Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has re-appointed Airdrie-Cochrane MP Blake Richards as the party’s Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, reaffirming the longtime MP's central role in advocating for Canadian veterans in the 45th Parliament.
Richards, who represents the riding of Airdrie-Cochrane, said he is honoured to continue leading the Official Opposition’s work on veterans’ issues.
“Providing the proper support, respect and recognition for Veterans and their family members will form the basis of my goals moving forward,” Richards said following the announcement. “We owe it to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met, and that their service is recognized and appropriately supported.”
Richards has held the Veterans Affairs critic role since 2022 and has earned a reputation as a vocal advocate for veterans’ care. He drew national attention for exposing a scandal in which federal bureaucrats under the Liberal government suggested assisted suicide, also known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), to veterans seeking help for service-related injuries.
“As Shadow Minister, I will continue to champion policies that support our veterans, ensuring they receive the respect, resources, and support they need to thrive in the transition to civilian life following their service,” he said.
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Richards emphasized the need for better access to both physical and mental health care for veterans, calling their well-being a top priority.
“The care and well-being of our veterans must always be a top priority,” he said. “With my reappointment, I am more determined than ever to fight to bring meaningful change to the lives of those who have served and work in the best interests of Veterans in the face of a Liberal government that has repeatedly shown them a lack of respect or appreciation.”
The Conservative Party continues to position itself as the party most committed to veterans' issues, and Richards says he’s ready to continue holding the government to account.
“Our veterans and their families deserve more than empty words, they deserve action, respect, and support,” he said.