Ottawa Journal by David Tilson MP — Recognizing the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans

May 27, 2015 · 0 Comments

Canada played an important role in the Second World War, helping liberate Europe and the world from Nazi tyranny.
More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the military, and hundreds of thousands served on the home front.
This year, as we mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day), we remember the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of all those who fought for peace and freedom during the Second World War. We also pay special tribute to the more than 45,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who died, making the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.
This milestone is an important reminder that Canada’s veterans from the Second World War paid a great cost defending Canadian values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We are indebted to the selfless sacrifices of Canada’s veterans throughout our history. Indeed, Canada’s men and women in uniform have and continue to serve our country with great distinction. It is because of their courage and self-sacrifice that we continue to live in peace and security and it’s why our government remains steadfast in our commitment to stand up for Canada’s veterans.
Since coming into office, we have taken action to support veterans. We introduced more than $5 billion in additional funding to improve the New Veterans Charter, so that it better meets the needs of veterans. This includes expanding and investing in new mental health initiatives, doubling the funeral and burial amounts of the Last Post Fund and extending it to modern veterans, helping veterans transition into meaningful second careers, cutting red tape to make accessing services and benefits easier for veterans and much more.
Our government is also building on the continuum of care available to Canada’s veterans injured in service. We are introducing the Retirement Income Security Benefit to provide injured veterans financial support in retirement, expanding eligibility for the Permanent Impairment Allowance, creating the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit to help offset the cost of a professional caregiver and enhancing the Earnings Loss Benefit available to injured reserve veterans.
Canada’s veterans have made invaluable contributions on our country’s behalf. It’s important that we give veterans the honour and respect they have earned. For the 70th anniversary of VE Day, our government honours the service of Canada’s veterans in the Second World War, strengthen our resolve to uphold Canadian values, and remain steadfast in our determination to give Canada’s veterans the support they need and deserve.