Robert Oliphant named Liberal Party of Canada Veterans Affairs Critic

For Immediate Release

October 5, 2009

OTTAWA– Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, announced today an addition to the Liberal Party of Canada’s Shadow Cabinet.  Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, was introduced as the Party’s new Critic for Veterans Affairs and was elected vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. 

Mr. Oliphant, a former United Church Minister, and son of a World War II veteran, says he is honoured to have the chance to work to improve the lives of Canadian servicemen and servicewomen upon the completion of their duties.  “We need to do more for our Veterans,” Oliphant said.  “It is our obligation to them to ensure that they are socially, emotionally and economically supported in their lives as they return to the civilian community.”

While Veterans Affairs Canada is often seen as working for elderly veterans, Mr. Oliphant wants to make sure that those Veterans returning from duty in Afghanistan are not forgotten.  “Additional help in the transition to non-combat activities in the Canadian Forces, or employment as civilians, is the responsibility of the federal government and the Conservatives are failing in this regard,” Oliphant said.  “In these extraordinary times, we are increasingly aware of a crisis in this country when it comes to mental health care for some of today’s soldiers,” added Mr. Oliphant. “Cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are on the rise and we are simply not doing enough to treat this very serious condition.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House of Commons and on the Veterans Affairs Committee to improve the quality of life for all Canadian Veterans.”  Mr. Oliphant concluded.  “This is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate to Canadians how government can and should be a force for good in our lives.”

 

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Contact:
Noah Farber
Office of Robert Oliphant, M.P.
613-992-2855