The Minister of Veterans Affairs was in the Barrie area to promote the federal government’s plan to provide more education to veterans.
Minister Kent Hehr talked about the educational initiatives during stops at Georgian College and CFB Borden on Tuesday morning.
In the 2017 budget, the Trudeau government promised $133.9 million over six years for a Veterans’ Education and Training Benefit.
The fund will provide $40,000 to veterans looking to go to a post-secondary institute. Those veterans would have needed to serve at least six years. Veterans who have served for at least 12 years can qualify for $80,000.
“If education truly is the great equalizer, as I believe it to be, then this new Veterans’ Education and Training Benefit has the potential to be a real game changer,” Hehr said in a statement.
For those who don't wish to go to college or university there is a $5,000 benefit available for professional development or certification. Invaluable new options say those who have served.
“I think it's big because there's a lot of people get and out and they have nothing,” says Norm Dalcoult, retired military member.
Other highlights include nearly $14 million over four years to establish a veteran and family well-being fund to support future initiatives for veterans and families.
Also, $1,000 a month tax-free benefit toward caregiver services for veterans and an expanded military family program to include medically released veterans and their families.
The government says it will also make the process of getting information and guidance easier for veterans.
“We miss out on a lot of opportunities as soldiers just because it's like they're throwing huge books of information at us full of information without giving us an outline of where we need to go,” says retired military member Victoria Kovatchev.
The minister also promised a new centre of excellence in mental health and Post-Traumatic Street Disorder.
“This centre will provide research and education and outreach services for veterans and their families,” says Hehr.
However, the minister didn't comment on how much money would be set aside for the new mental health centre or where it will be built.
