‘Winnipeg is home to thousands of military veterans who served our nation honorably and who are an important part of our city. Let’s show them what they mean to us.’ - Robert-Falcon Ouellette
Today we announced that as Mayor the city would bring in a number of measures that would help military veterans in need and honor all veterans living in the city, including housing for homeless veterans, free access to some city services, and establishing a Afghanistan Mission Memorial Park.
The Canadian Armed Forces have been essential in offering aid to our city in times of need; served willingly throughout Manitoba during the COVID-19 pandemic; and fought bravely as part of the Afghan Mission.
Winnipeg is home to thousands of military veterans who served our nation honorably and who are an important part of our city. Let’s show them what they mean to us.
A HOME FOR VETERANS EXPERIENCING HOMELESNESS
‘Every veteran should feel a sense of belonging in our city,’ - Robert-Falcon Ouellette
According to Homes For Heroes, there are approximately 160 veterans living on the streets of Winnipeg. Last May, a project was announced to build 20 tiny homes for some of these veterans. (1) (2)
While a good start, we need to do more for those who have done so much for us.’
As part of the homelessness and housing plan announced earlier this week, as Mayor the city will work with Veteran Affairs Canada, housing groups like Homes for Heroes, and The Royal Canadian Legion to build a multi-story veterans’ residence with services.
As part of this process the city would identify vacant lots or parking lots that it owns which could be used for this development.
Every veteran should feel a sense of belonging in our city.
CITY SERVICES FOR VETERANS
‘We need to remember say thank-you to our veterans, show them that they are an important of our city and that their service will not be forgotten.’ Robert-Falcon Ouellette
As Mayor we will work with council to bring in several measures that would give free access to city services. In particular;
Ensure that veterans can access pools and fitness centers free of charge.
Allow Veterans to ride Transit for free
Provide Free parking on metered city streets and pay parking lots.
We need to remember say thank-you to our veterans, show them that they are an important of our city and that their service will not be forgotten.
AFGHANISTAN MISSION MEMORIAL PARK
‘Let us never forget their sacrifice.’ - Robert-Falcon Ouellette
More than 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) served in Afghanistan as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from 2001 to 2014, making this the largest Canadian military deployment since the Second World War. Sadly, 159 Canadians died in Afghanistan, including 7 Manitobans. (3) (4)
To recognize the gallant service of these fallen soldiers that as Mayor he will work with council to;
Create the Afghanistan Mission Memorial Park and plant 159 trees for each of the Canadian soldiers, airmen and sailors who died in service of our nation to honour their memory. The city, working with the province and federal government would also build a memorial for those who died during the Afghanistan War, so that all veterans and their families have a permanent place to gather in Western Canada.
Honour each of the 7 Manitobans, who paid the ultimate price, by naming new streets after them.
Let us never forget their sacrifice. We must preserve their memory so that the families of the soldiers are honoured, and their memory lives forever.
Having served with the Canadian Armed Forces across Canada for 27 years, I understand what it means to have the privilege and challenges there are to serve one’s nation.
Veterans of all ages deserve our respect; while Canadians pause on Remembrance Day we should take the opportunity to honour the women and men 365 days a year.
These ideas are an opportunity to demonstrate the nobility of our city, so we never forget.
(1) https://homesforheroesfoundation.ca/about-us/
(3) https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/canadian-armed-forces/afghanistan
(4) https://globalnews.ca/news/1204548/afghanistan-mission-ends-with-seven-less-manitoban-soldiers/