MP Bill Casey presses own government to resolve Petter Blindheim case

The Liberal member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester brought the issue of a 94-year-oldNorwegian war vetbeing denied a bed at Halifax's veterans hospital to the floor of the House of Commons on Friday.

Bill Casey raised the matter during question period, asking the government to make sure "every measure is in place for this veteran and all veterans like him."

Petter Blindheim served with the Royal Norwegian Navy and gained national attention after Ottawa rejected his entry to Camp Hill hospital. The government said the Second World War vet could receive adequate care at existing provincial facilities.

"We promised Canadians we'd repair the damaged relationship with our veterans," Casey said in the House of Commons.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Karen McCrimmon did not refer to the specific case when answering Casey's question.

"I can confirm that Veterans Affairs works with all veterans, including allied veterans, to insure they get the long term care they need," she said.

In a statement, Casey saidhe is disappointed the matter has not been resolved.

He saidhe would like to see Blindheim admitted to the veteran's hospital, even though he doesn't know all details of the case.