It doesn’t really matter if you support the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP or any other party. You don’t even need to like the Liberals to notice that this new federal government is bringing a brand new feeling to the table: hope.
This undeniable new feeling affects Canadians (and non-Canadians) on many different levels. And I can tell you for a fact that the world is paying close attention to all the changes this new government promises to bring.
One of these changes is in regards to our dear veterans and their families, and the support they receive.
Although I’ve interviewed veterans and have had glimpses of their courage and resilience, I can’t truly comprehend the challenges they have gone through. I guess no one can. All we can do is hope that their sacrifice is being rewarded and that the country they bravely fought for is providing the best possible care when they return home.
Unfortunately it seems that our veterans did not receive all the care and support they deserved under our previous government.
According to a Canadian Press story published by the Huffington Post, the Conservative government spent nearly $700,000 fighting a disgruntled group of wounded Afghan veterans in court.
During his campaign, Justin Trudeau promised that no veteran would be forced to fight their own government for the support and compensations that they have earned. In addition, Trudeau promised to reinstate lifelong pensions and increase their value in line with the obligation the country has made to those injured in the line of duty, promising to invest $25 million in - and expand access to - the permanent impairment allowance.
Supporting our veterans is not only vital because of the unimaginable sacrifice they have made for our country, but also because sometimes their battle continues when they return home.
A recent Globe and Mail investigation revealed a disturbing number. In addition to the 158 Canadian soldiers that died in the Afghanistan mission, at least 54 soldiers and vets killed themselves after they returned from war. Post-traumatic stress disorder affects not only our veterans but also the lives of families that provide care to these brave Canadians.
Trudeau has promised to invest $100 million more per year in family support services. That includes education, counselling and training for families providing care for veterans living with physical and mental health issues.
He also pledged to cover the cost of four years of post-secondary education for every veteran who wants one. Furthermore, Trudeau promised to reopen those nine veteran affairs offices that the Conservative government had closed, including the one in Prince George.
We don’t have to travel far to hear incredible stories of veterans’ bravery. We have a perfectly good example right here in our town. Earlier this year Burns Lake resident Alan Blackwell received the highest expression of national appreciation given by the Congress of the United States: the congressional gold medal.
The 92-year-old war veteran was honoured for his time serving in the First Special Service Force, commonly known as the Devil’s Brigade. This notorious elite special operations unit is known for its 100 per cent success rate, as well as its “impossible missions” to defeat the German Nazis during World War Two.
“We had lots of casualties,” Blackwell told Lakes District News. “I was very fortunate that I was one of the few who didn’t get badly wounded.”
Veterans deserve our highest respect and a government that honours the sacrifices they’ve made.
This new government is certainly bringing a new feeling of hope, and I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see how those changes will impact our lives.