THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – “As a veteran, I can tell you honestly that I have had more difficulty accessing my benefits in the last four years than the previous 16 years combined,” states Amanda Moddejonge, the Green Party candidate in Thunder Bay-Rainy River. “Earlier this year I had to fight for funding for an assistive device, that I have had coverage for since 1999, just to help me walk.”

“After experiencing this it did not surprise me to see Ottawa not paying military bills in hospitals. They expect members of the armed forces to protect their freedoms, but then literally leave those same members homeless in the streets regularly. This is not hyperbole- look at the homeless statistics for vets,” continues Moddejonge.

The Green Party values the work and sacrifice of active and former members of the Canadian Forces and RCMP. But rising suicide rates among veterans are a clear indication that they are not getting the services and support they need. A Green government will step up to provide long-overdue comprehensive services for veterans.

”The men and women of the Canadian Forces dedicate their lives in service to this country,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “The Green Party is committed to providing comprehensive, fully-funded services for veterans and their families.”

The Green Party will launch a national re-examination of veterans’ issues in December 2019 based on good-faith engagement with military families and veterans, including issues relating to pensions and benefits.

“We first have to identify the kinds of reforms and changes that are needed to better meet veterans’ needs,” said Ms. May. “In the meantime, we will certainly restore periodic payments at pre-2006 levels. And we will immediately repeal the section of the Superannuation Act that denies pensions to surviving spouses of certain workers, including those in the RCMP, and veterans who married after age 60.”

A Green government will also:

Work with veterans’ organizations to review and update the Veterans Charter and the processes, structure and mandate of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board to ensure that all veterans are treated fairly and with respect.

Ensure that all veterans have access to health care, and mental health support and treatment. Military personnel with PTSD must be treated as highly valued people whose health needs to be restored, rather than as liabilities who need to be removed.

Work to national standards for personal service dogs and increase funding for service dogs to assist veterans with PTSD.

“It’s so important that we properly care for those who are on the front lines caring for us. And we need to reassure young people considering a career in the armed forces that their future will be safeguarded,” concluded Ms. May.