Canadian Veterans Advocacy

Monday, July 21, 2014

New announcement: Canadian public concerned not enough being done for veterans, government’s public opinion research

Canadian public concerned not enough being done for veterans, government's public opinion research indicates

Public-opinion research for the federal Finance Department suggests key government policies are out of step with Canadians' priorities, including the Northern Gateway project, according to a Canadian Press news service report.

More from that article:

Members of focus groups consulted prior to the February budget had "little enthusiasm" for the proposed bitumen pipeline to the British Columbia coast — even those who said they support the controversial project.

And among the 12 groups consulted — from Coquitlam, B.C., to Bridgewater, N.S. — the economy itself was not a top-of-mind concern.

Rather, the groups spontaneously raised education, health care, pensions and veterans as their key issues.

The findings of the January focus groups, commissioned from NRG Research Group, suggest the Harper government's central policy themes — trade and the economy, with an emphasis on energy exports — are resonating less with ordinary Canadians.

The focus groups, along with a public-opinion survey of 3,000 people, were carried out in advance of the Feb. 11 budget under a $135,000 contract.

Among the other issues participants raised:

– Canada Pension Plan reform: "This came up more often in Ontario, and the sentiment typically focused on the need to ensure this program is adequately funded."

The government has resisted calls to improve CPP though has endorsed other pension-related reforms. The Ontario government has since promised its own public pension plan.

– Veterans: "Concerns expressed whether enough was being done to help individuals with health/mental issues arising from their military service."

The government faced a barrage of veterans' criticisms over the last year, especially related to military suicides, but says it has improved benefits and care.

– Health care and education "continue to come up regularly in the discussions."

Source: Canadian public concerned not enough being done for veterans, government's public opinion research indicates

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http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=13862.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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