12 May 2003

Legion Position on VAC Announcement 12 May 2003

OTTAWA – The announcement of the intention by the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada to introduce new legislation to address the most urgent needs of Canada’s veterans has been welcomed by Canada’s largest veterans’ organization.

“The Royal Canadian Legion welcomes this positive development in ensuring that the sacrifices of Canadian veterans will not be forgotten,” says the Legion’s Dominion President, Allan Parks of Miscouche, P.E.I. “In catering to the needs of prisoners of war, surviving spouses, and the long term care of veterans, Canada remains at the forefront of support to its veterans,” he added.

The new legislation, announced by VAC Minister Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, addresses the most critical of the issues that the Legion has been bringing to the department for some time. Lack of previous commitment to these critical issues by the government had caused the Legion to walk away from the negotiating table. The Legion’s return to discussions on these issues was prompted by Dr. Pagtakhan’s personal commitment to Canada’s service men and women.

For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760.

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