The following is the reponse by incumbent Conservative MP David Wilks to the open letter by Peter Moody of Kimberley published in last week’s Echo.
As a father whose son is currently serving in the Canadian Forces and a retired RCMP officer with three generations of RCMP in my family, I can assure you that I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who have served our country in uniform. The comments by Mr. Moody are quite upsetting to me.
July 9th, 2012: Mr. Moody wrote the Department of National Defence (DND) and me. The next day, my office contacted Mr. Moody and asked for additional information. Mr. Moody acknowledged by email, saying: “Thank you for your speedy response.”
July 23rd, 2012: DND advised Mr. Moody that his correspondence was being forwarded to the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs.
September 24, 2012: Veteran Affairs Minister wrote Mr. Moody and informed him the criteria for the medals had to be created, following which the medals had to be designed and manufactured.
Late October, Mr. Moody sent another letter, which I hand-delivered to the Minister of Veterans Affairs in the House of Commons.
November 12th, 2012: Mr. Moody and my staff person had a long telephone chat. Mr. Moody then emailed: “Thanks for the info and I am pleased that Mr. Wilks contacted the Minister,” and in another email Mr. Moody wrote: “Thanks for the clarification. We are on the same page. Pete.”
November 21st, 2012: Unfortunately, Mr. Dakin passed away. My constituency office arranged, through the Legion, a flag for veterans provided to the family plus a flag for the funeral ceremony.
April 15th, 2013: Minister of Veterans Affairs announced the “Bomber Command Bar – War Medals” were available and families could apply. The first bars were available August 2013, nine months after Mr. Dakin passed away. Mr. Moody confirms the Dakin family received the medal.
In light of these facts, I’m surprised that Mr. Moody chose to make his unfair, unfounded accusations during the election.
David Wilks, MP Candidate
Conservative Party of Canada