Downe Calls for Immediate Appointment of Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs Canada

December 1, 2006

Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe has raised questions in the Senate as to why the Harper Government is taking so long to appoint a new permanent Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs.

In August 2006, the then Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Jack Stagg, passed away. Mr. Stagg provided outstanding service to Canada and his leadership at Veterans Affairs greatly contributed to the many successes experienced by the department in recent years.

“The current management of Veterans Affairs Canada is doing a very good job of supervising the department, but the long period without a permanent Deputy Minister will impact on future strategic planning and policy development”, said Downe.

“Veterans Affairs Canada is an important department for Canadian Veterans and for the economy of Prince Edward Island. Veterans Affairs Canada now employs over 1,300 people in downtown Charlottetown. The department has a major impact on the economy of Prince Edward Island and the Deputy Minister plays an important role as the permanent head of the department”, continued Downe.

Prime Minister Harper needs to consider as an urgent priority the appointment of a non-partisan Deputy Minister who understands the importance of fulfilling the two very distinct roles of managing the department, and demonstrating the leadership skills necessary to ensure the continuing growth and success of the department in Prince Edward Island.