Care for those who need it most

Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn and Defence Minister Peter MacKay recently announced increased financial support for seriously injured veterans

In the coming five years, modern-day veterans will out-number traditional veterans. This shift in demographics means that policies need to adapt to reflect these changes

Accordingly, the federal government will be investing $52.5 million over five years as additional support to establish a legacy of care for seriously injured CF personnel and their families. This will mean an increase in monthly financial support for severely injured veterans who are unable to return to work, and a boost of the minimum annual income support for some veterans released at lower salary levels.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of being attentive to the needs of our veterans and providing the kind of support that will fully meet those needs.

“We have been listening to our veterans and their families," Mr. Blackburn said, "and we are determined to do whatever it takes to serve them as they have served Canada, and all Canadians, with courage and distinction. While we have already made sweeping changes to our programs, our services and our benefits, we recognize that more needs to be done. These new measures will make a real difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.”

Mr. MacKay reiterated the need to ensure that programs and services are available to those who need them - veterans and their families.

“Our men and women in uniform need to know that their government is dedicated to supporting them during and following their service to Canada," he said. "This government is listening to their concerns and taking the steps necessary to address the changing needs of Canadian Forces personnel, veterans and their families. These new measures will help us reach that goal.”

The new measures are expected to benefit more than 4 000 veterans over the course of the next five years and will very much improve their quality of life. A total of $2 billion will be spent to ensure that veterans who have been seriously injured in the service of Canada have access to the support they deserve.

The proposed improvements are intended to bring concrete results, such as those in the following scenarios:

Master Corporal Smith experienced a serious injury resulting in a total and permanent impairment, and will not be able to work again to his full potential. He will now receive $1 000 more per month for the rest of his life. This amount is in addition to an allowance of between $536 and $1 609 per month, and is payable in addition to any income support he is eligible to receive.

Private Tremblay is a veteran who is currently in rehabilitation. While she currently receives a benefit for lost earnings of 75 percent of her pre-release salary, these new changes mean that her income support will be increased to a minimum, pre-tax, annual income of about $40 000.

The announced improvements are one of many ways the federal government gives back to Canada's veterans, a group of people who have given so much to their country

Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn (third from left) and Defence Minister Peter MacKay (fifth from left) meet with veterans' organizations representatives Lorne McCartney (left), Larry Gollner, Robert O’Brian, Gord Moore, Gordon Jenkins and John Stuart after the legacy of care announcement

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