(Seamus O’Regan is Canada’s new Minister of Veterans Affairs-photo VA web site)
The Royal Canadian Legion Commander, who represents 14 Legion branches from Yarmouth to Chester says he’s pleased with the appointment of a new Minister of Veterans Affairs that was announced in this week’s cabinet shuffle by Prime Minister Trudeau.
Seamus O’Regan, a former TV host, takes over the portfolio from Kent Hehr.
Don McCumber, District E Commander, says it’s good that O’Reagan is from Eastern Canada.
“It’s great because Seamus is from the Maritimes. I’m sure that from his background and experience in the media and as a broadcaster that he’s certainly aware of the issues that are facing our veterans today and the concerns of the Royal Canadian Legion.”
McCumber says there are at least two ongoing issues that the Legion wants addressed.
“Our veterans who are suffering from PTSD, and ensuring that these veterans receive the proper assistance and care that they need. The other one is the criteria that they have for entrance into our veterans living units. Right now the criteria is that veterans must have served overseas. As we know the veteran population is decreasing but we have many veterans that have served on Canadian soil and there are facilities available for them and sometimes we have vacant beds and these individuals don’t qualify. We have to look at changing that criteria and I certainly hope that Seamus will take a hard took at that.”.
