Speech

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES NEW BILL OF RIGHTS AND OMBUDSMAN FOR VETERANS

April 3, 2007
Kitchener, Ontario

Good morning ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, for that kind introduction, and welcome everyone to the Royal Canadian Legion, Polish Veterans Branch 412 here in Kitchener for today's announcement.

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the presence of the dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Jack Frost, and the President of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, Ron Griffis.

Thank you gentlemen for finding time in your busy schedules to be here, and thank you also for your help in developing the announcement we are making today.

In particular, I'd like to warmly thank all the Veterans who are honouring us with their presence today.

Brave, patriotic men and women like you are the reason we're here.

And I don't just mean because the announcement I'm making today is about Veterans.

I also mean that if it weren't for you – and tens of thousands of others just like you – we wouldn't have the secure and peaceful country we do where democratically elected politicians can make announcements that are reported on by a free and independent media.

It's like the bumper sticker says – if you love your freedom, thank a Veteran.

So, on behalf of Canada's New Government, and, indeed all Canadians, thank you for your selfless service to our great country.

The Canada we know and love today – strong, united, independent, and free – is in no small part due to your efforts and those of the generations of courageous souls who preceded you.

Whether establishing law and order in the Canadian West, striking a decisive blow for the Allies at Vimy Ridge, defying the Nazis at Normandy and defeating fascism across Europe, holding back communism on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Cold War, helping Canadians affected by the Red River flooding and the Quebec ice storm, or standing up for the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights in the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan – the men and women of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP have always acted courageously when called upon.

Today, I'm pleased to announce the introduction of a Veterans' Bill of Rights and the establishment of a Veterans' Ombudsman.

It's because our Veterans have always been willing to stand up for Canada and its interests that our government is standing by them now.

Both of these initiatives follow through on a very important promise we made during the election campaign.

Namely that, if elected, a conservative government would ensure that Canadian Veterans were accorded the respect and honour they deserve by putting in place mechanisms to ensure better responsiveness to their needs and concerns.

The bill of rights, which will take effect immediately, will strengthen the government's ability to respond quickly and fairly to Canada's Veterans.

The language contained in this document reflects the language for which Veterans' organizations have long been advocating.

It is a clear, concise, and straightforward statement that will allow the dedicated people at Veterans affairs to ensure that every Canadian Veteran is treated with the fairness, dignity, and respect to which he or she is entitled.

As I mentioned earlier, in addition to their own bill of rights, Canadian Veterans will now also have their own ombudsman.

Operating at arms-length from government, this individual will play an important role in raising awareness of the needs and concerns of Veterans.

In accordance with our strong commitment to openness and accountability, the ombudsman's annual report will be tabled by the Minister of Veterans Affairs in parliament for all Canadians to see.

Our government has every confidence that the office of the ombudsman, which was developed in consultation with Canada's major Veterans' organizations, will effectively meet the needs of our Veterans.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Thompson for the vital role he has played.

He has done an outstanding job of gathering the views of a wide range of stakeholders, and that input has proven very helpful.

So, thank you Minister.

Ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt; Canada is the greatest country in world, and this is due in no small part to the contributions and sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Forces and the RCMP.

These men and women have fought against tyranny overseas and worked hard to maintain security and stability at home – they have given their very best to Canada.

And through the Veterans' Bill of Rights and Veterans' Ombudsman, our government is taking yet another step to ensure that Canada does its very best for them.

Thank you.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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