Enhancements for Veterans Highlighted at Canadian Club of London Luncheon - Veterans Affairs Minister Fantino delivers end-of-year review, looks forward to 2014 and beyond

LONDON, ON, Dec. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Cutting red tape for Veterans, priority hiring of Veterans and the upcoming review of the New Veterans Charter were just some of the topics covered by the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, earlier today during an address and a question and answer period with members and guests of the Canadian Club of London. The event, part of the Club's monthly Speaker Series Luncheon, drew a crowd of over 100 participants to the London Convention Centre.

Minister Fantino outlined how Veterans Affairs Canada is streamlining and simplifying its programs to better serve Veterans and their families in accessing the benefits and services they need in more efficient and timely ways. The Minister also highlighted recent changes to his department's Vocational Rehabilitation programming to assist Veterans in making a successful transition to the civilian workforce.

Minister Fantino seized the opportunity as well to raise awareness of upcoming commemorative milestones taking place in 2014, including the 100^th anniversary of the start of the First World War, the 75^th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War, and the 70^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Quick Facts

• Since 2006, the Government has invested almost $5 billion in new funding to enhance Veterans benefits, programs and services.
• Under vocational rehabilitation, eligible Veterans now have access to up to $75,800 for specialized training.
• Through newly introduced legislation, Canadian Armed Forces personnel who medically release due to a service-related injury will get 5-year priority status for federal public service jobs for which they qualify. Helmets to Hardhats and Hire a Veteran are two key programs that help Canadian Armed Forces Veterans transition to private sector careers.
• The Canadian Club of London has hosted over 1,000 national and international leaders since its foundation in 1906.
  
  
  

Quotes

"Our Government keeps building on the many improvements we have made to enhance Veterans benefits, programs and services. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure Canada's Veterans have the tools and assistance they need, when they need it."

Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"The Canadian Club of London takes great pride in the calibre of speakers our Speakers Series Luncheons attract to our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to hear first-hand from Minister Fantino how Corporate Canada can help support our Veterans."

Erin Pollett, President, Canadian Club of London

Associated Links

• Harper Government Cutting Red Tape for Veterans
• Government of Canada Announces Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans
• New Veterans Charter: Review Demonstrates Government's Commitment to Veterans and their Families
• Canada Outlines Great Wars Commemoration Plans at International Meeting in Paris
• Canadian Club of London

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information:

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Erin Pollett
President
Canadian Club of London
519-859-8864