Ivan Grose

[Veterans Affairs, October 9th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, it was not a case of taking the VIP benefit away from anyone. Actually we added 10,000 to the rolls. Within our budget that was within our capability at the time.

I would suggest that the hon. member opposite wait a while. She may see a change.

[Veterans Affairs, October 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, let me assure the member opposite that it is a priority item with this department. It was a priority item. That is why we addressed it as well as we could. It will continue to be a priority item with this department.

[Veterans Affairs, October 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as we have said in this House before, we did what we could within our budget. This department stays within its budget.

Is the member opposite suggesting that possibly because we could not look after all the widows we should look after none?

If, as, and when this question comes before the House, we will address it at that time.

[Veterans Affairs, September 18th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, in the programs announced this morning by the veterans affairs minister, the enhancement of those programs was done with money from within the budget.

We rearranged our priorities, as any good business or government department should do, but there was only so much money. There had to be a cut-off date for the VIP for widows. I agree, it is a regrettable instance that the member quoted, but it has to be. We only have so much money.

[Veterans Affairs, September 17th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question. I am afraid I do not have an excellent answer, but I will get back to the member as soon as I possibly can.

[Veterans Affairs, September 17th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, this question has been answered before in this House but nevertheless I will take a run at it.

We have seven programs to increase veterans benefits. We had a budget to operate with. We did not have enough money in the budget to do everything we wanted to do.

I would like to point out to the hon. member opposite that 10,000 spouses will receive the VIP under our new regulations that would not have received it under the old regulations, at a cost of $65 million.

[Veterans, September 15th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, it was my very great pleasure this morning to attend a ceremony at the former Rideau Veterans Home here in Ottawa to dedicate a memorial park in honour of veterans.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of Canada Lands Company Limited for its role in ensuring that there would be a permanent tribute to those veterans who resided in the home for so many years. In fact the park serves as a reminder to all of us of the courage and selfless devotion of our veterans to their beloved Canada.

Veterans exemplify the very highest ideals of courage and loyalty and their legacy is upheld by our Canadian Forces who serve in troubled regions the world over.

We thank those men and women who served and continue to serve their country.

[Battle of the Atlantic, April 30th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest battle of the second world war which lasted six arduous years. I am honoured to be leading a delegation of veterans of this battle to Liverpool for a commemorative ceremonies on May 3 and 4.

From the start of the war in 1939 to May 8, 1945, Canadians battled with their allies fending off the attacks of German U-boats while keeping shipping lanes open across the Atlantic Ocean. The merchant ships' success in reaching the United Kingdom with the vital cargoes of supplies and personnel was essential to liberation of Europe.

Month after month turned to year after year. In a pattern unbroken to the end of the war the convoys sailed. Pride and perseverance pulled the Canadian military forces and Merchant Navy through the Battle of the Atlantic.

We pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought so valiantly to protect our values and way of life.

[Korean War Veterans, March 27th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind my hon. colleagues that July 27 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean war. To commemorate this anniversary, last week Veterans Affairs Canada launched a year of remembrance entitled, “Canada Remembers the Korean War”.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs together with the Korean Veterans Association, Manitoba Unit No. 17 unveiled and dedicated a stained glass window at Deer Lodge Centre. The window is a permanent memorial to Korean war veterans. The unveiling is the first of many events planned throughout 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean war armistice.

Canada's veterans of the Korean war deserve our thanks and gratitude for their military service. I urge all members to share this message and to join with their fellow Canadians in commemorating their sacrifice. These veterans shall not be forgotten.

[Joseph Haywood, March 18th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's veterans deserve our thanks and gratitude for their military service. Many of them continue to serve their countries through their community service.

One such veteran is Joseph Haywood of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Last week at a ceremony at Deer Lodge, Mr. Haywood received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. Mr. Haywood was recognized for his work on post-traumatic stress disorder and related conditions. He has conducted cross-country tours speaking to veterans organizations, Canadian forces bases and hospitals on post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and recovery.

As the minister said of Mr. Haywood, his devotion, care and genuine concern for veterans and their families has touched the lives of many and his unfailing commitment is a source of inspiration to us all.

We give thanks to individuals like Joseph Haywood.