Speeches

Chair, Senators.

Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today to give an overview of the work of the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO), as well as the challenges that my team and I face and our assessment of upcoming issues.

We are approaching the 100th anniversary of the Pension Act – Canada’s first major legislation for Veterans. It was passed by Parliament in 1919. In the almost 100 years since, although successive governments have tried earnestly to improve Veterans’ benefits and programs, gaps still remain.

Chair, Committee Members.

Thank-you for inviting me to appear before you to discuss the changes proposed for the New Veterans Charter.

Before beginning, I would like to thank you for the role that you have played in the real progress for Veterans and their families that we see before us in Bill C-59.    

Chair and Committee Members.

Thank you for inviting me to appear today to discuss the changes proposed for the New Veterans Charter in Division 17 of Bill C-59. I also want to thank you for the critical role that you have played in the past couple of years that has brought us to this juncture.

Comrades,

Thank you for inviting me to address your 56th Quebec Provincial Command Convention. This is a special honour for me because 2015 marks the 90th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. This is an important occasion for Canadians to thank the Legion for its dedication to the care and support of Canada’s Veterans and their families, and its contribution to our way of life.

Photo Credit: Cpl. Katharine Hodges, CFSTG Imagery, CFB Borden

Good morning Chair and Committee Members.

Thank you for inviting me to appear on the subject of the Continuum of Transition Services.

Mr. Chair, Committee Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today on this very important matter.

The Veterans Hiring Act – Bill C-27 – has the potential to make a significant difference for the financial security and quality of life of Canadian Armed Forces members who are medically released for injuries related to their service by increasing access to hiring opportunities.

Thank you and good morning.

Honoured Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am honoured to be here today, as Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman, to participate in your annual ceremony of remembrance and commemoration.

This year is especially meaningful as we mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.  Here, on the Champ d’honneur national, we have a visual reminder of the sacrifice and the human cost of all military operations.

Mr. Chair, Committee Members, Fellow Panellists, Ladies and Gentleman.

Thank you for inviting me to share with you my thoughts on “balancing the federal budget to ensure fiscal sustainability and economic growth”.

Chair, Committee Members,

Thank you for inviting me to appear before this Committee to share with you my views on Division 1 to Part 6 of Bill C-31 – Payments by Veterans Affairs.  I also wish to take this opportunity to briefly explain why Veterans Affairs Canada needs to take other measures to improve the support provided to injured or ill Veterans and families under the New Veterans Charter.

Thank you and good morning

Ambassador (Lawrence) Cannon,

Ambassador (Denis) Robert,  

Mr. (Denis) Robin (Préfet of the Pas-de-Calais),

Vice-Admiral (Bob) Davidson,

Lieutenant-Colonel (Daniel) Cian,

Honoured Veterans,

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am honoured to be here today, as Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman, to help mark the 97th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge.