Fredericton — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today made his first official visit to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, where he toured the Military Family Resource Centre, participated in a simulation experience with small-arms weaponry and watched the taping of a documentary featuring "live fire" on the base's Range and Training Area.
"A day like today makes you realize just how truly remarkable our service men and women are," said Minister Blaney. "They have earned the right to be called the best soldiers in the world. They are highly trained professionals who courageously serve our country in times of war and peace."
Minister Blaney began his visit to CFB Gagetown by meeting staff and touring the facilities at the Military Family Resource Centre, and then participated in an interactive demonstration of small-arms simulators. He concluded his time on the base by watching live bombs and ammunitions being detonated for scenes in a new documentary, tentatively entitled Last Great War Heroes, which recounts, through our Veterans' own stories, the Allied Forces' D-Day landings and victorious march to Berlin at the close of the Second World War.
"Watching the live ammunitions, you can't help but wonder how anyone survives the horror of war," said Minister Blaney. "It's a powerful reminder that Canada needs to be there for its service men and women the way they are always there for Canada."
This is one of the reasons why Minister Blaney wants to visits various regions across Canada this summer. He said CF members and Veterans need to know the Government of Canada continues to improve its care and support for them. Recent improvements, he added, include the passage this spring of the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act which, when it comes into effect later this year, will provide additional financial support to Canada's most seriously injured Veterans when they need it the most.
"Our government recognizes the great debt this country owes to the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada," said Minister Blaney. "By investing an additional $2 billion to enhance the New Veterans Charter, we are ensuring our Veterans, CF members and their families have the help they need-when they need it and for as long as they need it."
A backgrounder on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act is attached. For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
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