Government of Canada recognizes the pre- and post-Second World War experiences of Métis Veterans

Minister of Veterans Affairs

Government of Canada recognizes the pre- and post-Second World War experiences of Métis Veterans

Transcript

“Métis across Canada valiantly participated in military service, and their courage and contributions are a source of honour to their families, their communities, and to all Canadians. They served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and as recently as in Afghanistan as well as in other conflicts and humanitarian efforts around the globe. “Looking back, it is clear that the pre- and post-Second World War experiences some Métis Veterans faced may have negatively affected their successful re-establishment in civilian life following the Second World War. Many experienced prejudice, poverty, and a relative lack of pre-war education, vocational skills, and work experiences. We apologize that the benefits offered to Veterans after the war were not well designed to meet Métis Veterans’ specific needs. For example, many Métis Veterans did not possess the required pre-requisites to access education and training. “We regret that our country has taken three-quarters of a century to address the concerns of Métis Veterans who joined Canada’s call to arms to enter the Second World War. They left this country not knowing the enemy they would face, nor the countries and people they were to defend. They were, nonetheless, instrumental in Canada’s action to protect basic rights and freedoms around the globe. “Addressing these longstanding concerns is a significant step forward in the process of reconciliation with the Métis people. When the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017, we agreed that Métis Veterans were a priority area that needed to be addressed. “To this end, I am pleased that the Government of Canada has allocated $30 million to recognize Métis Veterans of the Second World War for their pre- and post-war experiences and to support commemorative initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of Métis Veterans’ sacrifices and contributions among the Métis People as well as the general Canadian public. “On behalf of all Canadians, we thank the Métis who served our country valiantly during the Second World War. They deserve our respect and we say thank you to them, their families, and the Métis Nation for the sacrifices that they made.” A message from the Government of Canada

Description

Métis across Canada valiantly participated in military service, and their courage and contributions are a source of honour to their families, their communities, and to all Canadians.

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