News Release

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

---

CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT DELIVERS FOR VETERANS

April 3, 2007
Kitchener, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada's New Government is following through on its commitment to create a Veterans' Bill of Rights and a Veterans' Ombudsman.

"The brave men and women of the Canadian Forces and RCMP have always acted courageously when called upon; and it's because Veterans have always been willing to stand up for our country and its interests, Canada's New Government is standing by them now," said the Prime Minister.

The Bill of Rights, which will take effect immediately, will strengthen the government's ability to respond quickly and fairly, to the concerns of Canada's Veterans. It is a clear and concise statement that will allow Veterans Affairs to continue to ensure every Canadian Veteran is treated with respect, with dignity and with fairness.

The Ombudsman will operate at arms-length from government, and will play an important role in raising the awareness of the needs and concerns of Veterans. The Ombudsman will submit a report to the Minister on an annual basis, which will be tabled in Parliament.

"Our Veterans have given their very best to Canada," said Prime Minister Harper. "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."

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]

News Release

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

---

PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER TO ATTEND VIMY CEREMONIES IN FRANCE

April 3, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he and his family will join thousands of Canadians in France on April 9, 2007, to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the dedication of the newly restored Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

"The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a critical victory for the Allies in the First World War and it was an important milestone for Canada," said the Prime Minister. "Our young country came of age as an independent nation that day and I am extremely proud to represent Canada at the 90th anniversary."

Prime Minister Harper will be accompanied by his wife, Laureen, and their two children, Rachel and Benjamin. In July of last year, the Prime Minister and Mrs. Harper visited the gravesite in northern France of her great uncle, Private James Teskey, who died during the Battle of Arras on June 11, 1917.

In addition to the main ceremony on April 9, the Prime Minister will attend the Freedom of the City parade in Arras on April 7 and an Easter Sunday Dinner with Veterans.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge marked the first time all four Divisions of the Canadian Corps had gone into battle together. Their victory, which came at a cost of more than 10,000 casualties including 3,598 dead, was a vital strategic breakthrough that had eluded their British and French allies for two years. April 9, 2007, will be the first time since 1917 that April 9 has fallen on Easter Monday.

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]