This week marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, the liberation of Germany, and the end of the second world war in Europe. North Island-Powell River MP and NDP critic for veterans Rachel Blaney wrote to federal minister of veterans affairs Lawrence MacAulay asking for financial help for organizations who provide services veterans need.
“Veterans were struggling to access the supports they needed before the COVID-19 pandemic began,” stated Blaney in a media release. “Now, many of the organizations that were filling gaps in the government’s delivery of services are trying to keep the lights on and continue their important work supporting our veterans.
“These organizations help veterans facing mental health services, homelessness and navigating veterans affairs programs. The government has to step in and make sure these organizations get financial support to keep helping veterans.”
In her letter to the minister, Blaney asked that the government creates a fund specifically for organizations to weather the pandemic. She also mentions that both she and the minister were scheduled to be in Europe this week to commemorate the liberation anniversaries.
“Helping these organizations is the right thing to do,” stated Blaney. “We need to honour our veterans by ensuring they have the supports they need when this newest challenge is over. We can’t be in Europe to pay our respects this week, so the least we can do is to help veterans service organizations stay afloat during this crisis. We owe our veterans that and much more.”
