Editor:
The Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act, referred to as the New Veterans Charter (NVC) effective 2006, replaced the Old Pension Act. All parties in the House of Commons passed the legislation with barely any discussion.
Soldiers who joined the military prior to 2006 were protected under the Old Pension Act. After NVC implementation these soldiers arbitrarily became subject to the NVC and its limitations, without grandfather clause or consultation. This was unforgivable, considering that Canada was at war with Afghanistan.
A 2011 Queen’s University study concluded that the Old Pension Act provides up to 40 per cent more financial benefit than does the NVC.
With the exception of the disability award and permanent impairment allowance provided to totally disabled veterans, financial benefits under the NVC are subject to taxation, claw-back and end at age 65. Benefits under the Old Pension Act were non-taxable, paid for life.
Government misrepresented the benefits of the NVC. Canadians were told a seriously wounded veteran would receive up to a $285,000 disability award.
A few dozen received such amounts. Typical awards are barely enough to keep the wounded veteran and his family alive for a year.
The disability award amounts are calculated arbitrarily using the NVC “Table of Disabilities.” Many body parts listed on the table are worth 0.
The earnings loss benefit, providing up to 75 per cent of the soldier’s salary, is misrepresented and discriminatory.
It is based on pre-release salary, therefore less for a soldier of lower rank and discontinued after rehabilitation unless the disabled veteran is totally and permanently incapacitated and unable to work at any task, in contrast to the Old Pension Act, where wounded veterans continue to receive the same benefit regardless of rank or salary.
The NVC discriminated against Reservists. A seriously hurt or disabled Reservist will only receive some 50 – 60 per cent compensation a regular force soldier might receive under similar circumstances.
Included in misrepresentation are programs like “Helmets to Hardhats.” While commendable, this training is only provided to healthy, fit soldiers who want to work in construction industries. No efforts are made to assist veterans who are interested in a business career.
Government members, when asked how a recently released injured veteran could effectively put their disability award to work, replied, “They can invest the amount of their award or start a business.”
This comment can’t be taken seriously, unless the disabled veteran has access to sufficient financial resources to start a business or join a company as a junior executive. Programs like “Boots to Suits” should be immediately implemented by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Recent research by the Royal Canadian Legion, The National Council of Veteran Associations, The Equitas Society, Veterans Affairs, Canada’s own advisory committees, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman and others have confirmed, since 2006, of approximately 250 recommendations made for improvement to the NVC, only about 90 of these recommendations have been partially implemented.
This foot dragging by government is unconscionable, considering that the NVC was intended to be a “living document”, where improvements like Bill C-55 would be implemented as recommended.
Since the announcement of 233 layoffs in the Department of Veteran’s Affairs the closure of eight regional offices, Veterans are now expected to get help from Service Canada offices, whose staff will know little or nothing about administering the NVC.
Canadians volunteer to serve in Canada’s Military with the understanding if wounded or injured while on active duty the Canadian Government will adequately care for that soldier and his or her family. The key word is adequately.
It is clear that the New Veterans Charter is a completely unsatisfactory document.
Tex Leugner
Cochrane, Alberta