NEW DEMOCRATS CALL FOR SECOND TERM FOR COLONEL STOGRAN
Castlegar, BC – Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior) says he fully supports the New Democrats Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer’s call for the Conservative government to renew the term of Veterans Affairs Ombudsman Colonel Pat Stogran.
“Col. Stogran has acted in the best interests of our men and women in uniform by standing up to the Government whenever necessary. He shouldn’t be punished for that,” stated Atamanenko. “It is unconscionable that the government is willing to deprive our Veterans of such a dedicated and tireless advocate for the rights of both Military and RCMP Veterans and their families.”
Col. Stogran, a Conservative appointee whose term is set to end this November, has been critical of the Government in the past and been vocal regarding the difficult bureaucratic system that Veterans face when trying to obtain their pensions or benefits.
The Colonel has told the Minister of Veterans Affairs Jean-Pierre Blackburn that he would like to stay in the position for a second term but the government does not appear to have any intention of granting his request.
“I am happy to see that veterans across the country are coming together to protest the removal of their champion,” stated Atamanenko. “I strongly urge the Conservative government to reconsider and let the good Colonel continue his important work.”