QUESTION PERIOD — Veterans Affairs
Settlement of Claims
May 18, 2022
Honourable senators, my next question is, again, for the government leader, and it’s a follow-up to a question I asked last year about Sean Bruyea, a veteran who was personally attacked in The Hill Times newspaper in a column by Minister Seamus O’Regan. I asked this last year, leader. I hope you have an answer by now.
In January 2020, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman recommended engaging a mediator to work toward improving the relationship and communication between Veterans Affairs Canada and this particular veteran. Seventeen months ago, Minister MacAulay responded positively to this recommendation. However, I was recently informed that departmental officials are still stonewalling this recommendation.
Leader, I asked you about this case last June and have received no response, neither written nor otherwise. Can your government confirm that mediation is still not in place? I hope it will be a yes or no answer. If so, what possible reason is behind the delay?
Thank you for your question. I know I didn’t have the answer when you asked me the question, and I’m sorry to hear that you did not receive a written response during this period of time. Had I known, honourable colleague, I would have made inquiries in the hope I could get you an answer in a timely fashion. Regrettably, only being made aware of it now, I will have to make inquiries as I do not have the information at hand.
I asked you this question last June. Let me assure you that the week after we come back from the break, I will ask you this question again. I hope I will have a direct answer then. I’m now giving you notice.
Leader, Veterans Affairs cancelled the reimbursement of child care expenses for Mr. Bruyea’s young son after his criticism of Minister O’Regan was published in The Hill Times newspaper. The Veterans Ombudsman expressed her concern in a report two years ago that the department had not been fair to this veteran. The report detailed how Mr. Bruyea didn’t appear to trust Veterans Affairs and felt this action toward him was retaliatory.
Your government agreed to mediation. I’m told it is still not in place well over a year later. How does such a long delay build trust between a veteran and the department? How can that promise of mediation be viewed as sincere, Senator Gold?
Thank you for raising this in the chamber. Again, I regret I was not made aware that you had not received a response. I will certainly add your concerns to the inquiries that I will make now that I’m on notice.