Canada's Veterans Charter To Change

Under heavy criticism for its treatment of Canadian veterans, the Conservative government is scrambling to enact policy changes for Veterans Affairs.

Changes to the controversial New Veterans Charter could come as early as next week, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn said Thursday.

Blackburn, who participated in his first national Remembrance Day ceremony, said the responsibility he has to care for Canada’s veterans weighed heavily on his shoulders as he placed a wreath at the National War Memorial.

“I’m responsible for these people. I saw them walking in front of me, older, younger, and I have great responsibilities to ensure that we are correct with them and for their future,” he told QMI Agency.

Blackburn said he is particularly concerned about Canada’s modern veterans.

“Am I doing the good thing for them?,” the minister asked. “I believe I am.” Blackburn said he hopes to introduce legislation next week that will update the new charter with “a new chapter.”

Most of the proposed changes were announced in September after outgoing veterans ombudsman, Pat Stogran, held a press conference criticizing the Conservative government for failing to take care of veterans.

The lost earnings minimum will be bumped up to $40,000 a year and eligibility requirements will be stretched so seriously injured veterans can receive monthly allowance between $536 and $1,609.

The lump-sum payment, which was been criticized by veterans and the Chief of the Defence Staff Walt Natynczyk, will also be reformed so vets will have the choice of a one-time payment or staggered payments worth the same amount.

Blackburn said the changes mean the most seriously wounded soldiers would receive a minimum of $58,000 a year plus the lump-sum payment.

By: Shelldrake