SYDNEY - Braving frigid temperatures and slippery roads, about 150 people marched to Sydney’s veteran’s affairs office this morning, loudly voicing their anger at planned cuts in service.
Led by an honor guard, the marchers paraded down George Street from Branch 12 to the Veteran Affairs office, chanting, “Save Our Office.”
The Sydney Veterans Affairs George Street office is slated for closure in 2014. It is among nine to be closed across Canada, affecting about 800 employees.
Joining the chorus of future laid off employees and veterans on Saturday were concerned citizens and politicians from every level of government and political stripe, including a few surprises.
MLA Alfie MacLeod was quick to point out that he was a provincial Progressive Conservative and not a federal Conservative, like the federal party in power which sanctioned the cuts.
“We’re going to try to get a meeting with the federal minister on this,” said MacLeod. “The people who have served our country deserve our support.”
Federal Liberal MP Mark Eyking didn’t mince words about how he felt about the cuts.
“This is disgusting that this is happening,” he said. “We live in a rich country because of what these veterans have done for us. We have to stand up for them.”
CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke said the fact there was such a large turnout on a such a cold day is an indication that residents are concerned about the impending cuts.
“It signifies the importance that this office has in the community,” Clarke said. “Not only do we have to look at the numbers affected but the needs and whether they will be met.”
Theresa Ivey, a spokesperson for the 14 workers who received notices on Thursday that their services would no longer be required, said she was pleased with support shown at the march.
“It’s so good to see the MLAs, families and everyone coming out here this morning,” said Ivey. “We’re fighting now for our vets - they served on the front lines for us so why are we now putting them to the back of the line?”
Ivey said when the cuts take place, veterans who need service will have to use a toll-free telephone line, online support or travel to Halifax.
“That’s not right.”
Eyking described the phone service as a “joke,” adding that some vets have had to wait hours on the phone before they got the answers they needed.
And if the protests fall on deaf ears, there are other ways to make Ottawa listen.
“They weren’t elected for life,” said Fred Kanne, vice-president for Provincial Command, and the parade’s acting sergeant at arms. “There will be another election and we will remember.
“That’s a promise.”
