Disabled Veterans and Canadians tell Ottawa "Don't Appeal"

Lead Plaintiff Dennis Manuge takes message to Ottawa

HALIFAX, May 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Disabled Veterans and other Canadians are sending a clear message to the Government of Canada—don't appeal the Federal Court of Canada's decision that the SISIP clawback is unlawful.

On May 1, 2012, after over five years of legal struggle, the Federal Court of Canada ruled that the Government of Canada is illegally clawing back disability benefits from Canada's disabled Veterans. The Government of Canada has until Thursday, May 31st, 2012 to appeal the decision.

"The Government of Canada has been illegally taking advantage of Canada's disabled veterans for far too long," said Dennis Manuge, disabled Veteran and lead plaintiff for the SISIP Class Action. "It's time for the Government of Canada to do the right thing: don't appeal the Federal Court's decision and start treating Canada's veterans with the honour and dignity they deserve."

Canadians have sent more than 2,000 letters, emails and tweets to the Government of Canada and Members of Parliament, telling them to end the SISIP Clawback and to not appeal the Federal Court of Canada's decision.

Manuge will be in Ottawa tomorrow, Thursday, May 17, 2012, to ensure the Government of Canada will listen to Canadians and accept the Federal Court of Canada's decision. Following Question Period, at 3:30 pm EST, Manuge will join several Members of Parliament in the lobby of the House of Commons to address media.

"For years we served on the battlefield for Canada and our fellow Canadians," said Manuge. "Canadian's are now returning the favour and taking action at www.leavenovetbehind.ca to stand up for disabled Veterans. It's now time for the Government of Canada to do the same."

About the SISIP Class Action

The Class Action was initiated in March of 2007 on behalf Dennis Manuge and all other disabled veterans whose SISIP Long Term Disability Benefits are reduced by the amount of the monthly VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) Disability Pension they receive under the Pension Act. The Class has more than 4,500 members. For more information on the class action, please visit www.leavenovetbehind.ca or www.mcinnescooper.com.

Sean Lewis
MT&L Public Relations
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