Calgary

Kent Hehr says Liberals will move quickly to help veterans

Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr says the Liberals will move quickly to solve problems facing former Canadian Forces members.

Study said 2,250 former soldiers use shelters on a regular basis

Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr says he has an 'aggressive mandate' to do better for veterans. (CBC)

Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr says the Liberals will move quickly to solve problems facing former Canadian Forces members.

Speaking in Calgary, Hehr said, "It's fair to say that the former government struggled on the veterans affairs file."

He added that he has an "aggressive mandate" from the prime minister to do better.

Hehr said everything is on the table, from finding jobs to homelessness.

The government recently released a report that estimated how many of Canada's homeless are former soldiers.

The study by Employment and Social Development Canada said 2,250 former soldiers use shelters on a regular basis.

Hehr said the government's first steps include reopening regional veterans affairs offices and hiring more staff.