Photo Courtesy United Conservative Party

By Tanner Smith

United Conservative Party

Peace River – Westlock MP joins a Standing Committee

Jun 17, 2025 | 7:00 AM

A local member of parliament will be taking on a role within the Standing Committee for Veteran Affairs.

Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen will now have a “primary responsibility to examine all matters relating to the mandate, management and operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

First started in 2006, this standing committee was created after a unanimous vote from the then-Harper Conservative Government and has since done multiple studies around veteran issues:

• The creation of a veterans’ ombudsman’s office
• Delivery of front-line health and wellbeing services for veterans
• Hiring priorities to certain members and veterans of the Canadian Forces
• Supports and services to veterans’ caregivers and families.

When speaking about his new role, Viersen said, “sadly after 10 years, it is clear that our Veterans are nothing more than an afterthought to this Liberal government. Common sense Conservatives are the only party standing up for the men and women who fought for our freedoms.”

Viersen said one of his first priorities as part of this committee will be starting a veteran mental health and suicide prevention study.