Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney Attends Military Exercise in the Chaudiere-Appalaches Region

Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, yesterday took part in a cold weather military training exercise called "Rafale blanche," held in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. The exercise involves some 400 soldiers from 5 Combat Engineer Regiment who are practising combat manoeuvres in winter conditions from January 31 to February 9 in the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Les Etchemins.

Minister Blaney was informed of various scenarios for simulating engineering and infantry tasks, including obstacle construction, vital point searches, obstacle clearance, bridge erection, mine clearing and mounted patrols. Some scenarios even involved the use of pyrotechnics and blank ammunition. Minister Blaney also met with the troops and visited the exercise's temporary facilities, including an ice bridge that was built for the occasion.

"As Minister of Veterans Affairs, I am honoured to have had the opportunity to participate in the training exercise alongside our Canadian Armed Forces members," said Minister Blaney. "By taking part in this exercise, I was able to see firsthand what our troops experience as they serve our great country."

Through the New Veterans Charter, Veterans Affairs Canada offers a suite of programs which assist Veterans in transitioning smoothly to civilian life. Veterans Affairs Canada can provide support in finding appropriate employment, rehabilitation services, health care benefits, financial benefits and financial counselling.

"Our Government wants to ensure that reservists and all Canadian Armed Forces members have access to all the services and benefits they need to successfully transition to civilian life," said Minister Blaney. "This is why we announced significant improvements to the New Veterans Charter. These changes will ensure that Canadian Armed Forces members and their families have the help they need-when they need it and for as long as they need it."

To learn more about Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, visit www.veterans.gc.ca.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120206-military_exercise0206_800.JPG

Media Inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Codie Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Audrey Jacques
Communications Advisor, Quebec Region
Veterans Affairs Canada
514-283-7522
Cell: 514-686-7126

Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney took part this past weekend in a military exercise with the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment where more than 400 troops were present. L to R: Minister Blaney with Col Stéphane Lafaut, Commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and BGen Richard Giguère, Commander of Land Force Quebec Area and Joint Task Force East.