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Federal government decision on veterans’ benefits overdue

Published on October 23, 2012
Published on October 22, 2012

As the Member of Parliament for Random-Burin-St. George’s, issues affecting our veterans, especially the issue of disability pensions, are among the most pressing that have been brought to my attention in the past four years.

Topics :
Veterans Affairs , Canada Forces Veterans , Canadian Forces Income Support

Editor;

When you consider the lengths to which our soldiers go to protect us and defend our freedom and that of others throughout the world, I find particularly bothersome many veterans who experienced the most severe injuries in the line of duty have not been receiving the maximum benefits to which they are entitled.

The recent announcement by the Minister of Veterans Affairs of increased benefits to Canada Forces Veterans by finally ending the deduction of Veterans’ disability pensions, when calculating their Earnings Loss and Canadian Forces Income Support benefits, is long overdue.

The Federal Court rejected the claw back of disability benefits from eligible veterans last May, marking the end of a five-year struggle for over 4,500 of our veterans who filed a class action lawsuit against the Harper government. Unfortunately, it took the conservatives more than five months to comply with the court’s ruling.

While I am pleased the government has finally acknowledged the financial hardship being placed on Canadian military veterans, I find it appalling it took a court order for the Harper government to do the right thing.

I am proud to represent a riding with so many veterans and over 700 courageous men and women currently serving in our military. Their daily sacrifices need to be rewarded not ignored when they need help.

For our government not to stand up and be there for them is callous.

I applaud the determination of all who stood up to the Harper government to get justice. No government can be allowed to take our veterans for granted and deny them benefits to which they are entitled.

Please call my office toll free 1-888-237-2455 if you need more information on this announcement.

Sincerely,

Judy M. Foote, MP

Random-Burin-St. George’s

Comments

  • Username
    Harold MATTHEWS
    - October 26, 2012 at 10:51:40

    Hi Judy, How can you expect the Minister of Defence, Peter McKAY to respect our heros when he brazenly refuses to downsize his admin staff as per directions from his boss, the Prime Minister? He's embarrassed the our military by useing them as his own taxi service for his fishing trips to NL, the F35 deal that our great grandchildren will be paying for, need I say anymore? Can't wait for Justin to get us back our lives again. Harold MATTHEWS Grand Bay-Westfield NB

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    • Username
      James Strong
      - October 29, 2012 at 18:16:51

      Can't wait for Justin to get us back our lives again. You gotta be kidding, right? Justin Trudeau would lead us down the path of destruction and abuse Canadians like his father / Liberals did and we are still suffering from their actions. You might be waiting awhile.

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