Speech

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister launches new Veterans Charter

April 6, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Notes for an Address by

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada


New Veterans Charter Launch


Ottawa, ON
April 6, 2006


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Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen:

I would like to begin by thanking Minister Thompson for inviting me here this afternoon.

And I would like to express my appreciation for the dedication and determination he has been demonstrating so far in the handling of his new responsibilities.

I have no doubt that in the months that lie ahead Minister Thompson will continue to move forward in our new Government the issues that matter to Canadian veterans.

I would also like to take a moment to thank the veterans in attendance today, as well as the men and women who are currently serving in our Canadian Forces.

Past and present, you embody the highest attributes of citizenship and loyalty to our country: courage, fortitude, and bravery in the face of danger.

So, on behalf of the Government, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your years of service standing up for Canada at both home and abroad.

As may of you know, I recently visited our Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan.

During the course of my visit, I was deeply moved by the strength, enthusiasm, and dedication these brave men and women demonstrate while carrying out their dangerous – yet extraordinarily important - mission in Kandahar Province.

In Kandahar, Canada is playing the lead role in the UN-sanctioned security mission that is rebuilding this war-torn country.

On a daily basis, our troops are bravely working towards enhancing security, and in turn, helping to build a more peaceful, democratic future for the Afghan people.

I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank these men and women for their efforts and to let them know that Canadians are proudly standing behind them and their mission.

Which leads me to what I’d like to discuss briefly with you today – our Government’s support for our men and women in uniform –more specifically, Canada’s veterans.

Because brave men and women like yourselves have stood up for Canada at both at home and abroad, our Government is committed to standing by you today by moving forward on the New Veterans Charter.

This Charter will offer comprehensive levels of support to those men and women who are injured or disabled while serving Canada.

In future, when our servicemen and women to leave our military family, they can rest assured the Government will help them and their families’ transition to civilian life.

Our troops’ commitment and service to Canada entitle them to the very best treatment possible.

This Charter is but first step towards according Canadian veterans the respect and support they deserve.

In the months ahead, Minister Thompson and the Government are going to work towards implementing a Veterans’ Bill of Rights that will further strengthen our ability to respond quickly and fairly to the concerns of veterans.

Furthermore, we are also going to work towards establishing a Veterans’ Ombudsman that would be charged with the responsibility of resolving veterans’ grievances with the system.

These, ladies and gentlemen, are our Government’s commitments to veterans, and I assure you that we’ll work with determination to see these initiatives through.

Thank you.

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