This piece was first published on the Hill Times website on February 12, 2018.
The new Liberal plan for veterans is all about saving money, yet again, at the expense of veterans.
The more Canadians and veterans learn of the 2019 Liberal programs, the more the confusion and anger grow. How do we survive the dizzying daze induced by trying to understand veterans’ benefits?
First, let’s cut through the thick and misleading rhetoric.
The issue: Injured veterans receiving pre-April 2006 Pension Act benefits collect more in pain and suffering payments than fellow veterans receive under the post-April 2006 New Veterans Charter lump sum program. Veteran outcry prompted the Liberals to announce a completely revised program to come into effect April 2019.
Government talking points: The New Veterans Charter and the April 2019 plan are superior because they offer more than just pain and suffering payments. They both provide medical and vocational rehabilitation, education, income loss, and medical care. The April 2019 plan claims to “re-establish” lifelong pensions.
The reality: All injured Canadian Forces veterans, under all three plans essentially have access to the same income loss, medical rehabilitation and care, as well as vocational rehabilitation and education (if not too disabled). … Read the rest
