March 04, 2008

OTTAWA – Budget 2008 contains significant investment to support veterans and their families. The most notable example of this being the extension of the Veterans Independence Program (VIP), which ensures that survivors in need receive the help they require to remain independent in their own homes.

“I am proud of our Government’s record during its first two years in office. We have been steadfast in our support of our Veterans, and this Budget builds on our promise to stand up for our brave Veterans and their families,” said Lauzon.

The 2008 budget allocates $282 million over the next three years to extend the VIP to more than 12,000 eligible survivors.

“This funding will provide help to those survivors who, in some cases, have been waiting more than 25 years for a government to help them. With this funding, we will help those survivors who need our help and can least afford it,” said Lauzon.

The Conservative Government is allocating almost $800 million more per year to Veterans than the Liberals budgeted in their last year in office. In three Budgets, the Conservative Government has allocated $1.6 billion dollars for Veterans.

The Government also delivered on promises to

• Implement the New Veterans Charter;
• Establish a Veterans Bill of Rights;
• Appoint a Veterans Ombudsman; and
• Resolve the long-standing Agent Orange question at CFB Gagetown.
  

“We know there is still more work to do - because no matter how much we do for our Veterans, it will never be enough to repay the great debt we owe them and their families, but finally Veterans and their spouses have a Government that is working to deliver for them,” said Lauzon.