To the editor:
I’m writing in response to your page A9 letter to the editor, headlined McLeod must support troops for more than just photo-ops, by Sean Casey, Liberal Party Veterans Affairs Critic, on June 13.
I want to assure Mr. Casey and all constituents of our government’s strong support for our veterans and our men and women in uniform.
Our government’s record is a stark contrast to that of the Liberal government.
Since 2006, we have made unprecedented investments in our veterans and our men and women in uniform. We doubled the amount of Operational Stress Injury Clinics and we have invested $189 million over the next five years to make significant enhancements to the New Veterans Charter.
With these changes, our most ill and injured veterans will receive the care and support they need.
We supported the Helmets to Hardhats program in Canada, which helps connect our Veterans with high-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. Recently, our government announced that we accept the Federal Court decision on long-term disability benefits for veterans.
Not only did we accept the ruling but we went even further to harmonize our disability benefits at Veterans Affairs to reflect the planned changes to Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP). Most importantly, we are continuing with our Cutting Red Tape initiative, which provides our Veterans with the hassle-free service they have asked for without cumbersome red tape.
Our government will continue to stand up for those who served and those who continue to serve our great country today.
Cathy McLeod, MP
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo
