My office frequently helps constituents with problems they have with government departments.  Over the years, one of the most difficult departments to deal with has been Veterans Affairs.

That’s why I was pleased to hear Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announce that the Government of Canada is going to invest $2 billion to improve levels of support for veterans and their families.

In addition, the federal government will also provide $52.5 million to fund five new initiatives to support seriously injured men and women in uniform.

The first two initiatives are: barrier free transitional housing for injured soldiers undergoing treatment at a Canadian Forces rehabilitation centre and funding for support services (for example, wheelchair accessible transportation to medical appointments, childcare and delivery of medical supplies and groceries during rehabilitation.)

The federal government will also provide up to $100 per day for family or close friends who leave their job to help provide care for the ill or injured soldier.

The fourth initiative is: Improved access to the Canadian Forces Spousal Education Upgrade Program.

Enhanced Case Management Support for seriously ill or injured veterans (to make it easier to access help, information and individual attention) is the fifth initiative.

This new assistance will help ensure that badly injured Veterans receive the care they need. This recent announcement is one small step to improve our support for the men and women who defend our country.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.