Mtis vet in Calgary finally recognized for service in Second World War

Sergeant John Poitras, a Mtis vet in Calgary, was finally recognized on Monday for his service in the Second World War.

Poitras, 95, received a cheque for $20,000, the next step in reconciling with Mtis veterans after the prime minister delivered a formal apology in Parliament last year.

Mtis Nation Minister of Veterans Affairs David Chartrand attended to present the cheque the amount each living veteran is due.

He said the men and women who served during the Second World War came home to broken promises.

"As we embrace reconciliation in this country, you will see this coming from families that, you know, there's a sense of justice, there's a sense of doing right and there's a sense of being importantor being valued," he said.

Poitras was surrounded by familyand wearing his sash for the presentation at a senior care home in northeast Calgary.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to celebrate and honour the war veteran like my dad is," said his son Andre.

Andre said the family has learned a lot about their history in the process.

Poitras is the20th livingMtis veteran to be recognized for service during the Second World War.

The Canada-Mtis Nation Mtis Veterans Recognition Payment Agreement was signed last year with funding totalling $30 million.