By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Over the past week, many of us have participated in services and events honouring our Canadian veterans and soldiers. We witnessed the spectacular colours, sounds and traditions of our regiments, squadrons, veteran and military organizations, like the sight and sound of a lone bugler playing the Last Post.
Such ceremonies and events afford us an opportunity to show deep appreciation for the priceless gift of freedom given to us by our veterans and those brave men and women serving today.
Haldimand-Norfolk has a distinguished military history whereby citizens have continually stood up to answer the call. On a national scale, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served our country while 118,000 have made the ultimate sacrifice.
While it is difficult to find the words to convey the sincerest of appreciation, may we remind ourselves that freedom always comes a cost – it is not free. And that’s why it’s important to tell our kids, our grandkids of such brave warriors and teach them the stories of their deeds.
While paying homage on November 11th is of utmost importance, I believe we must ‘remember’ all 365 days of the year.
Ahead of Remembrance Day, the Ontario Government introduced Bill 218, the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which unanimously passed. I stand in solidarity with the Ontario government as this legislation will better honour our veterans by implementing steps to improve their and their families’ lives.
Bill 218 amends various Acts and among its many features, it proposes to formally recognize and codify nine specific military trades to augment their return to civilian careers in the trades. For example, a veteran who was a material technician responsible for working on vehicles in the armed forces wouldn’t experience the red tape, hurdles, or protracted timelines for having their military work experience and credentials recognized for employment in a similar occupation.
The Act also proposes condemning any act “that disrespects veterans, including committing the act of stolen valour when an individual makes false claims about military service. This includes the unlawful use of government sanctioned medals, uniforms, and decorations.”
I was pleased to see the proposed expansion of Health811 to connect veterans to specialized services that meet their unique health care needs, including those in rural areas.
Another standout for me was the proposed increase in financial assistance available to veterans and their families via the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. This would allow eligible veterans and their family members to receive up to $3,000 each year, up from $2,000, to help pay for essential services and supports. Eligible veterans can find out how to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission at Ontario.ca/SoldiersAid.
In my opinion, Bill 218 is a good first step, but we can always do more.
On Oct 30th, I submitted Motion 137, which reads: That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should direct municipalities to set aside, and secure in perpetuity, a painted crosswalk in remembrance of Canadian military veterans and soldiers, to honour their service and sacrifice and to show deep appreciation for the priceless gift of freedom.
I have been in touch with the government to establish partnership and solidarity to make my motion a reality but have yet to hear any response. I look forward to the day Ontario is the first province to have each municipality creating daily remembrances.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk