I am pleased to be here as the Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville to help celebrate the 80th anniversary of Branch 96.

Legions in Canada are probably the finest example of an organization that dedicates itself to the cause of helping its members.

But it goes beyond that.

Legions throughout Canada - and Brockville is no exception - participate in their communities and give back to them in many ways.

I don’t need to remind you that Legions spend time and money in direct support of their members.

They spend money for seniors housing.

Legion members spend countless hours of volunteer time to aid seniors.

Legions support youth activities including bursaries, scholarships, sports activities and Remembrance activities.

Charities are among the Legion’s many beneficiaries in both time and money.

The Royal Canadian Legion offers members of Canada's military community the opportunity to share in good fellowship while at the same time providing invaluable assistance to their less fortunate comrades and serving the communities in which they live.

Here is an interesting national fact:

Through property taxes and wages alone the Legion’s economic impact on the country is estimated at $335 million per year.

I am proud to be part of a new government in Canada that recognizes the contributions that Canada’s military personnel have made to Canada.

We recently announced over $100,000 for Cenotaph restorations across the country.

Since coming to office we have introduced a Veteran’s Charter, the Veteran’s Bill of Rights and we recently announced that we will be appointing a veteran's ombudsman.

The Veterans Bill of Rights is an expression of the rights Veterans have long identified as important.
 
It is a comprehensive declaration of rights for all war-service Veterans, Veterans and serving members of the Canadian Forces (Regular and Reserve), members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, spouses, common-law partners, survivors and primary caregivers, other eligible dependants and family members, and other eligible clients.

Prior to that we also announced The New Veterans Charter which is the most profound transformation of Veterans services and benefits since the end of the Second World War.

It provides all the fundamental programs and services that CF Veterans and their families have told us they need as they transition from military to civilian life.

The Charter is a comprehensive wellness package that will benefit CF members, Veterans, and their families. The package contains the key elements which CF Veterans and their families have said are important to them, including: rehabilitation, health benefits, job placement assistance, financial benefits and disability awards.

The Ombudsman will work on behalf of veterans to ensure they receive all the services and benefits they deserve.

Once again thank you for inviting me today.

My office has provided a commemorative certificate to mark this occasion and I would like, at this time, to present the Branch with a new Canadian flag.