Apr
27
By Carole James
As someone who grew up in James Bay, I remember the pride my grandfather took in attending the James Bay Legion and the connection he felt with his friends and fellow veterans who assembled there regularly.
For 76 years, the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #127, have called the building at 521 Superior Street home.
For decades, successive governments have provided a rent subsidy for the space that veterans have since used for their meetings, to come together and share their memories and to organize charitable activities for the community at large.
As a non-profit organization, the branch donates $10,000 a year to charities such as the Mustard Seed Food Bank and our very own James Bay Community Project.
The veterans also maintain the cenotaph war memorial at the legislature and hold the annual Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremony in the building's rotunda.
I was appalled to hear that the Liberal government advised the 115 veterans, with the average age of 87 years that they would be required to pay rent of $26,000 per year or face eviction this summer.
What a disregard for a place in our community with such a proud history and what an indifference towards those who spent their lives in the service of our country.
When the matter came to the attention of my office, I personally met with James Bay Legion members and called on the government to reverse its mean-spirited plan to save money at the expense of our veterans.
The government's initial response was that it was necessary to charge the veterans rent because of budgetary restraints. And Minister Ben Stewart appeared absolutely unwilling to re-consider the decision.
During question period the same day, the Official Opposition continued to demand that the government restore the rent subsidy for the James Bay Legion. After back-pedalling and changing his statements several times over the afternoon, the Minister finally agreed to continue the arrangement.
It's unfortunate that it took political pressure and a press conference for the government to do the right thing. Our veterans who served our nation and our province with such dignity and courage deserve better than that.
As next steps, I've asked the Liberal Government to provide a guarantee to Branch #127 that this threat will not be repeated. I am hoping this time they will listen.