by Peter Schwarzhoff If I had five minutes to speak with the Prime Minister of Canada, and that’s more than the Ontario Premier can get, I’d tell him that Corporal William Kerr, injured by a land mine in Afghanistan, is Canada’s only surviving triple amputee.
Kerr, a reservist, receives an annual income from the government of Canada that is $8,000 below the poverty threshold. His is one tragic story among thousands about how Canada puts soldiers in harm’s way and then abandons them when they are no longer needed. I’d tell the prime minister he must uphold Canada’s duty to care for our wounded and retired soldiers and the families of those who gave their lives to keep us safe from harm.
I’d tell the prime minister that it is a national shame that more military personnel have died by their own hand since 2002 (160 deaths by suicide) than were killed in the entire Afghanistan theatre of war during the same period (138 soldiers killed). It is wrong that those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and other mental or emotional disabilities have to wait months or years for therapy.
I’d tell the prime minister that it is wrong to claw back $150 million approved by Parliament for health care benefits, reestablishment services and disability and death compensation for veterans. I’d tell him it is both wrong and immoral to do that while overspending for management, communications, legal services and human resources by 17.1 per cent. And I’d say it’s contemptible to lie about it.
I’d tell the prime minister it’s immoral to raise the hope of sick veterans with a promise of $200 million for mental health services and hide that the money will be spread over 50 years.
I’d ask the prime minister why a group of injured veterans had to initiate a class-action lawsuit against Veterans Affairs Canada to restore their long-term disability. It’s wrong for government lawyers to argue that no sacred covenant binds Canada to the military.
I am a veteran who feels fortunate never having been put in harm’s way. But I know many who have. I am familiar with the pain felt by disabled veterans. I also know Justin Trudeau and trust him to right the harm that the Conservatives are doing to veterans and the families of the fallen. In part, I am seeking to represent the voters of North Island-Powell River because the Conservatives have broken faith with my brothers and sisters in arms.
I am seeking public office because I believe that to honour the covenant our country has with our military personnel, we have to do more than place a wreath at the cenotaph once a year. While that is an important signal we send as a grateful nation, we must never, never forget the sacred obligation we have to the men and women who stand on the wall to protect us.
Peter Schwarzhoff is the Liberal candidate for the newly formed North Island-Powell River federal riding.
