NATO Veterans Organization of Canada
Organisation canadienne des vétérans de l’OTAN
A Voice for today’s Veterans ~ Une voix pour les vétérans d’aujourd’hui
Veterans Affairs
Updated - September 09 2012
July 7, 2012
Tribute to Veterans
April 19, 2012
Cutting Red Tape for Veterans and their Families
March 20, 2012
Reply from the Minister to the Consultation Group's Letter
March 19, 2012
Minister stated that program funding will not be cut
March 15, 2012
Gov't Encourages Canadians to Wear Vimy Foundation Pin
October 24, 2011
Letter Clarifying facts in news article
October 6, 2011
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
June 14, 2011
Minister meets with Leaders from Veterans' Organizations
more from Veterans Affairs Canada
Q & A - New Veterans Charter Act
Posted March 15, 2011
The following are some common questions reporters ask about the New Veterans Charter.
- Veterans say they are being short-changed by the New Veterans Charter. Why are you trying to save money on the backs of our Veterans?
- Just the opposite is true. The New Veterans Charter cost $740 million to implement over five years, and the Government of Canada is already proposing an additional investment of $2 billion to make sure the new charter continues to deliver the help our Veterans and their families need.
- But you eliminated lifetime disability pensions and replaced them with a lump-sum Disability Award. Why would you do that if you aren't trying to save money?
- Unfortunately, that's what is widely perceived. The Disability Award is only one important part of the financial support available to Canadian Forces members, Veterans and their families.
- Some Veterans say they liked the disability pension because it at least gave them financial security - for life.
- The average disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada is $800/month. That's not financial security. Unfortunately, disability pensions did nothing to help injured Veterans start a new career and a new life.
- $800/month is better than nothing under the New Veterans Charter.
- The New Veterans Charter provides monthly financial support. Just like the disability pension.But the new charter does more. It helps injured Veterans make the best recoveries they can, in the shortest time possible. It helps Veterans and their families make the best new start they can outside the military.
- But I've seen media reports suggesting Veterans Affairs Canada knew the New Veterans Charter would save the Government of Canada millions of dollars in the long run.
- The Government of Canada recognized from the outset that there could be some long-term savings from helping ill and injured Veterans make the best recovery possible and to start a new career in civilian life. But it is not an either/or situation. Most Canadians would call that a win-win - for both our Veterans and Canada.
- If the New Veterans Charter is so great, why do you need $2 billion to fix it?
- The New Veterans Charter was meant to be a living charter because it could not anticipate all of the complex challenges modern-day Veterans face when they are injured or ill. That's why the Government of Canada is making the necessary changes.
- But Veterans say these are just half measures. They're like Band-Aids for a system that is broken.
- A minimum of $40,000/yr with the Earnings Loss Benefit will make a real difference. Making it easier for Veterans to receive the monthly Permanent Impairment Allowance will make a real difference. Providing an extra $1,000 monthly supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance for seriously injured Veterans will make a real difference. Giving CF Members and Veterans new options for how they receive a Disability Award will make a real difference. Together, these measures mean seriously injured Veterans will receive at least $58,000/year. That will make a real difference.
- If what you say is true, why do Veterans have to protest in their communities to get changes?
- It is unfortunate that some Veterans feel like they have to fight another battle to get what they have earned and deserve. They have had some legitimate concerns. In some cases we have not done a good job of letting our Veterans and their families know about all the benefits and services available to them. In other cases, programs need to be fixed. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action.
Last modified
September 09 2012