Charlottetown Veterans Affairs office to reopen

After closing more than two years ago, Charlottetown's veterans affairs office will be reopening, Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr told CBC Radio's Island Morning on Thursday.

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"This will allow us to do a better job of giving [veterans] the one-on-one attention they deserve after they've served our country bravely and boldly and done the heavy lifting for us wherever the government sends them on a day-to-day basis," Hehr said.

They've earned it — and having an office helps them reach their new normal.- Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr

He said the office, to be located in the Jean Canfield Building, will be open in November. Once open, the office will help approximately 2,000 veterans in P.E.I. "build their lives."

Hehr said 10 front-line staffers will be hired to provide services.

'Veterans deserve the respect'

The Charlottetown office was closed, along with eight other offices in Canada, by the previous federal government in January 2014. Veterans needing help went to local Service Canada offices instead.

"We're seeing many people needing Veterans Affairs help. That's why the offices are absolutely necessary," Hehr said.

"They're connection points in our community and veterans deserve the respect — they've earned it — and having an office helps them reach their new normal."

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