Canada's NDP

NDP

May 5th, 2020

Federal government must not let Veterans down during pandemic

CAMPBELL RIVER– This week marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, the liberation of Germany, and the end of WWII in Europe. Today, NDP critic for Veterans Affairs, Rachel Blaney, wrote to Minister MacAulay asking for financial help for organizations who provide services veterans need.

“Veterans were struggling to access the supports they needed before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now, many of the organisation who were filling gaps in the government’s delivery of services are trying to keep the lights on and continue their important work supporting our veterans,” said Blaney. “These organisations help veterans facing mental health services, homelessness, and navigating Veterans Affairs programs. The government has to step in and make sure these organisations get financial support to keep helping veterans.”

In her letter to the minister, Blaney asks that the government creates a fund specifically for organizations to weather the pandemic. She also mentions that both she and the Minister were scheduled to be in Europe this week to commemorate the Liberation anniversaries.

“Helping these organizations is the right thing to do. We need to honour our veterans by ensuring they have the supports they need when this newest challenge is over. We can't be in Europe to pay our respects this week, the least we can do is to help veterans service organizations stay afloat during this crisis. We owe our Veterans that and much more,” added Blaney.

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Link: Letter to Minister Macauley