SYDNEY, N.S. – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially re-opened a Veterans Affairs office in Sydney, N.S., saying its closure was indicative of a Conservative government that lost its way.
At a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, Trudeau said it was a priority for his year-old government to re-open veterans’ offices across the country that had been shuttered by the Tories.
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He said they plan to open a 10th office in Surrey, B.C., and said hundreds of staff have been hired across the country to lower wait times and improve service.
“Veterans deserve a level of service and the fact that the Conservatives cut those veterans service offices was a real shame, and indicative of a party that had lost its connection with Canadians and lost its sense of what’s actually important,” said Trudeau outside of the new office.
The former Veterans Affairs offices were closed as a cost-saving measure under the Harper government. In Sydney, protests were held to try to convince the Conservatives to reconsider the closure, and the Liberals promised to reverse it if they took power.
Ottawa said the new Sydney office will employ 15 staff who will serve approximately 2,200 veterans.
Trudeau was also expected to meet with veterans at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 128 in Sydney on Thursday.
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