After being elected in 2006, one of the first committees I served on was the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. In that same year, our government promised Veterans a New Charter that would look at their benefits in a more holistic way. After broad consultations with Veterans groups and complaints regarding the Pension Act, the New Veterans Charter was passed. Included in this Charter was consideration for better service delivery, inclusion of family issues and following Veterans through their lifetime.
There was no political opposition to the Charter and it received unanimous consent. The initial upfront cost was $740M over five years. Veterans received a lump sum payment for pain and suffering; a comprehensive rehabilitation package; earning loss benefits; and case management support, among other benefits.
Four years later, the Charter was reviewed and the Minister of Veterans Affairs announced major changes needed to be incorporated into the Charter. The changes announced recently by the Minister include $2B for new funding to young, modern day Veterans. This is the largest single Veterans Affairs announcement under any government. I believe it is a reflection of a Nation’s commitment to stand with those who stand for us in their time of need.
Three main significant issues in this announcement were:
- Increasing the base salary of the Earnings Loss Benefit to the level of a Corporal. ($53,712 per year)
- Adding an additional $1000 per month to the Permanent Impairment Allowance
- Expanding access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance, so that no severely injured Veteran is left behind. (3500 more Veterans will now qualify)
- Veterans severely injured to the point where they cannot work will receive an additional $1,000 per month.
Colin Mayes , MP
Okanagan -Shuswap
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