News Release

Veterans Issues take International Stage in Paris when Ministers Meet

Paris, France – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, is leading a delegation to Paris, and will participate in various international meetings. The delegation will have the opportunity to meet with their counterparts from around the world, and discuss issues relating to Veterans.

"Canada has moved forward with some great programs this year such as the New Veterans Charter" said Minister Thompson. "We are eager to show the world what Canadian programs look like and look for new ways to improve them."

During the mission to Paris, the delegation from Veterans Affairs Canada will attend the Ministerial Summit. The Ministerial Summit brings together ministers of Veterans Affairs from Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The Summit provides a forum to discuss future strategic challenges, and an opportunity to share ideas and best practices in moving forward with programs in support of Veterans.

A number of subjects including the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of our current serving personnel, including their level of family support as well as the increased challenge presented by mental health conditions will be discussed by the participating countries. Minister Thompson will be presenting the successful Canada Remembers program, highlighting the new and innovative approaches that Canada is implementing to engage Canadians, particularly youth, in commemorative activities and encouraging youth to take a leadership role in remembrance.

Following the Ministerial Summit, the delegation will attend La Mémoire Partagée - the first conference of its kind - where 24 countries will come together to discuss common issues relating to Veterans. The idea is to create international dialogue on shared remembrance, education, and care of Veterans in the 21st Century.

At this event, Canada has been invited to discuss the New Veterans Charter that was implemented earlier this year by Canada's New Government. The New Veterans Charter, with its focus on opportunity as well as security, offers programs and services designed to help today's Veterans make a successful and rewarding transition to civilian life.

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