Minister Steven Blaney Congratulates The War Amps of Canada on Nearly a Century of Supporting Canadian Veterans

OTTAWA, March 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, applauded The War Amps of Canada for its legacy of support for Canada's Veterans. The War Amps recently achieved two significant milestones—its 95^th anniversary and 1.5 million sets of keys returned to Canadians.

"The War Amps has earned a special place in the hearts of Canadians," said Minister Blaney. "You are recognized across our great country as a model for grassroots organizations, and you have distinguished yourselves as a true friend to Canada's Veterans and other amputees, especially our children."

The War Amps of Canada was founded in 1918 by amputee war Veterans returning home from the First World War. With a philosophy of "amputees helping amputees" the organization offers counselling, self-help and practical assistance to amputees. It also promotes Canada's military heritage and pays tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of Veterans and men and women in uniform.

"We are very proud to continue to pass on the 95-year legacy of expertise and experience we have gained in the amputee Veterans' field to child amputees and the overall amputee community in Canada," said Brian N. Forbes, Chairman of The War Amps Executive Committee.  "As part of our mandate, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Minister and Veterans Affairs to make certain that seriously disabled Veterans and their dependants receive appropriate pension compensation and health care benefits."

"Our Government values the strength and voice of Veterans' groups such as The War Amps of Canada," stated Minister Blaney. "Veterans and stakeholders provide an important voice on the issues that are essential to them and their families. By engaging severely injured Veterans at all levels of discussion, we will continue to make progress in improving our services and programs to all Veterans."

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Danita Chisholm
Executive Director of Communications
The War Amps of Canada
613-731-2952
1-877-606-3342

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649