Ottawa, ON — Blake Richards, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, released the following statement calling on Minister McKnight to come clean about Carney’s cuts to veterans’ benefits:
“As Canadians and veterans were solemnly remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country, Carney’s Veteran Affairs Minister marked the occasion by spinning her $4.23 billion cut to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) – the second largest cut in the budget.
“First, she claimed it was ‘not actually a cut … and in fact, we’re actually investing in our veterans.’ Then, she admitted that veterans getting less benefits ‘will depend on each individual circumstance.’ Now, the Liberals claim they’re only stiffing RCMP members out of their pension benefits, and the changes do not apply to CAF members.
“Yet the Minister continues to fail to explain where the Liberals’ cuts to VAC are coming from. In the same paragraph as changes to RCMP pensions, the budget notes the Liberals ‘would also clarify the escalation formula for the Disability Pension Benefit and related benefits for CAF members, veterans and serving and retired RCMP members (including on a retroactive basis).’
“Instead, the Liberals have tried to claim the cuts are coming entirely from spending less on cannabis and estimated a $4.4 billion savings over four years. But last year, VAC spent just $245 million a year on medical marijuana, meaning even if they eliminated all cannabis spending, they would save less than one-fourth of the target.
“Based on their publicly released figures, there is no way the Liberals could save over $1 billion a year by spending $2.50 less per gram. Their numbers don’t work and fail to explain where their $4.23 billion in cuts to VAC are coming from.
“This is the same Minister who tried to limit the number of Remembrance Day wreaths available for cenotaphs across the country and didn’t know about Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador when asked if wreaths would be provided to honour the sacrifices from the province.
“Veterans who fought for Canada deserve better than the Minister’s spin on cuts to their benefits. It’s time for Minister McKnight to come clean with what the Liberals are cutting.
“Conservatives will fight for accountability for Canada’s heroes and ensure they receive the benefits and care they earned serving this great country.