Veterans shun ‘Cadillac’ war tributes

OTTAWA — Veterans’ advocates are urging restraint as the federal Conservative government prepares to spend what could be hundreds of millions of dollars to commemorate the First and Second World Wars starting later this year.

The Veterans Ombudsman’s office and the Royal Canadian Legion say it is important and necessary for the government to mark Canada’s contributions and sacrifice during both conflicts, which included such defining moments as Vimy Ridge and Dieppe.

But they oppose extravagant displays of pomp and ceremony at a time when they say many Canadian veterans are not getting the services and support they so desperately need. “I understand our role on the world stage and what we should do to commemorate the fantastic deeds that have been done in the past,” said deputy veterans ombudsman Gary Walbourne.

“But I don’t know if we need the Cadillac version for every event.”

The Conservative government has not said how much it is budgeting for the commemorations, running through 2020, to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World

There are bigger needs and requirements that are needed today … VETERANS OMBUDSMAN GARY WALBOURNE

War. But the $30 million the government spent two years ago to commemorate the War of 1812 is expected to be just a drop in the bucket given the higher profile and greater importance attached to the two world wars.

The veterans ombudsman’s office released a report in the fall that found a number of problems with the veterans affairs system, including hundreds of disabled veterans at risk of living out the rest of their lives in poverty.

“Yes, there’s a need and a place (for commemorations),” Walbourne said. “But there are bigger needs and requirements that are needed today, that are urgent today.”

The Royal Canadian Legion has called on the government to come clean on how much it plans to spend between now and 2020, when the last events will take place.