Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Post-Korean War vets' funding threatened: NDP says

HALIFAX -- Provinces stand to lose millions of dollars in federal funding for the care of veterans if Ottawa doesn't revise a policy to ensure those who served after the Korean War are looked after, the NDP said Friday.

Veterans affairs critic Peter Stoffer said the way the Veterans Health Care Regulations are currently laid out, the federal government will download the cost of long-term care beds for veterans to the provinces after all the veterans from the Second World War and Korean War die.

Stoffer called on the government to change the regulation so it covers long-term care beds for veterans of more recent conflicts.

The Nova Scotia MP used his province as an example of the potential lose of funding, saying the federal government spends $41 million annually to run 334 long-term care beds.

Stoffer said he has not been given figures for other provinces, but he adds they, too, can expect to bear a large burden.

"Imagine... the download cost to Quebec, Ontario, B.C., with larger populations and larger veteran populations," Stoffer said.

"We find that absolutely the wrong way to go."

Stoffer added that he believes the federal government is morally responsible to provide funding for veterans' care, regardless of what war they served in.

But Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney said the government will continue to provide long-term care for veterans, including those who have served in more recent wars.

"We intend to clearly provide long-term care to our veterans as long as they need it, wherever they need it," Blaney said.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 14, 2012 A22

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Traffic woes for Bombers fans at IGF

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • A young goose gobbles up grass at Fort Whyte Alive Monday morning- Young goslings are starting to show the markings of a adult geese-See Bryksa 30 day goose challenge- Day 20– June 11, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • Two baby tigers were unveiled at the Assiniboine Park Zoo this morning, October 3rd, 2011. (TREVOR HAGAN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

What do you use to take photographs?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google