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Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney Meets With Staff and Partners in Quebec City

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, continued his Quebec tour today by meeting with Veterans Affairs Canada staff at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier and in Sainte-Foy, as well as visiting the Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Quebec (CHUQ).

"It is very helpful to see first-hand how we are delivering our services and programs to Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families in different parts of the country," said Minister Blaney. "I have gained an even better understanding today of how our government and our partners are helping to make a real difference in the lives of Canada's greatest heroes."

Minister Blaney began today by touring Veterans Affairs Canada's service point at the Valcartier Garrison. While there, the minister also met with employees from the department who have been stationed at CFB Valcartier as part of a national strategy to locate Veterans Affairs Canada staff where there is a major military presence. This approach provides CF members with greater access to Veterans Affairs and helps new Veterans establish an early relationship with the department.

In the afternoon, Minister Blaney visited the department's new offices in the Samuel Holland Complex in Sainte-Foy, where he spoke with officers and case managers who serve Veterans and their families in the Quebec City area.

The Minister ended his day at the OSI Clinic at the CHUQ, where he spoke with specialists who work closely with Veterans and Canadian Forces members in the Quebec City area. Founded in 2004, the OSI Clinic at the CHUQ is part of a large network set up across Canada to offer specialized mental health services to the Veteran and military community.

The Minister's Quebec tour will end tomorrow in Montreal with the presentation of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to 14 Canadians who are being recognized for their exceptional commitment and dedication to Veterans.

For more information on the services and programs offered by Veterans Affairs Canada, visit veterans.gc.ca.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110802-VETB.JPG