The Perth Wellington New Democratic Party has invited veterans' advocates to its upcoming federal nomination meeting.
So far, Ethan Rabidoux of Stratford is the only declared candidate for the nomination. He spent three years in the Canadian Forces, and says the ongoing nightmare at Veterans Affairs tops the agenda.
Bruce Moncur will be on hand representing the Afghanistan Veterans Association of Canada. Moncur served in Afghanistan and was critically injured there in 2006.
He required two brain surgeries and was forced to retire from the military. He received a lump sum compensation package of $22,000 and says he has been shown no courtesy or empathy from Veterans Affairs.
The NDP nomination meeting is Sunday, January 4th at the Kiwanis Club of Stratford.
"The word disgrace seems inadequate to describe the last 20 years at Veterans Affairs," says Rabidoux. "The current government has clawed back $1.1 billion from the VA budget since 2006, closed eight VA regional offices and has shown utter contempt for our men and women in uniform. This has to stop."
London-Fanshawe Member of Parliament Irene Mathyssen will be the guest speaker at the meeting. Mathyssen has been a tireless advocate for veterans, and was the NDP’s deputy critic for veterans affairs.