Veterans who backed the movement for Canadians to vote ‘ABC’ – Anything But Conservative – are hoping the Liberals will reopen nine Veterans Affairs offices closed by the Stephen Harper Conservatives.
Veteran Rob Clarke spearheaded the movement. He says watching the Harper government go down in defeat Monday night was something he had been hoping would happen for years.
"As I saw the red paint going across Newfoundland and then across Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick - man, I was ecstatic," said Clarke.
Clarke feels his message contributed to the Conservative’s loss.
"People would stop you in the street and say 'thank you for your service,’” he said. “It's a shame the way the Harper government is treating veterans."
There is cautious optimism among other veterans about Justin Trudeau’s platform, including his claims that the Liberals will provide veterans with lifelong pensions.
“If he does what he promises, it's going to open up a lot of doors for vets again,” said veteran Vince Rigby. “That's basically what we need. We need doors open so we can get treatment for people. Get them proper benefits."
Trudeau vowed during his campaign to reopen all nine offices.
"Justin made his promises,” said Clarke. “If he doesn't keep his word, it's going to be 'ABL' in the next election."
Mark Eyking, the newly re-elected Liberal MP for Sydney-Victoria, says reopening the Veterans Affairs office in Sydney is among his top priorities.
Clarke feels the defeat of Nova Scotia MP Peter Stoffer was the loss of a strong ally.
"I was sickened,” he said. “I've talked to Peter a number of times. He's a good politician and an excellent man for the vets."
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
