Question to the President of the Treasury Board - Military Families

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, our nation has always been proud of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Historically the spouses of those who sacrificed their lives in both world wars as well as Korea were given priority placement in the public service. Can the President of the Treasury Board tell the House how we have updated this practice?

    Hon. Vic Toews (President of the Treasury Board, CPC): Mr. Speaker, military families have always been a priority for our government. That is why I am pleased to tell the House that the Public Service Commission has been working with government departments on some important changes to help military families. These proposed regulations will give priority for externally advertised public service positions to surviving spouses or common-law partners of persons employed in the public service, members of the Canadian Forces and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Any form of assistance that helps these families deal with injury and loss is the least that we can do for our men and women in uniform.