Veterans Affairs Minister walks out of an acrimonious meeting with veterans Tuesday.
Photo Credit: CBC

Veterans outraged at minister, office closings

Some veterans called for the resignation of the veterans affairs minister after he cancelled, then appeared at a scheduled meeting with them on Tuesday. They eventually did discuss the closure of nine regional offices that offer services to veterans, but Minister Joe Fantino refused to reverse it.

Fantino said veterans would be able to get the help they need from government offices for the general public, but the vets say they need specialized services that are beyond the expertise of regular service employees.

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Furious veteran Ronald Clark calls for the resignation or firing of Veterans Affairs Minister Joe Fantino. © CBC

The meeting ended badly with the minister leaving the meeting room, the veterans fuming and one of them in tears.

New offices open for ministers

At the same time as it is closing veterans service offices, the government has opened new offices that support travelling cabinet ministers, reports the Globe and Mail newspaper. The number of offices has increased from 12 to 17 over the past five years.

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