Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): 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?