September 27, 1996
(Executive Council)

Veterans wing officially opened today in Western Newfoundland

The Western Newfoundland Veterans Pavilion located at the O'Connell Centre of the Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook was officially opened today by Member of Parliament for Humber-St. Barbe- Baie Verte, Gerry Byrne, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Veterans), and by Brian Tobin, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. The opening ceremony was also attended by veterans, members of the Royal Canadian Legion, hospital staff and other local residents.

The Western Newfoundland Veterans Pavilion houses 18 long-term care beds for priority access by veterans in the western region of the province. The total capital cost for construction of the pavilion was $1.8 million and was cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments with Veterans Affairs Canada contributing $1.14 million and the province the remainder. In addition to this capital contribution, Veterans Affairs Canada will pay the operating costs of the new pavilion up to approximately $985,000 annually when at full capacity.

Murdock Sweet and Fred Clouther, Second World War veteran residents of the pavilion, helped cut the ribbon to officially open the health care pavilion.

Also during the opening ceremony, a peace tree was dedicated which will be a permanent reminder of the achievements and sacrifices made by veterans of Newfoundland and Labrador in support of world peace.

"The opening of the 18-bed veterans unit is an investment in good health for the men and women who fought so bravely for our freedom," said Mr. Byrne. "It also addresses the needs of a changing veterans population and veterans of Western Newfoundland will now be able to benefit from required health care services closer to their homes. Our veterans will not be forgotten, nor will their sacrifices."

Premier Tobin noted the high level of cooperation the federal and provincial negotiators and veterans' organizations have enjoyed on this project. "Federal and provincial cooperation is essential to continued good health care. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Veterans Affairs Canada have cooperated for many years in caring for veterans. This cooperation continues today with the official opening of the Western Newfoundland Veterans Pavilion."

Approximately 6,400 veterans currently reside in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Western Newfoundland Veterans Pavilion is part of a long- term master agreement between Veterans Affairs Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which was signed in April 1993 to provide 88 new long-term care beds for veterans in key areas throughout the province. The Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion, containing 56 long- term care bed for veterans, was officially opened in St. John's in 1994. The Exploits Memorial Veterans Pavilion, housing 14 chronic care beds, was officially opened earlier in September 1996. Veterans Affairs Canada works in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in the provision of care to eligible veterans in the province. In addition to these long-term care beds, Veterans Affairs Canada also assists eligible veterans with the costs of nursing home care in community facilities under the Veterans Independence Program, as well as provides other services and benefits.

The Western Newfoundland Veterans Pavilion is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars. Funding for the veteran bed unit was provided for in the March 1996 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

Contact:

• Jacqueline Bannister
  Regional Director Communications
  Veterans Affairs Canada
  (902) 426-8936
  (902) 452-4760 (cellular)

  Cathy Dornan
  Director of Communications
  Premier's Office
  (709) 729-3564