Wild Rose MP Blake Richards announced a $2 billion initiative to ensure seriously injured veterans have access to supports, Sept. 28 at the House of Commons.
“This government believes that each and every ill and injured soldier and veteran is a Canadian hero and they and their families deserve our support to help deal with new challenges,” said Richards.
According to Richards, the money will help provide barrier-free transitional housing for Canadian Forces members who are in rehabilitation.
“During that time, we will assist by providing support for day-to-day living challenges like transportation to medical appointments, child care and respite care,” said Richards.
The announcement was made as part of the federal government’s Legacy of Care platform, which includes increased financial support for seriously injured veterans, enhanced monthly income for severely injured veterans who are unable to return to work, and a boost to the minimum annual income for veterans released at lower salary levels.
The new measures are expected to benefit more than 4,000 veterans over the course of the next five years, according to Richards. These measures were designed to meet the needs of current veterans coming home from war, and Afghanistan in particular, he added.
Richards said ensuring veterans are taken care of is very important to him.
“These men and women are putting their lives on the line for our country,” said Richards. “There is never enough we can do to award those who have put their lives on the line for us. They have looked after us, now we need to do all we can to help them.”
