News Release

The Government of Canada Supports its Troops at Home and Abroad

Ottawa - The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today officially launched the Government's New Veterans Charter at a ceremony held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

"I want our troops to know that we support them. This Veterans Charter is one example of our Government's commitment," said the Prime Minister. "The Charter, the introduction of a Veterans Bill of Rights and the appointment of an ombudsman are clear examples how we begin to do the right thing for Canada's servicemen and women."

"The New Veterans Charter is the most profound transformation of Veterans' services and benefits since the end of the Second World War," said Minister Thompson. "It provides all the fundamental programs and services that CF Veterans and their families have told us they need as they transition from military to civilian life."

The New Charter is a comprehensive wellness package that will benefit CF members, Veterans, and their families. The package contains the key elements which CF Veterans and their families have said are important to them, including: rehabilitation, health benefits, job placement assistance, financial benefits and disability awards.

The increase in higher risk military operations and the massive CF transformation now taking place all point to the need for programs and services that better meet the needs of modern-day CF Veterans and their families.

"CF members leaving the Forces at a young age need these programs to help them make a successful transition back to civilian life," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of Defence Staff. "The New Veterans Charter is Canada's promise to invest in their futures."

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