Despite a record on national defence that was, on the whole, above average, the previous Conservative government’s legacy for veterans was well below par.

That’s why the Liberal government’s decision to reopen the nine veterans affairs offices, that the Tories closed, should be applauded.

The Conservatives procured much needed equipment and reinstated the three separate services of navy, army and air force while calling it — in a homage to a well-known credit card commercial — “priceless.”

But equipment and uniforms are one thing: Those who used the equipment and wore the uniform are another.

Unfortunately, as much as former Prime Minister Stephen Harper appreciated the military, he did not pay as much respect for its members — often treating veterans like they were an annoying subclass that had to be appeased and forgotten: Give them their lump-sum payment and hope they go away.

If you survive an overseas deployment these days (what used to be called “going to war”) you may come back without an arm or a leg or with a post traumatic stress that leaves you paralyzed in mind and spirit.

These injured are worthy of more than a “thank you” cheque from the state, sort of a pay-off for services rendered.

The Liberal decision to reopen the vet offices is not just another spending measure — it is symbolic of a government’s commitment to deal with veterans as human beings who have evolving issues arising from their service to Canada.

It sounds like a simple thing but for a veteran who just wants to talk to a real person and not just phone a government help-line and stay on hold for hours, it is a big deal indeed.

Canada, like most responsible democracies, has always had a social contract with its veterans.

Governments, regardless of political ideology, have recognized that people who put on a uniform and volunteer to put their lives in jeopardy for the long-term democratic ideals and short-term foreign policies of Canada are different. They deserve special treatment when they come home injured. They had faith in this country and this country cannot let its faith lapse.

Unfortunately the last federal government often saw veterans as just another noisy gang who wanted a larger share of the social services pie.

They weren’t and they aren’t.

People who risk life and limb for their country have no moral congruence with the many cranks in this country who demand that the government underwrite their perverse schemes and half-baked notions because the private sector refuses to do so.

The current government needs to do even more for veterans, aside from reopening veterans’ offices.

It must ensure that our returning heroes have access to jobs and availability to help.

It is fine for Department of National Defence (DND) to run its retiring members through the Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN).

Many disabled veterans cannot imagine anyone hiring them for a second career and require more direct intervention.

Let’s find them jobs with at least as much enthusiasm as Corrections Canada tries to reincorporate ex-cons into the economy.

We also need to ensure that veterans who have turned to alcohol or drugs to alleviate the pain of their physical or psychological scars have access to the addiction treatment that might save their lives.

Furthermore, let’s make the line between serving members within DND and retired members within Veterans Affairs Canada a little less dividing.

So many veterans (and I am one) have told me that as soon as they took off the uniform it is as if they had relinquished their identity and their service to Canada was forgotten.

Let’s stop trying to make a few nickels off the backs of the men and women who had the burden of defending Canada on their backs.

We really can do no less and continue to claim that we truly possess the necessary gratitude for the work they did.

—David Krayden is a former Air Force public affairs officer and Parliament Hill communications manager who has worked in print, radio and television journalism. He writes and speaks about Canadian politics.