Liberal MPs are demanding more support from the Government of Canada for the veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country.
“We’ve committed to ensuring the families of our military and our veterans who have made, and continue to make, significant sacrifices are treated with respect and dignity and receive the support they deserve,” said Halifax West MP Geoff Regan.
Mr. Regan and MP Kirsty Duncan (Etobicoke North), the official Opposition Critic for Veterans Affairs, will hold a town hall meeting on veterans’ issues Saturday, Nov. 13, in Halifax.
“Liberals are looking for input from veterans and their families about how their government can provide better support,’’ said Duncan.
The MPs want to hear from veterans on everything from the New Veterans Charter to the lump sum payment system.
“On Remembrance Day, people will be gathering in communities all across the country to honour the men and women who have served in their country, but the sad truth is we have veterans who have to rely on food banks and who are not getting access to the services they need,” said Regan.
“On Nov. 6, I participated in a rally in Halifax where I heard stories from veterans who were injured in the line of duty, veterans who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and veterans who are struggling to pay the bills,” he continued.
The Let’s Talk meeting, the 97th public session Mr. Regan has held, will take place at the Fairview Legion, 50 Hillcrest Avenue, at 1 p.m.
Duncan said she is pleased to make Halifax one of the stops on her national tour to consult with veterans.
“Over the next month I will be travelling across Canada to meet with military families and veterans’ groups to listen to their concerns,” said Duncan. “We owe it to our veterans to listen to them, correct the problems with the Veterans Charter and provide the support they deserve.”
Duncan announced last week that she intends to table a Private Members Bill calling on the Conservative government to create a “National Week For Military and Veterans’ Families” to honour their sacrifices and the important role they play in Canada.