Conservative government abandoning veterans

Minister claims case closed after veteran Fabien Melanson lost everything

OTTAWA — Shocked by the story of Fabien Melanson, a veteran who lost everything after financial problems due to an error by Veterans Affairs, Official Opposition Critic for Veterans Affairs, Peter Stoffer (Sackville–Eastern Shore) called on the Conservative government to “ensure that all veterans can live in dignity.”

Melanson was supposed to obtained his pension in September 2004 and he began renovating his home. Several months into the renovations, he was still waiting for his first check. He had to stop the renovations because he couldn’t afford to pay the contractor, leaving the house open to the weather. Melanson says he lost up to $190,000.

Pressed by Deputy Critic for Veterans Affairs, Sylvain Chicoine (Châteauguay–Saint-Constant), Minister Steven Blaney falsely claimed in the House that this issue had long since been resolved. “I find it frankly appalling that the Conservative government can deny that there is a problem here. If the issue had been resolved, this man would be living in his house!” said Chicoine.

“After years of military service, I was truly abandoned by the department,” said the ex-soldier. “The government refuses to admit its responsibility and is now acting as if nothing happened.” His advocate, Jeff Rose-Martland, also condemns this embarrassing situation. “The situation isn’t resolved, it was just brushed aside. The Department of Veterans Affairs and its minister have shown no leadership.”

“Once again Minister Blaney shows his true colours when it comes to the quality of life of our veterans. Mr. Melanson is a decorated soldier who deserves our utmost respect. Minister Blaney must fix this appalling situation immediately,” concluded Stoffer.