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NDP blasts Tories over veterans' issues

“This is a shell game plain and simple,” said Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle.
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The NDP is taking issue with the Conservative government's "inadequate management of mental health services for Canadian veterans." File photo.
“This is a shell game plain and simple,” said Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle. “The Conservatives are giving with one hand while taking with the other, all for the sake of their ideological drive to find cost savings and slay the deficit ahead of the next election. Their treatment of veterans isn't just shocking, it's unacceptable.”

The AG Report highlighted the overly complex process and longstanding barriers that have led to a 24-per-cent refusal rate for veterans applying for disability benefits. That means 3,684 veterans who applied for needed benefits were refused on first application. Despite a commitment in 2009 to a mental health strategy, Veterans Affairs does not collect information or report on the effectiveness of it.

“Earlier this month, people in Sudbury rallied together to shed light on veterans issues and expose the unacceptable treatment of Canada's veterans by Stephen Harper and his Conservative government,” said Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault. “New Democrats are committed to righting this wrong and improving the conditions of our brave men and women who have served on our behalf.”

New Democrats have called on the Conservatives to expand health services for all veterans and their families, re-open Veterans Affairs Offices and end pension clawbacks.

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