Federal Court approves class action settlement for disabled RCMP veterans

HALIFAX, Aug. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - More than one thousand disabled Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) veterans will benefit from the Federal Court of Canada's approval of a settlement agreement earlier today.

The settlement of White and Buote v. Her Majesty the Queen will provide approximately $70 million in benefits, made up of $30.6 million in retroactive payments, $9.1 million for interest on those payments, and $30.3 million in future benefits.

Lawyers Peter Driscoll and Dan Wallace from McInnes Cooper and Ward Branch from Branch MacMaster represented the class of RCMP veterans.

This case was initiated on June 6, 2008 by A. Gerard ("Gerry") Buote on behalf of all disabled RCMP veterans whose long term disability benefits were being reduced by the amount of their monthly Veterans Affairs disability pension payments.  Mr. Buote passed away after a battle with cancer on August 24, 2009.  Shortly thereafter, David White of Bridgewater was pleased to assume the role of Representative Plaintiff. 

"We are very pleased with this decision," said Wallace.  "It ensures that the members of this class receive what they rightly deserve, and we are grateful to Gerry and David for their dedication to this cause."

The settlement provides that the reduction will cease for all disabled RCMP veterans currently receiving benefits and RCMP members who are medically released in the future.

"It has been our honour to serve this group of disabled RCMP veterans," said McInnes Cooper Managing Partner and CEO Ray Adlington.  

About McInnes Cooper

McInnes Cooper is among the top law firms in Atlantic Canada, with 220 lawyers working from six offices across the region. 

The law firm is donating $50,000 to support the families of Cst. Dave Ross, Cst. Fabrice Gevaudan and Cst. Douglas Larche, Moncton RCMP officers who lost their lives in the line of duty on July 4 2014. Lawyers in McInnes Cooper's Moncton office also are assisting the three families on a pro bono basis with their legal needs arising from the tragedy.

SOURCE: McInnes Cooper

Sandra Goodwin, 902-444-8438, [email protected]