THUNDER BAY -- A small group of protesters held a ceremony on Bay Street Wednesday to honor Canada's military veterans and call on the federal government to increase veteran's services in the city.
Two of the five demonstrators, most of whom were members of the same family, had served in the military. They believe Thunder Bay needs a veteran hospital or clinic to handle the unique physical and mental health needs of veterans.
"Services are absolutely not available," said Willow Nabigon.
"They fight and die for my freedom and they don't even know who I am. However, they don't need to wait through an eight-hour wait time at a hospital after they come home and they've done what they've done fro me and us."
Daniel Dalton served as a medic with the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment's 18th Reserve Battalion in 1986. He said career training and community could provide critical support to bridge soldiers' transition back to civilian life.
"It's for a robust reintroduction into society after they come back from war," he said.
In August, Minister of Veterans Affairs Kent Hehr announced Thunder Bay's veteran affairs office will be opened in January 2017.
A spokesperson for the ministry has confirmed its opening is still on schedule. The office has been closed since 2014.
