Julian Fantino

[Veterans Affairs, May 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I have also heard from Captain Medric Cousineau and many other veterans, which is why today I was pleased to announce that our government would support a two and a half year pilot project that would provide service dogs for up to 50 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The $500,000 will cover the cost of expenses and new research for the initiative.

As well, I thank Medric and Thai and so many other veterans for bringing this forward. I am glad that our government continues to deliver for our veterans and their families.

[Veterans, May 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians can be confident that some 8,000 veterans currently reside in long-term care facilities across Canada. All veterans, whether modern-day or those who served before Korea, have in fact access to a long-term care facility if their service condition indicates that they need one.

This is what Canadians expect, and I am proud that we are in fact delivering on that commitment.

[Veterans, May 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, all veterans, whether modern day or those who served before Korea, have access to long-term care facilities if their service condition indicates that they need one. Canadians expect that a veteran who is injured while in service to Canada and who is in need of long-term care as a result should have this benefit available.

While I am on my feet, will that member commit to voting for veterans' long-term care funding at the next opportunity?

[Veterans Affairs, May 14th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is working to deliver the support our veterans deserve. They stood up for our country and we are standing up for them.

We are in fact communicating clearly and in plain language so that veterans and their families can quickly and easily access information that is important to them and their quality of life.

[Veterans Affairs, May 14th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is quite ironic, really, that the party that has consistently voted against every measure that we have undertaken to upload and improve the quality of life for our veterans and their families today can stand up and be critical. It is about bogus partisan offices using taxpayers' money, House of Commons funds, that they should be accountable for, not this nonsense.

[Veterans Affairs, May 14th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our government spends a fraction of 1% on commemoration activities while allocating billions each year toward the services and benefits available for Canadian veterans. However, if the NDP broke the rules, it should take responsibility and repay taxpayers immediately.

Moreover, people who operate out of tax-paid, bogus partisan offices should not be casting self-serving partisan stones.

[Veterans Affairs, May 14th, 2014]

Honestly, Mr. Speaker, as more and more Canadians turn to social media, it is important they too learn about the great accomplishments of Canadian veterans overseas and here at home.

However, the veterans I know would expect that if the NDP broke the rules, they take responsibility and repay taxpayers immediately.

If these reports are accurate, the NDP has misused House of Commons resources for partisan purposes, and that is the truth.

[Government Advertising, May 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, that assertion is absolutely incorrect. I have heard time and again that Veterans Affairs needs to improve its communication with Canadian veterans, and indeed Canadians. Canadian veterans need to know that they have financial support available to them in addition to the rehabilitation and mental health support they need. Is that member really saying that we should not be telling veterans and informing them and their families how they can access benefits?

[Veterans Affairs, May 12th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report to the House that the National Day of Honour events took place in community centres, schools, municipal offices, provincial legislatures, and Legion branches right across our country. On Friday, Canadians from coast to coast to coast stood united with their neighbours, families, and friends to pay respect to those who served in Afghanistan and to the families who have sacrificed so much.

We honour and remember the deeds and sacrifices of Canadian veterans. Lest we forget.

[Veterans Affairs, May 8th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the national day of honour, I am pleased to announce that the dates of the Afghanistan War will be forever inscribed on the National War Memorial. I am also pleased to confirm our government will construct a dedicated permanent memorial to honour the sacrifice of our men and women who served in Afghanistan.

On behalf of this Prime Minister and our government, I hope all members in this place will use tomorrow to pay their respects.

Lest we forget.