We all know the Federal government spends taxpayers dollars on matters and situations that are often questionable and controversial, but when our veterans turn for needed help, they are downplayed and often refused. That is insulting.
Recently, I received a call from a person who asked if I would help his father-in law, a WW2 and Cold War veteran who lives in Brandon. He was having difficulties with Veterans Affairs about his hearing needs. We met later in the afternoon at Virden.
After introductions, I asked him…how I could help.
He relates his problem that Veterans Affairs Canada, have refused to provide him with needed hearing aids; which he had to purchase at his own expense. He has no hearing in his right ear, which was due to the heavy artillery barrages, as his infantry troop advanced upon the enemy. He wears a hearing aid in his left ear. He cannot converse without it.
He would like the public to hear about his situation…. for it is a slap of irony in the needs of those who answered the call when Canada needed them. Richard joined the Canadian Army in 1943 at 18 and served overseas. He proudly served Canada in uniform for 31 years.
MWO (ret'd) Richard Leslie has requested that I write on his behalf.
It is apparent that Prime Minister Trudeau's mandate of 2015, to Veterans Minister Kent Hehr's “One Veteran…One Standard” has no substance.
Quote:”Veterans and their families have earned our respect and gratitude. Veterans should not have to fight their own government for the support and compensation they have earned. As Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, your overarching goal will be to ensure that our government lives up to our sacred obligation to veterans and their families. I expect you to ensure that veterans receive the respect, support, care, and economic opportunities they deserve. You will ensure that we honour the service of our veterans and provide new career opportunities, make it easier for veterans to access services – including mental health services – and do more to support the families of Canada’s veterans. I ask you to work closely with your colleague the Minister of National Defence to ensure a seamless transition for Canadian Forces members to the programs and services of your department,” unquote.
Cold War veteran.
John Fefchak
