Dear Editor:
I was surprised to read recently about the disrespect shown to our veterans by the Minister for Veterans Affairs. It is particularly galling in light of this government's eagerness to send our troops to war.
Stephen Harper voted in favour of military intervention in Iraq, and when he became prime minister he launched a surge of Canadian troops in Afghanistan. He also spent millions of taxpayer dollars on commercials for a Hollywood version of the War of 1812. But he hasn't been so eager to address the reality of war. And the reality is that when the government sends our soldiers to war, some are going to die and some are going to come home injured. And the government has to accept responsibility for the injuries suffered by our soldiers.Last year, the government decided to stop providing wounded veterans with lifetime pensions, but instead give them workers compensation-style lump sum payments.
Some wounded soldiers were also discharged early to ensure they wouldn't qualify for pensions. This has left some disabled veterans living in poverty.When our veterans return home, we have an obligation to care for them and to treat them with respect. It's simply not right to support war without also supporting our veterans.
Neil Cave
West Vancouver
