English
Polish
08-06-2009
Canadian Polish Congress Congratulates the Government of Canada for Restoring Allied Veterans Benefits
Toronto – Today the President of the Canadian Polish Congress issued the following statement congratulating the Government of Canada, for the restoration of benefits to Polish Allied Veterans.
“On behalf of Canadians of Polish Heritage I would like to thank the Government of Canada, and more specifically, Prime Minister Harper, Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson and Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney for restoring the benefits of Polish Allied Veterans residing in Canada,” Stated Wladyslaw Lizon, President of the Canadian Polish Congress. “These veterans fought valiantly alongside Canadian soldiers and upheld the fundamental values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law. This announcement not only provides Polish veterans the benefits they need, but also offers them the respect they deserve.”
Also in attendance for the official announcement held at the Polish Combatant’s Hall in Toronto were Dr. Piotr Ogrodzinski, Polish Ambassador to Canada, Deputy Minister for Veteran Affairs of the Republic of Poland Dr. Jan Stanislaw Ciechanowski, SPK National President Dr.Andrzej Garlicki and SPK – Branch 20 President Marceli Ostrowski. Members of Federal Parliament in attendeance included: Bob Dechert, Mississauga-Erindale, Rick Norlock, Northumberland-Quinte West, David Sweet, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough.
Allied veterans had received full benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada until 1995. The Canadian Polish Congress and other Polish-Canadian community organizations have lobbied the government to restore these benefits for over a decade. The Conservative Party of Canada committed to the restoration of allied benefits in their 2008 election policy platform.
“The Canadian Polish Congress made Prime Minister Harper aware if this issue soon after he became Prime Minister along with other issues of importance to our community. He has grasped these issues and delivered in short order. For his passion and efforts, our community offers a debt of gratitude.” Concluded Lizon.