NEWS RELEASE
JOHN BRASSARD, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR BARRIE-INNISFIL
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Barrie-Innisfil Member of Parliament John Brassard was today appointed as Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs by Opposition and Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin O’Toole.
This is the second time that Brassard will hold this position. He previously served under Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose from October 2016 to August 2017. Brassard served as Deputy Opposition Whip under former CPC Leader Andrew Scheer.
“I am honoured to once again be able to speak in the House of Commons on behalf of veterans across Canada who believe the Liberal government is not listening to them,” Brassard said. “As Critic for Veterans Affairs, I had the privilege of touring the country and speaking with hundreds of veterans in 2017. Their concerns, including access to adequate heath care and other support, need to be taken seriously by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence McCauley.”
Brassard built a strong working relationship with Canadian veterans as Critic and continued to strengthen those important connections while serving as Deputy Opposition Whip for the past three years. While he has not worn the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces, he served as a firefighter for over 30 years and respects that those who wear a uniform accept the responsibility to protect citizens in Canada and around the world.
In October 2017 Brassard introduced Bill C-378, An Act to Amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, an attempt to entrench principles of respect, dignity and fairness in an Armed Forces Covenant. At that time Brassard said, “We owe a duty of care to our veterans. Every veteran and their families must have timely access to the care and benefits they need and deserve.”
The bill was defeated in the House when the Liberal government voted against it at second reading.
Following today’s announcement, Brassard emphasized that the need to effectively serve Canadian veterans is even greater today because of the impact of COVD-19 and the increasing backlog of benefit cases waiting to be resolved.
“I will work hard to support our veterans and reduce the backlog to ensure they receive their well-deserved benefits in a timely manner,” he said.
As Shadow Minister, Brassard will work with the Leader, Shadow Cabinet and Conservative Caucus to bring forward policies that will assist veterans from the first day they leave active service in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“Mr. O’Toole served as the Minister of Veterans Affairs in 2015 and was a great mentor to me when I was first given the opportunity to serve as Critic,” Brassard said. “I have great respect for our veterans, and I look forward to once again advocating on their behalf.”
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