Letter: PM, Fantino letting down Canadian veterans

Only a few months ago, Canada’s veterans were hoping for big reforms from yet another review of the New Veterans Charter (NVC). They were again disappointed, with hundreds of issues still left in abeyance.

Even though the NVC is supposed to be a living document, it also shows how slow the wheels of justice move for Canada’s veterans.

Veterans across the country are sick and tired of politicians who wrap themselves in the flag on Remembrance Day, but for the rest of the year are not seen as standing up for veterans in this country.

The Nov. 19 announcement that $1.13 billion in Veterans Affairs funding was unspent shows once again we had been duped by this government. We have so many veterans and their families suffering and in need, but VAC, Minister Julian Fantino and the Harper government sat on that money as if it did not exist.

This is not the first occasion VAC behaved disgracefully toward veterans.

The federal government took more than 10 years to dole out token settlements to service personnel harmed by exposure to Agent Orange. Then, they tried to close the books with millions left unspent and hundreds still trying to make a claim. We have a major case right here on Manitoulin Island.

The rank and file VAC staff are wonderful people who do their best to help veterans, but the top brass have far too many strings attached to the minister and the government.

At the AGM of the War Pensioners of Canada on Oct. 9, we asked that Mr. Fantino be replaced as the minister of Veterans Affairs. He has an argumentative attitude with veterans and a lousy track record of getting them upset. The bottom line being, he needs a lesson or two in diplomacy.

In regard to the unspent $1.13 billion, as reported in the Toronto Star, Mr. Fantino was quoted saying at a news conference in Halifax, “We are not in any way, shape or form disadvantaging veterans who do need our help.”

Tell it to the marines, minister. We have three major cases right here on Manitoulin Island and several in Sudbury, including triple amputee Bill Kerr, all who need more help and support for themselves and their families than they are presently getting.

Finally, it was laughable to watch the damage control that kicked in after the announcement of the unspent money. The usual slow process of dealing with veterans issues moved so fast it was like grease off a hot spatula, and suddenly there was $200 million available for post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health issues for veterans.

Now, with an election around the corner, the PM and Mr. Fantino can again wrap themselves in the flag, thinking we actually believe they’ve done a wonderful job.

Colin Pick
President and CEO
The War Pensioner of Canada