Dear Editor,
The Conservatives have a lot of explaining to do. Last year, their government found money to increase spending in the Prime Minister’s Office, yet it cut funds for veterans’ funerals.
In 2012-2013, after 10 years of fairly steady funding, the Last Post Fund, which helps pay for veterans’ funerals, was cut by a whopping 21.8 per cent. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister increased his own office budget by 7.4 per cent.
Instead of money for our fallen heroes, the Harper Conservatives are spending Canadians’ tax dollars on PMO staff and spin.
It has long been inappropriate that the Last Post Fund’s outdated criteria excludes all but a few veterans since the Korean War, depriving them of a dignified funeral and burial because of financial means.
Yet, it is simply insulting that this government has chosen to invest in additional staff to control their caucus members and their message – in the midst of the ongoing PMO-Senate scandal – instead of our courageous women and men in uniform, who have made great sacrifices in the service of this country.
The Conservatives need to rethink their priorities. Our veterans should be looked after with care and respect, not nickel and dimed.
Jim Karygiannis, MP
Liberal Party Veterans Affairs Critic
Dear Editor,
On many Remembrance Days, the lines of In Flanders Field help us recall the First World War battles where many Canadians fought and died in defence of our country and values. They are still used today, almost 100 years after they were first written by Lt.-Col. John McCrae on the battlefields of Belgium.
While those historic poetic words sadly still apply through the conflict zones of Earth, we are able to hear them in peace because of the dedication of those who protect our freedoms. The fallen passed us the torch for us to hold high and we do so in their memories.
The sacrifices made for freedom didn’t cease with the Second World War or the Korean War. Canadian Forces have worked to keep the peace throughout the world.
As many as 350 Manitoba-based Military personnel from CFB Shilo now completing the last of Canada’s tours of duty in Afghanistan have started to return home after taking part in Operation Attention.
While this tour represents the last of the Canadian troops in Afghanistan, it won’t be the last time Canadians step up to defend the values we hold dear.
On Nov. 11, we will pause to honour and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who bravely risked everything for the sake of others they didn’t even know.
Bonnie Mitchelson
Manitoba Critic for Immigration and Multiculturalism
MLA for River East
