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December 9th, 2014

Conservative government silent on social contract with veterans

Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer (Sackville-Eastern Shore) blasted Minister Fantino today for remaining silent on whether the federal government has a social contract or social covenant with veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“In Question Period yesterday, I asked the Minister a simple question about whether the government has a fiduciary, legal, moral, or social obligation to our veterans,” said Stoffer. “It is unconscionable that Fantino did not provide a clear answer and hid behind the matter being before the courts.”

Stoffer pointed out that last spring Fantino released a statement acknowledging a social contract with veterans.

“Is Fantino’s silence yesterday an indication that this Conservative government has changed its position and they have no social contract with veterans?”, asked deputy Opposition critic Sylvain Chicoine (Châteauguay—Saint-Constant). “Is that why this government continues to fight veterans in court seeking fair compensation under the New Veterans Charter? We urge the Conservative government to drop their appeal of this veterans’ class action lawsuit and urge the government to acknowledge their moral, legal, fiduciary and social obligation to veterans and their families.”