Kingston – Veterans Affairs Canada

The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today attended the 5th Annual Salute to Troops Past and Present hockey game between the Kingston Frontenacs and the Peterborough Petes. Minister O’Toole participated in the ceremonial puck drop and a pre-game ceremony that honoured the service and sacrifices of Canada’s Veterans and those who serve today.

While in Kingston, Minister O’Toole highlighted the importance of facilitating a successful transition from military to civilian life during a lunch with cadets of the Royal Military College of Canada. The Minister also had the opportunity to visit the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre, an organization that helps improve the well-being of military families in the community.

Quick Facts

• Funds raised at the 5th Annual Salute to Troops Past and Present hockey game will support the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre.
• The Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC) is committed to ensuring military families have access to programs and services that are appropriate to their needs and to improving their overall well-being and increase their skills to face the challenges associated with the military lifestyle.
• The Government of Canada recently announced a four-year pilot project that will expand access to the military family resource centres at seven locations to medically releasing CAF personnel and their families for a period of two years.
• Since 1876, the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) has been producing officers for distinguished service within the Canadian Armed Forces. In fact, the Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, graduated from the RMCC in 1995.
• Releasing Canadian Armed Forces members have access to Veterans Affairs services on or near 24 major Canadian Armed Forces bases and wings across Canada.

Quotes

“The Annual Salute to Troops Past and Present is a fitting tribute to the military community in Kingston, who have been at the centre of life in Kingston from the city’s founding. It was an honour for me to join the Kingston community in this special recognition of military families and the many Veterans and their families who made Kingston their home.”

The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

“The graduates of the Royal Military College of Canada have established a reputation of service and excellence both within Canada and abroad and we are delighted to welcome Minister O’Toole, who is himself an alumnus of the College, to meet with the next generation of leaders.”

Brigadier-General A.D. Meinzinger, OMM, MSM, CD

“The Kingston Military Family Resource Centre, along with community partner the Kingston Frontenacs, very much appreciate Minister O’Toole coming to Kingston to drop the puck at our “Salute the troops” hockey game, honouring our men and women in uniform. We are honoured to have Minister O’Toole here in Kingston.”

John Price, KMFRC Director of Fundraising