director National Programs;
Col. (Ret'd) Gisèle Fontaine, Womens’ Outreach Coordinator.
RCMP Veterans' Association:
Mark Gaillard, Program Coordinator, RCMP Veteran Homelessness Program.
Debbie Lowther, LCol. (Ret'd) James Ostler and Mark Gaillard each made a statement, and together with Col. (Ret'd) Gisèle Fontaine, answered questions.
At 12:55 p.m., the subcommittee suspended.
At 12:59 p.m., the subcommittee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).
At 1:12 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ericka Dupont
Clerk of the Subcommittee