Brampton, ON - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today spoke to Canadians who joined him to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities of the Korean War.

"We are here today to say thank you to the courageous Veterans of the Korean War and to honour the 516 brave Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Minister Blackburn.

On June 25, 1950, the forces of North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel into the Republic of Korea in a full-scale invasion. It was the first open act of aggression since the establishment of the United Nations. Canada worked with 16 other members of the United Nations coalition and the Korean War ended with the signing of the Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.

"The Korean War was one of Canada's most significant military engagements of the 20th century," said Minister Blackburn. "The Government of Canada is committed to honouring both our Veterans and our service men and women who are still proudly defending Canadian values around the world."

More information on Canada's role in the Korean War can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site.

Ottawa - The monument at the Vimy Ridge National Historic Site of Canada in France will be undergoing annual maintenance from July 26 to August 7, 2010. Due to the nature of the maintenance, public access to the monument will be partially or fully restricted during this period.

In order to ensure public safety during the work, there will be no public access to the monument from July 26-30 inclusive, and limited access from July 31 to August 7 inclusive. Although work is expected to be complete by August 7, there is a chance work may be delayed due to weather conditions. Operations at the visitor centre, as well as tours of the tunnels and trenches will continue as scheduled.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will clean the monument, treat exterior surfaces and inspect the lightning protection system.

For more information on the Vimy Ridge National Historic Site of Canada, visit www.vac.gc.ca.

Ottawa - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced the addition of six new case manager positions in Quebec to significantly improve services to Veterans. The new case managers are being hired to serve clients in the areas of Bagotville, Valcartier, and Quebec City, where there is a large population of Canadian Forces members and modern-day Veterans.

"Our goal is to provide the programs and services needed to get the best result for our modern-day Veterans and their families," said Minister Blackburn. "We are committed to putting additional resources in place to meet the needs of all Veterans including Canadian Forces members returning from Afghanistan."

Over the past month, Veterans Affairs Canada has carried out a review of national operations. It has identified several factors in Quebec, such as the complexity of the cases, which warrant additional resources. Preliminary results of the review were given to the union representing employees on Monday, July 19.

Minister Blackburn said this is just one measure among many that will improve services to modern-day Veterans in Quebec. Other initiatives include reducing wait times, simplifying processes and working with the Department of National Defence on the 19 Integrated Personnel Support Centres located on or near Canadian Forces bases/wings. Staff of both departments are available at these sites to help members of the Canadian Forces as they make the transition to civilian life.

Ottawa -- The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced today federal government support for a variety of community-led remembrance projects honouring Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Our Veterans who served during times of war and peace deserve to be honoured and remembered for their countless contributions to our country," said Minister Blackburn. "This is why our government continues to support communities and organizations in their efforts to honour their local military heroes."

A total of 16 community-led remembrance projects across the country are receiving a combined total of '49,679 through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund. The remembrance projects include ceremonies and commemorative receptions, theatrical productions, parades, marches and several educational projects.

Applications to the Community Engagement Partnership Fund are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may be eligible for funding. Once the announced events have passed, eligible costs are reimbursed up to, but not beyond, the approved sum.

Please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for more information and a list of funded projects. Also visit the Web site or call 1-866-522-2122 to learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding.

Complete Project List

St. John's, NL - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today participated in a number of commemoration activities to mark Memorial Day and Canada Day in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

"When I was appointed Minister of Veterans Affairs in January, I heard about the battle at Beaumont-Hamel, where so many Newfoundlanders made the ultimate sacrifice. This story touched me and I wanted to come spend Canada Day in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Blackburn. "I wanted to salute the courage of those men and women who fought for our great nation and the courage of those who continue to uphold the peace and freedom we enjoy today."

Minister Blackburn participated in two wreath-laying ceremonies in the morning, during which he paused to reflect and honour those Newfoundlanders who fought in the battle at Beaumont-Hamel. He visited with resident Veterans for a service of remembrance and commemoration of Beaumont-Hamel at the Caribou Memorial Veterans' Pavilion in the afternoon. Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador marks the anniversary of the tragic losses sustained by the 1st Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont-Hamel during the First World War.

On July 1, 1916, the first day of more than four brutal months of fighting during the Battle of the Somme, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment made staggering sacrifices. Of the 801 Newfoundlanders who went into battle that morning, only 68 were able to answer the roll call the next day.

For more information on the Battle of the Somme and the First World War, please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.