Saskatoon's veterans affairs office set to reopen in November

Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr said once opened, the office will have seven staff to serve about 2900 people.
 
Hehr said the federal government is committed to hiring as many as 400 new employees across the country, with all nine offices closed under the previous government set to be back in operation by May 2017.
 
Hehr said the new hires will ensure a ratio of one worker for every 25 clients who need a case manager.
 
“Let’s face it, military service is difficult and leaves many physical as well as emotional scars. Having that care and attention from a dedicated case manager in circumstances where (it’s) necessary is important for allowing veterans and their families to go forward,” he said.
 
Dave Robinson, a veteran who served as a peacekeeper in Congo and Germany, said he was pleased with the announcement.
 
“Right now I’m dealing with somebody in Regina, so this will help immensly,” he said.
 
Robinson said he hasn’t always found it easy to navigate his care and benefits by phone.
 
“You can come here and talk to a person eye-to-eye. So I’m really grateful for that,” he said.
 
The Saskatoon Veterans Affairs office will be located on the fifth floor of the Federal Building at 101 22nd St. East when it opens.