The Federal government has recently committed to spending $200 million dollars over the next six years to address mental health issues among members of the Canadian Forces.
Robert Wagensteen, President of the 100 Mile House Legion, says he is cautiously optimistic of the funding.
“I think it’s fine going there if they’re going to do something about the PTSD which is the biggest problem they have. We have more soldiers commit suicide then we have lost during the 12 years we’ve been in Afghanistan; that’s unacceptable.”
Wagensteen, says he isn’t confident how exactly younger veterans will benefit from the other $5 million dollars in funding that is being directed to the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research.
“I don’t know why it’s so hard for VA (Veteran Affairs) to step up, they step up in a limited manner, but it still drags on.”
“One of the things you’re going to find especially with a veteran with PTSD problems is that he’s not going to stand in line and he’s not going to fill out form after form.”
“I mean it’s great that we have a system, but it takes months to get through it.”
The federal funding which focuses on opening clinics and facilities also aims to open offices around the country with the nearest one slated for Kelowna.
The opposition NDP has accused the government of allowing $1.1 billion in funding for veterans to lapse.