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Risk to grave marker program alarms Legion

Apr 18, 2023
The Royal Canadian Legion is calling for action after learning details of a future risk to Veteran grave marker upkeep.

Internal report indicates program progress yet future risk

OTTAWA, ON, 18 APRIL 2023 – The Royal Canadian Legion is calling for action after learning details of a future risk to Veteran grave marker upkeep. An internal report by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) forecasts trouble ahead, and Legion Dominion President Bruce Julian shared the following thoughts when questioned by media.

"We were pleased to learn of the significant reduction in the backlog of grave marker maintenance repairs completed by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) as of 2022. At the same time, we were concerned to read that the future of the department's program was at risk due to apparent insufficient funding. We ask that the federal government commit to fully and permanently supporting the ongoing care of grave markers placed by VAC. These are essential means of reflection and remembrance dedicated to those who have served our country. VAC's obligation to adequately maintain these markers in perpetuity must be met."

Read the full VAC report: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/publications-reports/reports/departmental-audit-evaluation/2022-evaluation-of-grave-marker-maintenance-programs

Read related media article: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/internal-audit-raises-red-flags-over-maintenance-of-graves-cemeteries-for-veterans-1.6358291

 

About The Royal Canadian Legion

Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization. We are a non-profit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S. and Europe. With 250,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers.

Public Relations / Media Inquiries: PublicRelations@Legion.ca/ 343-540-7604 - Nujma Bond

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