Minister of Veterans Affairs speaks with ANAVETS - Minister O'Toole joins members of the British Columbia Command for Annual Convention

KELOWNA, BC, April 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable, Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, took part in ANAVETS' 9^th Biennial Provincial Command Convention, in British Columbia, and delivered the opening remarks during a ceremony.

ANAVETS has been an important partner for Veterans Affairs Canada for many years. As Canada's oldest Veterans' organization, ANAVETS continues to play a critical role to ensure Veterans and their families are receiving the benefits and services they need.

Quick Facts

• In the past few weeks, the Government of Canada has announced it is enhancing resources so that Veterans Affairs Canada has the tools and support it needs to provide Veterans and their families with the support they need.
• Partners such as ANAVETS help Veterans Affairs Canada to improve its service to Canada's Veterans.
• ANAVETS is Canada's oldest Veterans' organization. Its first unit formed in 1840, and the organization was incorporated in 1917.
• The group has approximately 15,000 members in 68 units across Canada. Membership is open to those who have served or are serving in any branch of the armed or auxiliary forces of any portion of the British Commonwealth, or its allies.
• ANAVETS comprises the Dominion Command, located in Ottawa, and seven provincial commands and units in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Quotes

"We are proud of the partnership we enjoy with ANAVETS and we truly value our ability to work together for the good of the men and women who've earned and deserve our respect and gratitude. Through the efforts of its members, ANAVETS has helped us better understand the realities facing Veterans and their families."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"As Provincial President of the British Columbia Command, I would like to say that it is an honour to have the Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, officially open our 9th Biennial Convention. The purpose and objects of our Association are to unite fraternally persons who have served in the armed forces (or any auxiliary force). Along with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Army, Navy, Air Force (ANAF) serves its country by advocating and supporting policies and programs on behalf of Veterans and their families."
President Bruce Wight, ANAVETS

Associated Links

• Veterans Affairs Canada Services
• ANAVETS Dominion Command

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Martin Magnan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468