The federal government is establishing a veterans' bill of rights and an independent ombudsman to ensure their concerns are being heard, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday.

'Brave, patriotic men and women like you are the reason we're here,' Prime Minister Stephen Harper said at the announcement in Kitchener, Ont.
(CBC)

Harper, joined by Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson and a group of veterans in Kitchener, Ont., for the announcement, said both initiatives follow through on a Conservative promise to veterans made during the last federal election campaign.

He praised the contributions and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Forces.

"Brave, patriotic men and women like you are the reason we're here," the prime minister said.

"They have given their very best to Canada, and our government is taking yet another step to ensure that Canada does its very best to them."

Harper did not give specifics of the plan, but said the bill of rights takes effect immediately.

The new ombudsman will allow the government to respond quickly and fairly to any concerns of veterans, as well as raise awareness of their needs, he said.

It will operate at arm's length from the government and will report annually to the veterans affairs minister and Parliament.

On Monday, Harper will join 3,600 Canadian children from across the country in France to honour the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge as Queen Elizabeth dedicates the newly restored monument at the site of the battle.

With files from the Canadian Press