Trudeau says he will restore lifetime pensions for injured veterans
Posted Aug 24, 2015 01:46:31 PM.
Last Updated Aug 25, 2015 05:10:06 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is promising to restore a system of lifetime pensions for injured veterans if his party is elected in the October 19th federal election.
Trudeau delivered the promise today at an event in Belleville, Ontario — which hosts a large military air base.
The proposal would allow wounded soldiers to chose between a lump sum payment or a lifetime pension.
The Liberals are also promising to reopen nine regional veterans affairs offices closed by the Conservatives and to hire an additional 400 staff to process claims.
Trudeau is also promising millions of dollars in funding for various programs for soldiers, including improved access to an allowance for the most seriously wounded, a college fund for veterans and expanded support for the families of veterans.
The treatment of ex-soldiers has been a political lightning rod for the Conservatives and Trudeau took time to take jabs at Prime Minister Harper at the event.
He said Harper likes to wrap himself in the Canadian flag but has betrayed servicemen and women who’ve put their lives on the line for their country.
But speaking at an event in Quebec this morning, Harper said he believes veterans understand that they have the support of the Conservative government.
