Parliamentary Secretary Lemieux and MP Rick Norlock consult with Legion Presidents and Veteran Representatives in Northumberland-Quinte West
TRENTON, ON, March 20, 2015 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux, today joined Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, for roundtable discussions with Legion Presidents and Veteran representatives in Trenton and Cobourg.
Today's meetings gave the Parliamentary Secretary the opportunity to provide an update on new Government of Canada support and to gather feedback on the key issues facing Canada's Veterans.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Veterans and their families have the support and services they need. Recently, new measures were announced, including:
- The new Retirement Income Security Benefit, which would provide moderately to severely disabled Veterans—those who need it most—with continued assistance in the form of a monthly income support payment beginning at age 65.
- The new Family Caregiver Relief Benefit, which would provide eligible Veterans with a tax-free, annual grant of up to $7,238 so that their informal caregivers—who are often their spouse or other devoted family members—will have flexibility or relief when they need it while also ensuring that the Veterans' care needs are met.
- Broadened eligibility criteria for the Permanent Impairment Allowance (PIA) which, together with the PIA Supplement, provides approximately $600 to $2,800 a month in life-long monthly financial support to Veterans whose employment potential and career advancement opportunities have been limited by a permanent service-related injury or illness.
- Enhanced benefits for injured part-time Reserve Force Veterans, who will now be assured the same minimum income support payment through the Earnings Loss Program as full-time Reserve Force and Regular Force Veterans.
The Government of Canada will ensure that Canadian Veterans and their families continue to have the support they need, and are treated with care, compassion and respect.
Quick Facts
- Proposed new services and expanded eligibility for existing programs are expected to benefit thousands of Veterans and their families today and in the future.
- Many of the measures introduced respond directly to the recommendations of Veterans advocates, including the Veterans Ombudsman and the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA).
Quote
"We are taking action on the issues that are most important to Veterans and their families. I believe the Government of Canada has taken major strides to close the gaps in the New Veterans Charter and increase supports for our most seriously injured and their families."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"Our Government is moving forward swiftly to address the evolving needs of Canadian Veterans and their families. By meeting with Legion Presidents and Veteran representatives, we are listening to their concerns and ensuring that our efforts are focused on their well being."
Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs
"I was pleased to consult with our local Legions and Veteran representatives here in Northumberland- Quinte West and to speak with them about challenges they face. The new initiatives introduced by our Government will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Canada's Veterans and their families."
Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West
Associated Links
Backgrounder – Retirement Security Income Benefit
Backgrounder – Respect for reservists
Backgrounder – Expansion of Permanent Impairment Allowance eligibility
Backgrounder – Family Caregiver Relief Benefit
Mental Health Services for Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to ensuring Veterans are treated with the care, compassion and respect they deserve. Veterans and their families are at the centre of everything we do. #Veterancentric
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Martin Magnan, Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468
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