A Moment with the Mayor: Our Veterans

While travelling to Newfoundland for meetings, I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum. With some time between commitments, the visit led me to reflect on how Canada supports its veterans after service. While this is a federal responsibility, it is one that also holds meaning for communities like Lloydminster.

Lloydminster is home to veterans of the First and Second World Wars, as well as those who served in more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Canadian Armed Forces members have contributed both in times of war and in periods of peace, and those who choose to live in this community remain an important part of its fabric.

All who have served are owed a debt of gratitude. Since the First World War, the federal government, through Veterans Affairs Canada, has been responsible for supporting veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life and manage service-related conditions. These include physical injuries as well as mental health challenges, from what was once referred to as shell shock to what is now recognized as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Historical accounts and ongoing reporting suggest that, regardless of the government of the day, support systems have not always kept pace with demand. While Canada has often responded quickly to military needs, the level of follow-up care for returning service members has at times fallen short, particularly as demand for services increases following conflicts.

Organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion continue to advocate for veterans, while federal initiatives, including the Office of the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman, aim to help individuals navigate available supports.

Continued attention and investment are needed to ensure veterans are treated with dignity and respect and have access to the services required to live well after their service. The freedoms Canadians experience today are a direct result of those who have served and those who continue to serve.

Recognizing their contributions remains an important responsibility shared across all levels of government and within communities. Thank you to all Canadian Armed Forces members and to the veterans who have served.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster