New Democrats call for second term for Colonel Stogran

OTTAWA – New Democrat Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer today called on the Conservative Government to renew the term of Veterans Affairs Ombudsman Colonel Pat Stogran.

“Col. Pat Stogran has been a champion and tireless advocate for the rights of both Military and RCMP Veterans and their families,” said Stoffer. “He has acted in the interest of our men and women in uniform and has stood up to the Government when necessary. He shouldn’t be punished for that.”

Col. Stogran has been critical of the Government in the past and been vocal regarding the difficult bureaucratic system that Veterans face when trying to obtain their pensions or benefits.

The Ombudsman’s current term is set to end in November 2010. He has told the Minister of Veterans Affairs Jean-Pierre Blackburn that he would like to stay in the position for a second term; unfortunately there have been reports that the Government has no intention of granting that request.

“Col. Stogran has accomplished a lot but still has work to do. I say, let him do that work,” said Stoffer. “I have spoken with several Veterans that have been helped by the ombudsman when they needed it most. I think it would be a shame for his term to end just when he’s starting to get the ball rolling.”