Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government is strongly supportive of veterans and their widows.
Instead of trying to score cheap political points, the member for Pickering—Scarborough East should encourage his Liberal colleagues on the veterans affairs committee to focus on the veterans independence mandate.
The Conservative government has increased spending on veterans by $523 million a year. In contrast, in 1995 and 1998 the old Liberal government cut a collective $69.7 million.
The Conservative government added 12,200 new clients to the veterans independence program. The Liberals cut VIP entitlement to allied vets.
We have introduced the veterans bill of rights. On their watch, the Liberals cut the burial program for veterans.
We have established a veterans ombudsman. The Liberals cut veterans travel rates and treatment benefits.
Canada's new government has invited the official opposition to be a part of the process of improving the veterans independence program at committee. This new government supports and values the men and women who sacrificed and fought for our freedoms. They are our priority. The Liberals--