Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs has announced that the Government of Canada will increase its funding to theĀ Royal Canadian Legions for their Veteran outreach and visitation initiatives, and will extend the contract for an additional year. The additional funding, rising up from $120,000 to $240,000, will allow the Legion to increase the number of visits from 4,000 to 8,000 per year. Veterans will also receive visits until October 14, 2015, as a result of the contract extension. The Federal Government hopes to maintain personal contact with Veterans in long-term care facilities across Canada through the Legion program, providing a channel for Veterans, to Veterans Affairs Canada.