NDP secures a victory for veterans

New Democrat MP Fin Donnelly (New Westminster-Coquitlam) made the following statement on the adoption of the NDP motion to ensure federal covenant with veterans is honoured.

“Canadians recognize that the federal government has a moral, social, legal and fiduciary obligation to the women and men who courageously serve our country.

With the adoption of its motion, the NDP is proud to have obtained a commitment from the government to honour this implicit social covenant and provide financial compensation and support services to past and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have been injured or disabled, and to families of soldiers who have died in service.

The Conservative government has been failing veterans for years. The commitment they made today is overdue. The Conservatives must change their approach to ensure that the government honours its commitment to take care of veterans and their families instead of wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in court denying their obligation.

The NDP is ready to put this standalone covenant at the service of veterans. We are pleased that all parties supported our motion to guarantee the rights and dignity of veterans.

The NDP will continue to defend the rights of veterans.”