Newmarket-Aurora – Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown is pleased to confirm that recently tabled changes to the New Veterans Charter will significantly improve financial support for injured Canadian Forces members and Veterans. If passed, the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act will make changes to the New Veterans Charter to address concerns raised by Veterans, their families, Veterans' organizations, advisory groups and parliamentary committees.
"In tabling these legislative changes, we are writing a new chapter to the New Veterans Charter," said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State. "These changes, totaling two billion dollars, will greatly improve the quality of life of our Veterans. Our government is determined to see that our Veterans and their families receive all the care, the services and the financial support they need and deserve."
“For generations, members of our Canadian Armed Forces have stood up for Canada and its values," said MP Brown. "Our Government will continue to serve Veterans with the support they deserve as it is only fair, after they have so generously served our country."
By amending regulations, the government will establish a minimum pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for Veterans who can no longer work and for those who are in rehabilitation.
The Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act increases monthly financial support for injured Veterans who are no longer able to work. If passed, this Act will:
- expand eligibility for monthly allowances for seriously injured Veterans (up to $1,609 per month, for life).
- introduce an additional $1,000 monthly supplement to help our most seriously injured or ill Veterans.
- provide flexible options for receiving a Disability Award by choosing either a lump-sum payment, annual installments over a number of years or a combination of both.
"We have heard the concerns of Veterans and their families about the challenges of managing a large sum of money," added Minister Blackburn. "They will now be able to spread their payment out over a number of years of their choice. As well, it is important to remember that the lump sum does not replace the monthly disability pension. The lump sum is an immediate recognition of suffering and pain that is added to the financial benefits mentioned above and other services available under the New Veterans Charter. If the legislation is adopted, on top of the lump sum Disability Award, our most seriously injured Veterans who are no longer able to work will receive at least $58,000 per year."
Veterans who receive a Disability Award will have the choice between:
- annual payments spread out over the number of years of their choice (with interest);
- part of the award as a lump sum and the rest as annual payments over the number of years of their choice (with interest); or
- a single lump sum payment.
Furthermore, at any time, Veterans who so choose may change their minds and receive the remaining amount as a lump-sum payment.
