QUESTION PERIOD — Veterans Affairs
Support for Veterans
May 2, 2024
Senator Gold, my question is for you. My friend’s nephew was in Afghanistan. As so many did, he came home with PTSD. For a long time, he was living on prescribed drugs and opioids until almost losing his life. Then he decided he must do something, so he started an outreach program, and he has helped save lives and rehabilitate himself and others. Still, 33 people he served with have committed suicide since the program started three years ago — servicemen and servicewomen who now live in the shadows of our world.
Senator Gold, these men and women are our forgotten heroes, as Senator Martin aptly explained today. With so much concern about drugs in B.C. and other major Canadian cities, is there any help available for those people who find themselves on those horrendous and deadly streets?
Senator, thank you for that tragic and horrifying story. Our hearts go out to all those — and their families — who have taken their lives and those who are suffering so much that they are considering it.
The government has a commitment and an obligation to our veterans. My understanding is that it is reviewing all mental health programs and services to ensure that veterans, their families and their primary caregivers receive the best support for the mental health challenges they face, including timely access to service.
The federal government will continue to fund those services as well as the clinics. The clinics are almost always operated by the provinces. This is something the government is committed to. Thank you for raising that very sad situation.
