For the last five years, veterans have been fighting a legal battle against pension clawbacks. That fight came to an end in May when a judge rejected the government’s arguments and ruled in the veterans favour.
However veterans say there are still issues, ranging in complexity, that have yet to be addressed by the Harper government.
Some voiced their concern to Veterans Affairs Ombudsman Guy Parent at a Town hall on Sunday afternoon.
For Jack Morrison, even talking to his support councilor over the phone is an issue. “Sometimes I can’t make out what they’re talking about and I have to turn [the phone] over to my wife.”
He also acknowledges more troubling problems. “I know that we have young men coming back broken, neglected, and committing suicide.”
A report released to Parliament last week showed the Harper government spent $750,462 in legal fees fighting veterans over military pensions.
Parent told the Town Hall that the Supreme Court decision ensures veterans won’t get hit in the legal crossfire between the government and Veterans Affairs lawyers.
However some are still affected by pension rules. One man told Parent how he was injured serving overseas and now relies on support workers. He says he doesn’t receive a veteran’s pension. “They said I had too much income and they can’t help me.”
Parent is visiting veterans across the country. Their concerns will eventually be compiled in a report on the state of veteran’s affairs that will be presented to the Auditor General.
