Interim PC leader wants vets to have first crack at Ontario government jobs

Feds, New Brunswick recently passed similar legislation

TORONTO (CP) — Interim Progressive Conservative leader Jim Wilson wants Canadian Forces veterans to get first crack at Ontario public service jobs.

Wilson's private member's bill would give priority to current and past members of the Canadian Forces to help them land a government job.

He says people who volunteer to serve their country often have a difficult time after they leave the Forces, and he thinks it's important to offer them support.

Wilson says he's asking society to make an exception for those that have served, but insists it's not a free ride because the veterans must be qualified for the civil service positions.

The federal government and New Brunswick recently passed similar legislation to give priority hiring for veterans for public service jobs.

Scott Maxwell of Wounded Warriors Canada welcomes the initiatives, but says private companies must also be encouraged to hire more veterans.

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