Veterans Affairs committee  Hi, Darrell. It's good to see you again.

Veterans Affairs committee  There are the same concerns. I don't like what I'm hearing when people say this is a new model. VAC has been outsourcing. They're not a service provider; they've always done this. We work with hundreds and hundreds of health care providers who service the population who refer to us in this case.

Veterans Affairs committee  It absolutely has the chance to be. I'm not looking at the provider and saying that that's going to be the case, because I know they're in health care and want to streamline access to care, no doubt, but the proof is in the pudding. All I'm trying to say is that the way that VAC has been doing business is not a new way.

Veterans Affairs committee  I just don't want to lose.... I want to support what Carolyn is saying, because I'm with her. We stand there together. I don't know if this is the forum for offering some input, so please let me know if I am able to do that. My point was more around the fact.... Let's not worry so much about who was consulted, or how we were consulted, because it's clear we were not consulted.

Veterans Affairs committee  I'm bilingual by half, Luc. I need some help. What's the translation of everything you just said? Can someone help? I can't hear the translation, Mr. Chair.

Veterans Affairs committee  Okay.

Veterans Affairs committee  You hit the nail on the head, Mr. Richards. The word is training. How do we expect or anticipate civilians, who are the majority of the case managers, to support the ill and injured population if they're not trained in cultural competency just generally with the occupation and the unique needs of this population?

Veterans Affairs committee  This is the situation that followed MAID, the tragic story around MAID and the story that continues. We received phone calls and outreach from the department on their behalf and responded in kind. We are obviously a provider, a partner of the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada as a service provider to the population.

Veterans Affairs committee  As I've said all along, from when the story broke, frankly, that we obviously have to be very careful and watchful of two things. One is that no veteran and their family experiences this ever again. Second is that for the veterans who become aware of it, they must always feel comfortable to reach out for the help they're entitled to receive.

Veterans Affairs committee  No.

Veterans Affairs committee  No.

Veterans Affairs committee  Good afternoon. Thank you for the time. Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider that supports approximately 3,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, first responders and their families every year. Our specialty is group-based, residentially facilitated group counselling that supports our members and our clients in their healing journey on their path, mainly when it comes to veterans and their transition to civilian life.

Veterans Affairs committee  If ever there's a time to get this done and move on things, it's now. The pressures of this COVID pandemic on individuals who have lost access to a lot of things and tools they have sought to use to look after and care for themselves—the downward pressure upon families—is at a level we've never seen before, certainly through what we see here every day and in the Legion, etc.

Veterans Affairs committee  Sure.

Veterans Affairs committee  Correct.