Having served our nation, veterans deserve more than just gratitude; they deserve reliable access to medical care. As a veteran myself who has personally navigated the medical and mental health system after release, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges that follow. Thousands like me exit our Canadian Armed Forces, transitioning into civilian life with complex medical and mental health issues, yet find themselves abandoned by the very system that should be supporting them. The most alarming aspect of this transition is the near absence of post-service medical support, leading veterans to languish at the bottom of extensive waiting lists for family doctors. 

Veterans have unique needs that are not being adequately addressed by the current medical system. Medical staff who understand the intricacies of the conditions disproportionately faced by veterans are rare within general civilian healthcare. This lack of specialized care forces veterans into an endless bureaucratic maze, where their needs are overlooked and overshadowed. As if bearing the weight of their service wasn't enough, they now bear the burden of an uncaring Governmemt and an underequipped system. 

An actionable solution lies in granting veterans the ability to continue accessing primary care through base clinics after release, ensuring continuity and familiarity in their care. Or alternatively, dedicating a primary care physician specifically at Veterans Affairs Offices in major centers could also alleviate this crisis. The money is already being spent. This is more just a reallocation of funding, as well as coordination between federal and provincial governments.

Such measures would not only shorten waiting times for veterans but also enable medical professionals who are familiar with military-related health issues to provide precise and effective treatment and support. 

Bringing this change will also lighten the load on the overwhelmed civilian healthcare system by shifting resource allocations, and will do so while restoring the dignity and respect our veterans have rightfully earned. 

Join me in urging the Canadian government to take decisive action in safeguarding the healthcare rights of those who've served. Let's ensure that our veterans receive the care they desperately need. Sign this petition to demand immediate change and commit to honoring our service members in action, not just words. 

This petition is in memory of Patrick Brian Murray, a Canadian Navy veteran who recently lost his battle when he ran out of time waiting for the care he desperately needed.