February 4, 2008

Source: Hansard

Hon. Albina Guarnieri (Mississauga East-Cooksville, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's latest examination of military health care proves that the government is failing Canadian soldiers returning from Afghanistan. Uncertified health practitioners are not allowed to treat civilians but are allowed to treat soldiers while a shortage of resources has forced many to go outside the military for medical help.

How can the government claim it is standing up for our soldiers when their health care service is breaking down?

Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious question and I thank the hon. member for the notice she gave.

In fact, we have already moved very quickly to implement some of the recommendations of the Auditor General's report. We thank her for that important work. We continue to work with her office to see that the necessary psychological support will be available to officers and to all members of the Canadian Forces.

We recognize that this is a serious matter. We have now a large number of returning veterans. This is something our country will have to come to grips with very quickly. We are taking steps to double the number of spaces and treatment that is going to be available to those veterans.

For Further information contact:
Robert Cline
(905) 566-0009
guarna@parl.gc.ca