Prince George, B.C . –  John Scott, Legion Zone Commander for BC/Yukon  along with Royal Canadian  Legion  Branch 45 President  Bruce Gabriel have called upon  the City of Prince George for support to re -establish  a Veterans Affairs Office  in P.G..

Scott says there are a number of veterans in Prince George, some who are  serving with the Rocky Mountain Rangers, yet,  the Federal Government  seems to think  a “veteran” only applies to those who served in the   two World Wars, or Korean conflict.

“There is a need to speak  face to face to someone” says Scott,  who says  while the responsibility has been passed  over to Service Canada, he says it takes many years of experience to deal competently with veteran’s issues.  “I think of a veteran standing in line with those who are unemployed, and I mean no disrespect when I say this,  but  they may need some professional help, not someone who will just lead them to a computer.”

With that, he called upon Council to once again call for the re-establishment of a Veterans Affairs office in Prince George.

Councillor Susan Scott says as a member of the Legion, and daughter of two veterans “I have been appalled for some time.”  She says she was heartened to hear of the demotion of Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino “We need to stand up for our veterans”.

Councillor Brian Skakun noted “It gets my blood boiling when I see what’s going on across the country”.  He says while Council did write a letter before, “In my opinion it wasn’t worded strong enough.” He says if Prince George is the hub of the North,  then there should be a Veterans Affairs office here to support Veterans in the north and return to what he calls “the human touch”.

Councillor Frank Everitt lauded the efforts of veterans, saying  we are where we are today because  of their sacrifices  “You are entitled to respect, for doing the job you’ve done, and now it’s time for payback.”

“I think it is imperative that we send a strongly worded letter to our MP’s calling for this office to be re-opened” said Councillor Murry Krause “for this Ministry (Veterans Affairs) to have a surplus is shameful, it is not ok.”

“I think this Council has an appetite to stand up for those who have stood up for us in the past” said Councillor Terri McConnachie.

Mayor Lyn Hall  is hoping  other communities will work with Prince George to   present a strong voice  calling on  the  Federal Government to reinstate  the  office.  Councillor Murry Krause made it clear, the City  should be  “holding the Federal Government’s  feet to the fire for what is their  responsibility.”

In addition,  Council has unanimously approved  activating  the community covenant that was  developed recently  and that it be tasked to “identify actions Prince George can take  in response to the challenges created in our city  by the closing of the local office  of Veterans Affairs.”