Many times we have been reminded by our politicians that we owe our veterans a debt that can never be repaid. Yet, some are tacitly supporting dishonourable measures that seek, by legal maneuvers, to devalue and dismiss that service.
Lawyers acting on behalf of the federal government are arguing in B.C.'s Supreme Court that Canada has no covenant with its military veterans, and that any promises made to them can be adjusted at will by elected representatives.
This is the government's line of defence against a class-action suit being pursued by the White Rock-based Equitas Society on behalf of disabled veterans. The society has long argued - with supporting evidence of those struggling with lingering physical and mental injuries -that the government's policy of lump-sum payments to wounded veterans, instead of ongoing support, is paltry compensation for those willing to sacrifice their lives.
No matter what one believes about a suitable level of compensation for veterans - which is a matter for our lawmakers - to argue flatly that Canada has no covenant with its sons and daughters in the military is shocking, both in its moral insensitivity and sheer lack of political astuteness.
This at a time when the auditor general has reported that veterans seeking benefits for mental illness and injury are not getting help in a timely manner.
According to the report, out of close to 3,000 veterans applying for mental-health support last year, 700 had not received an answer in four months and 500 were still awaiting word after eight months. Such a delay could threaten a veteran's "stabilization and recovery," the report states.
The feds are trying to right this wrong by promising $200 million for expanded mental health initiatives, but most of the money is designated for an Operational Stress Injury (OSI) clinic in Halifax, and nine other satellite office, and the remainder, apparently, will be paid out over the next 50 years.
This does not sound like an honourable solution to an issue that is of increasing concern to returning vets.
At the heart and core of what it means to be a Canadian are principles of service and sacrifice, particularly in dark days when peace and democracy are threatened. Maybe it's time the federal government took a long, hard look at what is required to repay our service men and women for their dedication.
- Peace Arch News
(Black Press)
