October 22, 2009

Senator Downe to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Veterans Affairs’ Relocation

On Monday, October 26th, Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe will attend a celebration, hosted by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Greg Thompson, marking the 25th Anniversary of the relocation of Veterans Affairs Headquarters from Ottawa to Charlottetown.

“The decentralization of Veterans Affairs Canada has produced tremendous financial benefits for Charlottetown,” said Senator Downe.

There are currently more than 1,300 employees at the national headquarters in downtown Charlottetown, generating an annual payroll in Prince Edward Island of over one-hundred million dollars ($100 million).

“These secure federal government jobs help provide financial stability to our community,” said Downe.

Veterans Affairs employees provide first-class delivery services to more than 219,000 clients across Canada including 60,000 modern day Canadian Forces members—3,800 of whom have served in Afghanistan.

“Veterans Affairs Canada employees are dedicated to offering only the very best services to their fellow Canadians, and they have much to be proud of when they reflect on the true meaning of the work they are completing on behalf of our Veterans and their families,” concluded Downe.

Thanks to the efforts of then Veterans Affairs Minister Daniel J. MacDonald, Veterans Affairs Canada became the first—and remains the only—federal department with its national headquarters located outside of the Ottawa area.

For further information:
Senator Percy Downe: 613-943-8107
Or toll free at 1-800-267-7362
www.sen.parl.gc.ca/pdowne