Recently, there have been reports in the media regarding the treatment of our veterans and it has caught the attention of many constituents across the riding. I would like the opportunity to provide you with the most accurate information on this recent decision to close eight Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offices across Canada. The federal government is committed to ensuring veterans have access to the services they may need and that is why all 650-plus Service Canada locations now provide Veterans Affairs services. There are also 1,461 Royal Canadian Legions and 308 MP offices across the country ready to help any veteran that may require assistance. In January, Minister Julian Fantino announced that Veterans Affairs would close eight VAC offices, one of which is in Thunder Bay, due to underutilization. As a result, they have moved a full-time VAC client service agent into the Thunder Bay Service Canada office, a more central location. In the remaining seven communities, VAC agents have been moved into the nearest Service Canada locations, five of which are in the very same building; the other two located less than one kilometre away. In the past few weeks, I have spoken with constituents who are veterans themselves or have family members who are veterans and who support the change in Thunder Bay. While many veterans receive services from VAC, they receive them in their home and travelling is not required. Services such as snow removal, house cleaning, meals and financial assistance are just some of the in-home services veterans receive. For the very few who have had to travel at some point to Thunder Bay, they support the move to a more central location; with Service Canada, Veterans Affairs services, a Passport Canada office, etc.,, all in one building. My own grandfather, a 95-year-old Second World War veteran living in southern Ontario, is just one of the veterans across Canada who has never been to a VAC office and has full access to the services and benefits provided by Veterans Affairs. If he needs assistance, someone visits him at his home and they are diligent in checking to make sure he has access to everything he needs. The federal government is committed to ensuring efficient and accessible service for all veterans. The convenience of having both federal services in one location will ensure the maximum amount of funding available goes directly towards programs and services for veterans — as it should be. Our veterans will continue to be held in the highest regard and should anyone need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 1-866-710-0008.
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