Tories spend $4-million more on vets ads to counter ‘misinformation’: Fantino

OTTAWA – Veteran Affairs is spending an additional $4 million on advertising in this year, including television spots that have been running in prime time throughout the NHL playoffs.

Julian Fantino, the veterans minister, defended the increase before a House of Commons committee today, saying the ads are an attempt by the government to dispel what he calls “misinformation” surrounding the treatment of ex-soldiers.

The opposition parties accused the government of promoting itself at the expense of further improving programs and benefits.

Liberal critic Frank Valeriote pointed out that this year’s federal budget increased transition services for veterans by only $11,000.

The TV ads emphasize efforts to move soldiers smoothly from military to civilian life.

New Democrat veterans critic Peter Stoffer says he’s heard a number of complaints from veterans that no one answers the toll-free line featured in the ad.