While honouring Second World War veterans Monday, a Calgary MP angered other ex-warriors by saying they’re all happy with how they’re being treated by Ottawa.
Calgary-Centre CON MP Joan Crockatt helped hand out certificates and pins to seven Second World War and Korean War vets at the Centennial Royal Canadian Legion to mark 75 years since the start of the former conflict.
“Men and women like you were crucial in securing the freedoms we have today,” Crockatt told the seven.
Soon after, the Sun received a deluge of calls from veterans — like Mike Blais of the group Canadian Veterans Advocacy — most expressing disbelief over Crockatt’s comments and anger about Ottawa’s handling of their cases.
“I think she’s delusional, after all the press and the abandonment by Minister Fantino,” said army vet Blais, referring to Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino.
The minister’s accused of arrogantly dismissing veterans’ concerns, one of them over a lump sum disability payment they contend isn’t enough.
Blais said he’s part of an ex-warrior movement dedicated to holding the Harper government to account over its treatment of vets, adding he’s fought tooth and nail for any benefits he’s received following injuries in NATO and Gulf War service.
“You’re going to hear a lot more about it in the new year, exposing the lies and all the intransigence,” he said.
Navy veteran Mike Grady, 51, called Crockatt’s denial of criticism “typical,” adding he’s been withheld disability benefits because he’s two months shy of the 10-year qualification.
“I don’t even get a veteran’s identification,” he said.
more
Canadian Forces veterans decry Calgary MP claims that they're content with their
Calgary-Centre CON MP Joan Crockatt helped hand out certificates and pins to seven Second World War and Korean War vets at the Centennial Royal Canadian Legion to mark 75 years since the start of the former conflict.
“Men and women like you were crucial in securing the freedoms we have today,” Crockatt told the seven.
Soon after, the Sun received a deluge of calls from veterans — like Mike Blais of the group Canadian Veterans Advocacy — most expressing disbelief over Crockatt’s comments and anger about Ottawa’s handling of their cases.
“I think she’s delusional, after all the press and the abandonment by Minister Fantino,” said army vet Blais, referring to Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino.
The minister’s accused of arrogantly dismissing veterans’ concerns, one of them over a lump sum disability payment they contend isn’t enough.
Blais said he’s part of an ex-warrior movement dedicated to holding the Harper government to account over its treatment of vets, adding he’s fought tooth and nail for any benefits he’s received following injuries in NATO and Gulf War service.
“You’re going to hear a lot more about it in the new year, exposing the lies and all the intransigence,” he said.
Navy veteran Mike Grady, 51, called Crockatt’s denial of criticism “typical,” adding he’s been withheld disability benefits because he’s two months shy of the 10-year qualification.
“I don’t even get a veteran’s identification,” he said.
more
Canadian Forces veterans decry Calgary MP claims that they're content with their
