Kent Hehr in Veterans Affairs portfolio a 'step in right direction': union

The 850-member Union of Veterans Affairs Employees says it's pleased and "very hopeful" about the appointment of Kent Hehr as Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs.

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"Veterans Affairs has had a lot of problems and issues over the last few years, of course culminating in the closing of the nine veterans affairs offices," said Debi Buell, the national vice-president for the union.

The Liberals promised during the election to re-open those offices.

"We have known right from the beginning that this should never have happened," said Buell.

"It's high time we serve the veterans and look after their needs, and this is a good step in the right direction."

I think we are very hopeful that we've got it right this time. Debi Buell,Union of Veterans Affairs Employees

Hehr is a lawyer and popular former Alberta MLA. A shooting in 1991 left him a C5 quadriplegic. He was a 22-year-old student planning to become a physical education teacher when he was shot while riding in a friend's car.

Buell believes Hehr's disability could make him more compassionate toward veterans, many of whom also have a disability.

"He has actually stated that, that he has a real kind of bird's-eye [view] in terms of some of the red tape that faces people with a disability," said Buell. "He is well aware of the problems and issues that face veterans and clients trying to get through the red tape."

'We are very hopeful'

Buell said the union hasn't been directly in touch with the new minister, but sent him a congratulatory note and looks forward to meeting him at the Veterans Affairs office in Charlottetown soon.

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She said she's been getting the news about the government through social media.

"I've just been looking at Twitter and Facebook. This government is great to communicate that way," Buell said.

"I don't want to dwell on the past 10 years ... I think we are very hopeful that we've got it right this time and it will be a real honour to have Mr. Hehr as our minister."