As of June 2013, 208,970 Veterans, RCMP members and their families were receiving services from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Roughly one quarter or those, or 47,379, were Veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War.
As our population ages, more and more of those served by VAC are considered modern-day Veterans. By 2016, modern-day Veterans will likely comprise almost 72 per cent of Veterans who receive VAC services.
The Government of Canada works hard to adapt to the changing needs of Veterans, and to ensure every dollar targeted to our Veterans does, in fact, benefit our Veterans. Since 2006, our government has invested almost $5 billion to enhance Veterans’ benefits, programs and services. In spite of persistently negative media spin, our government’s New Veterans Charter provides more support than did any previous government.
Under the New Veterans Charter, Veterans and their families can receive practical help to start a life outside of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Charter provides financial support, rehabilitation for injured Veterans, mental health services, health care, support for families and career transition services. Government programs are in place to provide funding for education and for home adaption for seniors’ independence. Reimbursements for snow removal and grass cutting are available for qualifying veterans under VAC’s Veterans Independence Program, which has been expanded to over 30,000 Veterans’ widows.
On another veteran-related topic, on December 8, 2014, I had the pleasure of introducing a book in the House of Commons; one written by nine octogenarians from RCAF 408 Squadron. The book, titled, 408 Squadron – the Rockcliffe Years, brings well-deserved recognition to the 1950s Canadian Arctic Mapping Project, and the military personnel involved.
With the modernization of our technology and our culture, it is very easy to see the lay of the land. However, maps weren’t always accessible with the touch of a button. Today we refer to Canada as being “from coast-to-coast-to-coast,” but in the mid-20th Century, a clear vision of the Arctic region had not yet formed.
408 Squadron flew Lancaster aircraft over the Arctic during the Cold War, conducting reconnaissance missions and performing precise aerial photography. Conditions were often dangerous and demanding, but the members of this motivated crew knew the importance of their mission to the security and development of our country. Among other accomplishments, their work resulted in the creation of accurate maps.
Thanks to the bravery and work of members of RCAF 408 Squadron – beginning back in the 1950s and extending into the 1960s – the coastlines of Canada’s Arctic are well understood today. The book details their experiences and how we, as a nation, finally came to understand fully the significance of Canada’s Arctic – a story that until now had not been heard.
To all the brave men and women who have served or continue to serve and protect this great nation against those who threaten our values of peace, freedom and democracy, we remain forever grateful for your courage, sacrifices and heroism.
