Ignoring widespread opposition across the country, on January 31, 2014 the federal government went ahead with plans to shut down Veterans Affairs offices in Corner Brook, Charlottetown, Sydney, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Brandon, Saskatoon and Kelowna. The office in Prince George closed last year.
Veterans mobilized and held protests and events across the country and PSAC was proud to be an ally and supporter of these events. Here is just some of the media coverage we received in the Prairies.
Coverage of Saskatoon media conference:
Global Toronto: Saskatoon veterans last minute rally against closure of affairs offices
CBC News Saskatoon: Vets and PSAC protest Veterans Affairs office closure
The StarPhoenix: Veterans gather in Saskatoon, other cities to protest office closures
News Talk 650 CKOM: Vets protest closure of Saskatoon Veterans Affairs office
CTV News Saskatoon: Saskatoon Veterans Affairs office closes despite protests
The StarPhoenix: Veterans vow vengeance at ballot box
Regina Leader-Post: Election payback vowed
Saskatoonhomepage.ca: Veterans Speak Out On Closure of Local Veterans Affairs Office
Saskatoonhomepage.ca: Veterans Voice Concerns on Veterans Affairs Office Closure
Leading up to the press conference and closure of the office:
CBC News Saskatoon: Vets upset with plans to close Veterans Affairs office
The StarPhoenix: Veterans slam office closures
Coverage of Brandon rally:
Brandon Sun: Brandon Veterans Affairs office closure 'shameful', vet says (for subscribers only)
AM 680 CJOB: Veterans protest against office closures
CKLQ 880: Veterans Gathered Today To Protest Office Closures
CTV News Winnipeg: Brandon veterans protest office closures
Coverage of Lethbridge solidarity march:
Country 95.5: Group Rallies Against Closure of Veterans Affairs Offices
The Lethbridge Herald: Locals join national protest of Veterans Affairs closures
Misc. Coverage:
PSAC Prairie Region: Actions throughout the prairies show support for our veterans
Global News: Ex-soldiers protest Veterans Affairs office closures on Friday
National Post: Thousands of furious veterans picket offices in battle with Julian Fantino
CTV News: Protest underway outside Veterans Affairs offices
The Vancouver Sun: Veterans, supporters protest against closures of Veterans Affairs offices