Some veterans groups are upset that the Canadian government is spending so much money commemorating wars and not enough compensating those who fought them.
‘It’s obscene’
“I think it’s obscene,” said Michael Blais, the president of Canadian Veterans Advocacy after attending a small, private ceremony in Ottawa to remember soldiers who took their own lives. There has been a spate of suicides in the military recently.
The political party currently in power has placed great emphasis on military commemoration. From 2010 to 2015 Canadian Heritage Department has or will spend almost $40 million on programs to mark the War of 1812 with the United States and the World Wars. The department of National Defense has set aside at least $27.5 million for war commemoration from now until 2020. The department of Veterans Affairs has budgeted about $80 million over the next two years for remembrance activities.
Ombudsman found inadequate compensation
Last year, after assessing government services, the veterans’ ombudsman concluded that ex-soldiers, the most severely disabled in particular, are receiving inadequate compensation under a controversial new funding plan. Many veterans have told stories about their difficulties obtaining help. And earlier this year Veterans Affairs closed eight district offices.
“The bottom line, the government’s failing their obligation to those who are living as a consequence of the money they’re spending on the dead,” says Blais.
The national president of The Royal Canadian Legion, which is the country’s largest veterans association, also believes the government needs to scale back commemoration events. “We’re all in favour of what they’re doing in regard to honouring our men and women, but I think there has to be a happy balance somewhere,” said Tom Eagles.
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