Parliamentary Secretary Eve Adams Inspects the Recently Vandalized Victory Peace War Memorial

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Brampton South, today inspected the recently vandalized Victory Peace War Memorial at Coronation Park.

"Our cenotaphs and war memorials are powerful symbols of our national remembrance and must be respected and maintained," said Minister Blaney. "Disgraceful and disrespectful acts of vandalism like this need to be addressed. That is why our Government is proud to support  Bill C-217, which will increase penalties for those convicted of these heinous crimes."

"Seeing our local war memorials treated with such disrespect is incredibly troubling, especially on such an important day of national remembrance," said Parliamentary Secretary Adams. "I am pleased to be here today to see that this memorial has been restored to its honoured state."

Through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, the Government of Canada partners with community groups and local organizations to ensure that cenotaphs and monuments honouring our nation's heroes are conserved to the highest standard of care and dignity.

Applications to this program can be submitted at any time during the year. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding. To learn more about Veterans Affairs Canada's Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program and other programs and services, visit veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

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