Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have served our country with bravery, honour and dignity-some making the ultimate sacrifice. Commemorating their service and sacrifices is at the heart of Veterans Affairs Canada's mandate. One of the ways we do this is by maintaining their grave markers in perpetuity.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, provided an update on the ongoing work to repair an estimated 1,130 Veteran grave markers in more than 400 cemeteries in Newfoundland and Labrador-a total investment of more than $590,000.
Today's announcement comes as Minister MacAulay visits St. John's Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Cemetery, where Veterans Affairs Canada is responsible for maintaining approximately 180 Veteran grave markers.
The repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador are part of the ongoing grave maintenance work taking place across the country. The work, which began in 2018 after the Government of Canada announced an investment of $24.4 million to address urgently needed repairs, will continue into 2023.