VETERANS TO GET SERVICES AND RESPECT THEY DESERVE WITH MULCAIR

NDP to update New Veterans Charter to better serve veterans and their families

DARTMOUTH – NDP leader Tom Mulcair today announced his plan to reverse the Conservatives’ disrespect of Canadian veterans with investments to enhance support and improve medical care for Canada’s veterans and their families.

“Stephen Harper clawed back veterans’ pensions, cut front-line services, failed veterans with PTSD, and spent nearly a million dollars fighting veterans in court,” said Mulcair. “As Prime Minister, I will ensure our government honours the sacrifices of our veterans and provides the services and benefits they’ve earned.”

An NDP government will support Canadian veterans and their families with a $454 million investment over four years to provide better treatment for veterans with post-traumatic stress and mental health issues; enhance long-term care and expand the Veterans Independence Program; as well as increase survivors’ pensions and ensure funding is in place to support dignified funerals for veterans through the Last Post Program.

“For many years, the NDP and local MPs like Peter Stoffer have fought for Canada’s veterans and their families so that they get the services and care they deserve,” said Mulcair. “We will also apologize and make amends to those who were dismissed or forced out of the military on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity – fairness that is long overdue.”