Taking over the portfolio midway through his government’s first term, new Minister of Veterans Affairs Seamus O’Regan has miles to go and promises to keep.

First elected in 2015 as member of Parliament for the riding of St. John’s South-Mount Pearl in Newfoundland and Labrador, O’Regan’s earlier political experience was at the provincial level, as a minister’s executive assistant and as a senior policy advisor to the Newfoundland premier. He is perhaps best known for his decade as host of a network television morning show. His brother serves in the navy on the West Coast. Late in 2015, O’Regan entered into a wellness program following an intervention by family and friends, and has been alcohol-free since.

Many of the improvements veterans were seeking to the New Veterans Charter prior to the 2015 election have been achieved, but it remains to be seen if the novice minister can fulfill veterans’ most desired unmet goal—the option of lifelong pensions for ill, injured and disabled veterans.

Improvements in 2016 included increasing the disability award and Earnings Loss Benefit and reopening the nine Veterans Affairs Canada regional offices.

However, The Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent have identified items from the prime minister’s postelection mandate letter that remain unmet, and inaction on many recommendations from veterans’ advocates and advisory groups.

“I have made it a priority to listen with empathy to Canada’s veterans and their families to ensure they have the supports where and when they need them,” said O’Regan, adding that he will work closely with the defence minister on the transition from military to civilian life. “I know the strength and resilience these brave women and men have and give to our country.”

When people put their trust in you, O’Regan said in a CBC interview 40 days after he began his life of sobriety, “you owe it to them to be your best self.”

Now, O’Regan has the country’s 700,000 veterans trusting he will be just that.