Government actions seem geared to deny what is justly owed to more than 4,000 injured soldiers
By Sean Bruyea, FreelanceJanuary 27, 2010
It has become a sad truth that the path of an injured soldier to receive disability benefits in Canada is a minefield of obstacles. Last Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada heard about one of those mine-fields.
When Canadian Forces members are injured on duty, they receive pain and suffering payments from Veterans Affairs while keeping their full salary. If soldiers are so disabled as to be unemployable, those soldiers are kicked out of the military and paid 75 per cent of their salary through a long-term disability plan held by the Canadian Forces. Then, in some seeming petty act of revenge, the Canadian Forces insurance plan deducts amounts for pain and suffering paid by Veterans Affairs.
No other long-term disability income plan in Canada is allowed to deduct Veterans Affairs payments for pain and suffering.
This is why Dennis Manuge has brought his case to the Supreme Court of Canada as his case represents more than 4,000 disabled soldiers similarly affected. I am one of the 4,000 disabled soldiers. The
National Defence Ombudsman has called the deductions "profoundly unfair" and said "the inequity might very well be serious enough to attract the protection of human rights legislation" including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, "which identify physical and mental disabilities as prohibited grounds of discrimination."
The Veterans' Ombudsman agrees.
Full Article: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Federal+treatment+disabled+veterans+disgraceful/2489412/story.html
_____________________________________________________________
Hugh Message
Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer, 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3
Luxury End Unit
• 1,602 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - $380,000 CAD
Sandhill Village, Willoughby Heights - Sandhill Village is a luxury townhouse complex built at the top of Willoughby Heights in 2007 has all the features you're looking for. Not only is it well located as far as wanting easy access to schools, shopping and transportation, but look at the features themselves... Main floor Master Bedroom with full bathroom en-suite. In-floor radiant hot water heating. Deluxe kitchen with granite counters, upgraded stainless steel kitchen appliances, plus easy to clean cherry wood laminate flooring (throughout). The balusters are made of ornate wrought Iron; the windows all have 2" faux California blinds. The rear yard is fully fenced with a reasonable sized patio suitable for summer time bar-b-ques!
Property information
• 2,320 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm bungalow
-
$444,900 CAD
- Priced for a quick sale
East Abbotsford, Abbotsford
-
Desirable McMillan! Spotless 4 bedroom basement entry home on a cul-de-sac. Many tasteful updates, such as a newer entry, fairly new carpet and laminate flooring, modern fixtures, 2 inch blinds, stainless steel appliances and much more. The rear yard is fully fenced and the basement is fully finished and self contained. The neighbourhood features nearby schools, shopping and transportation facilities. This is a must see!
Property information
T'was the night before Christmas,
He lived all
alone,
In a one bedroom house,
Made of plaster and stone.
I had
come down the chimney,
With presents to give,
And to see just who,
In
this home did live.
I looked all about,
A strange sight I did
see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.
No stocking by the
mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures,
Of far
distant lands.
With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober
thought,
Came through my mind.
For this house was different,
It was
dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see
clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the
floor,
In this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
The room
in such disorder,
Not how I pictured,
A Canadian soldier.
Was this
the hero,
Of whom I'd just read?,
Curled up on a poncho,
The floor for
a bed?
I realized the families,
That I saw this night,
Owed their
lives to these soldiers,
Who were willing to fight.
Soon round the
world,
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate,
A bright
Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom,
Each month of the
year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.
I couldn't
help wonder,
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve,
In a land far
from home.
The very thought brought
A tear to my eye,
I dropped to
my knees,
And started to cry.
The soldier awakened,
And I heard a
rough voice,
'Santa, don't cry.
This life is my choice.
I fight for
freedom,
I don't ask for more,
My life is my God,
My country, my
corps.'
The soldier rolled over,
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't
control it,
I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours,
So silent
and still,
And we both shivered,
From the cold night's chill.
I
didn't want to leave,
On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of
honor,
So willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over,
With a
voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all
is secure.'
One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right,
'Merry
Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night.'
This poem was written
by a peace keeping soldier stationed overseas.
The following is his
request, I think it is reasonable.
PLEASE. Would you do me the kind
favour of sending this to as many People as you can?
Christmas will be
coming soon and some credit is due to our Canadian service men and women for our
being able to celebrate these Festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay
a tiny bit of what we owe.
Make People stop and think of our heroes,
living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
|
.
Veterans Affairs Canada
Media Advisory
October 29, 2009
Minister to Premiere 2009 Veterans’ Week Vignette
Special Video Honours Canada’s Veterans
Ottawa - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs,
will host the national premiere of the Government of Canada’s 2009
Veterans’ Week Vignette in honour of the sacrifices and achievements
of Canada’s Veterans. Veterans and Canadian Forces members will
attend
the premiere.
Location: National Arts Centre, Panorama Room
53 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Date: Friday, October 30, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Canadian Veterans are ordinary men and women who did extraordinary
things. During Veterans’ Week, we not only pay tribute to all
Canadian
Veterans, we honour those who continue to serve our country today in
Afghanistan and other areas of conflict. The 2009 Veterans’ Week
Vignette is a tribute to the men and women who served and continue to
serve Canada, in times of war and peace. It also serves to educate
all
Canadians about our Veterans and the importance of remembrance.
This year during Veterans’ Week Canadians will come together to
honour those who have sacrificed so much to make our world a safer
place. This Veterans’ Week, how will you remember? To learn more,
- 30 -
**************************************************************************************************************
Veterans Affairs Canada
Media Advisory
October 29, 2009
A Celebration to Launch 2009 Veterans’ Week Vignette
Special Video Honours Canada’s Veterans
Toronto - Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington and
representative of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, will attend a
celebration event to unveil the 2009 Veterans’ Week Vignette in
honour
of the sacrifices and achievements of Canada’s Veterans.
Location: Warrior’s Hall, K-wing, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Date: October 30, 2009
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Canadian Veterans are ordinary men and women who did extraordinary
things. During Veterans’ Week, we not only pay tribute to all
Canadian
Veterans, we honour those who continue to serve our country today in
Afghanistan and other areas of conflict. The 2009 Veterans’ Week
vignette is a tribute to the men and women who served and continue to
serve Canada in times of war and peace. It also serves to educate all
Canadians about our Veterans and the importance of remembrance.
This year during Veterans’ Week Canadians will come together to
honour those who have sacrificed so much to make our world a safer
place. This Veterans’ Week, how will you remember? Learn more at
- 30 -
*******************************************************************************************
Veterans Affairs Canada
Media Advisory
October 29, 2009
Poppy Pinning Ceremony to Launch 2009 Veterans’ Week Vignette
Special Video Honours Canada’s Veterans
Winnipeg - The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State
(Democratic Reform) will attend a special ceremony to unveil the 2009
Veterans’ Week vignette in honour of the sacrifices and achievements
of Canada’s Veterans.
Location: Rotunda, Manitoba Legislature
450 Broadway
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Date: Friday, October 30, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Canadian Veterans are ordinary men and women who did extraordinary
things. During Veterans’ Week, we not only pay tribute to all
Canadian
Veterans, we honour those who continue to serve our country today in
Afghanistan and other areas of conflict. The 2009 Veterans’ Week
Vignette is a tribute to the men and women who served and continue to
serve Canada in times of war and peace. It also serves to educate all
Canadians about our Veterans and the importance of remembrance.
This year during Veterans’ Week Canadians will come together to
honour those who have sacrificed so much to make our world a safer
place. This Veterans’ Week, how will you remember? Learn more at
- 30 -
__________________________________________________
Hugh Message
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty, 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley BC V3A 8N4 604-530-4111
Veterans told no place for poppies
The latest skirmis comes from south Scarborough (located in Metro Toronto), where Royal Canadian Legion Branch 13 sells 25,000 poppies in the 10 days leading up to Remembrance Day.
Its 200 members fan out from the branch at Kingston Rd. and Warden to man malls and place boxes in schools, liqour stores, coffee shops, bans and other businesses.
Usually, a poppy committee member drops by first to tee it up.
No one can remember a refusal. Until now!
A rep popped by the Scotiabank at Cedarbrae Mall as usual but this time he was told there was no place for his poppy box.
No reason. Two managers huddled, one shrugged and said no. The Vet left, perplexed.
Well, old soldiers may die, but they never fade away. The snub became the talk of Branch 13.
By Mike Strobel The Toronto
The complete article can be found at: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/10/23/11500146-sun.html
What do
you think about businesses declining poppies?
Your favourite Realtor: Hugh Message www.Coldwell-Banker.org
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty, 22424 Fraser
Highway, Langley, BC
V3A 8N4 604-530-4111
Longlea Estates, Langley City Centre
-
Announcing a price reduction
on 111-5191 203 Street, Langley, BC, a 900 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now
MLS®
$196,900 CAD
- Reduced!.
Property information
Lower Mainland RCASC & Sr truckers: 11:00 a.m.,
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25th is the date. ABC Restaurant in the Best Western Hotel at
the Clearbrook Interchange in Abbotsford is the place for our next Lower
Mainland Brunch.
This is our first one after the summer and will be a good
chance to come out and meet some old friends once again as we head into the
cooler weather of fall and winter.
For those who were unable to make it, the 2009 reunion in
Edmonton was a blast and a great job was done by Ed Piperno and his committee.
Next year is Calgary's turn once again for 2010 ~~~ and then in 2011, which
incidentally is the 110th anniversary of the Corps, we have been selected to be
the host. Preliminary work is underway to determine the exact location, but we
have some excellent facilities available in a couple of locations. More
information will be available at the brunch.
At this brunch we will have a couple of special guests in
attendance. Wally Savard's daughter, Margaret Ludwig, is presently visiting
from Soest, Germany and will be attending prior to boarding her flight home on
the following day. She was here to assist Wally who is convalescing from a
broken shoulder.
Also visiting will be George and Linda Dobson from
Surrey. They run a business that provides very attractive military memorabilia
that is not available through our kit shop and also do court mounting of medals,
full size and miniature. They will be bringing a couple of samples of their
merchandise and handiwork to show.
I would appreciate the assistance of all to help get as
many members as possible out to the brunch. Please telephone anyone you know
who does not have a computer. There are also some people who would like to
attend but transportation is a problem. Any help in that area would be greatly
appreciated.
Notify me by return email as soon as possible it you will
be attending the brunch so I can advise the restaurant of the seating we will
require.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 25th of October.
Masks not required, Halloween is six days later.
Best Regards
Ken Diamond - Vice President
The RCASC Association
(Western Region)
#66 - 15820 Fraser Highway
Surrey, BC. V4N-0Y2
Res:
604-501-0537
Cell: 604-346-9685
Email: dia18ken@telus.net
________________________________________________________________________
Hugh Message
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty, 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC
A tax assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine the
amount of
taxes he would have to pay.
The following
conversation took place:
"What property do you possess?" asked the
assessor.
"I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian.
"List
your possessions, please," the assessor
instructed.
The Christian said:
"First, I have
everlasting life,
John
3:16
Second, I have a mansion in heaven,
John
14:2
Third, I have peace that passes all
understanding,
Philippians
4:7
Fourth, I have joy unspeakable,
1 Peter
1:8
Fifth, I have divine love which never
fails,
1 Corinthians 13:8
Sixth, I have a faithful
wife,
Proverbs
31:10
Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient
children,
Exodus
20:12
Eighth, I have true, loyal friends,
Proverbs
18:24
Ninth, I have songs in the night,
Psalms
42:8
Tenth, I have a crown of life,
James
1:12"
The tax assessor closed his book, and
said,
"Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject
to taxation."
I pray that all of us will have this kind of tax free
"wealth."
This is what it means to be
rich.......
Rich with the blessings of our Almighty God.
Blessed be His
name forever. Amen!
********************************************************************************
Hugh Message
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3
Vacant - Clean
• 900 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $199,900 CAD
Longlea Estates, Langley City Centre - Longlea Estates: One of Langley's 1st Condominiums. Nestled next the Nicomekl River this beautiful setting with it's nature trails is close enough to shopping and schools that if one didn't have to work, there would be no need for a car. Even so, public transportation is only a sort distance away. This ground level 2 bedroom unit with a spacious private patio area has been "Power Smarted" and thus heating and electric costs are minimal. The unit is currently vacant and has been spruced up, thus allowing for quick possession for the right Buyer. Pets and Rentals are allow, however with restrictions. One of the hidden features; it has been set up for a built in vacuum. The plumbing is all in, all one would need to do is add the vacuum canister and motor. This unit is a corner unit and has a rather spacious fenced patio area with a gate to the parking lot. The current Owner has installed all new wooden baseboards throughout. Other features include washer and dryer in a special closet, plus there is lots of in-suite storage space.
Property information
Red Fridays Foundation of Canada
Is an organization
to promote support for our men and women who
serve our country.
Our Canadian military has made many
sacrifices in the name of peace, not only
for Canada but for many other countries
around the world.
Wearing Red on Fridays is a symbolic gesture
to show fellow Canadians and our troops that
we care and honour those who fought for our freedom,
our peace, our resolve.
Read Brian Muntz's full article at http://www.redfridays.ca
___________________________________________________________________
Hugh Message
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty
22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC
News Release: August
5, 2009
(Surrey, BC) - Fraser Valley saw the highest number of
real estate transactions ever recorded for the month of July. There were 2,089
sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board's Multiple Listings
Service® (MLS®), an increase of 62.3 per cent compared to 1,284 sales in July of
last year. The previous highest July was in 2005, with 2,051
sales.
"The factors contributing to last month's sales are
completely different than they were in 2005," explained Board President Paul
Penner. "Low interest rates, home prices that are lower than last year by about
6 per cent, and a surge of first-time home buyers that came back to the market
in late spring have created the right conditions for a 'move-up' market.
"In July, 37 per cent of Fraser Valley buyers were
first-timers. In June, it was one third. That volume creates a significant
ripple effect, as the sellers of those homes buy up."
Penner said that despite seeing an increase in new
listings over the last few months, current demand has led to a shortage of
inventory in certain markets. "Whether you're buying or selling, it's important
to tap into local housing market expertise. Your REALTOR® will be able to
explain why some properties are attracting multiple offers, while others aren't
moving."
The Fraser Valley Board's MLS® showed 9,510 active
listings at the end of July, a decrease of 22.7 per cent compared to the record
high of 12,299 listings available in July of last year. It received 14.3 per
cent fewer new listings in July; 3,207 compared to the 3,742 new listings
received during the same month last year.
The benchmark price measures the value of a 'typical'
Fraser Valley home as determined by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI). The
HPI benchmark price of a detached home in July was $477,420, a decrease of 5.6
per cent compared to July 2008. In the last three months, the HPI benchmark
price of a detached home has increased by 3.7 per
cent.
The HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses
decreased 6.9 per cent from $327,604 in July 2008 to $304,940 in July 2009, and
in the last three months has increased by 3.3 per cent. The benchmark price of
apartments also decreased year-over-year by 8 per cent, going from $254,510 in
July of last year to $234,178 in July 2009, and has increased by 1.7 per cent in
the last three months.
Information and photos of all Fraser Valley Real Estate
Board listings can be found on the national, public web site
www.REALTOR.ca. Further market statistics can be found on the Board’s
web page at www.fvreb.bc.ca. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association
of 2,923 real estate professionals who live and work in the communities of North
Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and
Mission.
Full
package:
__________________________________________
Hugh Message
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty
http://www.Coldwell-Banker.org
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PRESS RELEASE -
Aug. 03, 2009
Peacekeeping
Day Ceremonies
Cdn Peacekeeping Veterans Association, Surrey Chapter
On August 9, 1974, Canadian Forces Buffalo 115461 was on a scheduled
supply flight from Ismailia, Egypt to Damascus, Syria. Shortly after crossing the Lebanese-Syrian border into Syria, three
surface-to-air missiles were fired at the Buffalo resulting in the destruction
of the aircraft and the deaths of nine Canadian Forces peacekeepers as a result
this date has been officially recognized as National Peacekeepers Day.
National Peacekeepers' Day was made an
official day by an Act of the Parliament of Canada in 2008 to honour those Canadians
who serve in the cause of peace. This day is about commemoration and
celebration of Canadian peacekeepers, past and present. It is also recognition
of those who help make peacekeeping duty less arduous and for remembering our
fallen comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the field of honour in
the service of peace.
Both the Canadian
Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP) and the Canadian
Peacekeeping Veterans Association, (CPVA) jointly wish to bring to your
attention that Sunday, August 9th, veterans, military personnel, police and peace officers will
celebrate National Peacekeepers' Day in Canada and
suggest that if you meet a veteran, a member of the military or a peace officer,
we invite you to shake their hand, and say a simple ‘thank you' said Ray
Kokkonen, National President of CPVA and Ron Griffis, President, CAVUNP in a
joint statement.
Peacekeeping Day
ceremony in Surrey, hosted by Surrey Chapter of CPVA, is
being held on Saturday, Aug. 8, commencing at 3
p.m.
at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 (2643-128 Ave) and will feature a number of
civil and military guests, as well as members of the Surrey and White Rock RCMP
Detachments, many who have served in the peacekeeping role.
RCMP Inspector
Dave Attfield will be the keynote speaker and Surrey Chapter Vice-President,
Don Willis will act as master-of-ceremonies. Rev David Cook, Chapter Padre,
will offer the benediction and Past President, Terry Herrett will speak on
behalf of all veterans. Bugle Major John More and Piper Mike Irving, Crescent
Beach Pipers, will provide the appropriate musical accompaniment.
Surrey Chapter
President, Hugh Message, invites veterans and the general public to attend the
short ceremony and to lay a personal wreath at the Peacekeeping Memorial
This is the sixth
year that the Surrey Peacekeepers have staged this ceremony which began at Victory Memorial Park in 2004. Since the erection of the Peacekeeping
monument at the Crescent Legion site, in 2006, the annual event is hosted
there.
The Provincial
ceremony is slated for Sunday, August 9 on the grounds of the BC Legislature in
Victoria and some mainland
members will also be in attendance.
Don Robertson,
(Major (retd) D.S. Robertson, OMM CD)
PR Chairman;
Surrey
Chapter, CPVA
Tel: 604-531-9333
E-mail - dsrobbie@shaw.ca
__________________________________________________________
Hugh Message
Coldwell Banker 1st Pioneer Realty
22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3
Note that this information is outdated.
PRESS RELEASE - Aug. 03, 2009
Peacekeeping Day Ceremonies
Cdn Peacekeeping Veterans Association, Surrey Chapter
On August 9, 1974, Canadian Forces Buffalo 115461 was on a scheduled supply flight from Ismailia, Egypt to Damascus, Syria. Shortly after crossing the Lebanese-Syrian border into Syria, three surface-to-air missiles were fired at the Buffalo resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of nine Canadian Forces peacekeepers as a result this date has been officially recognized as National Peacekeepers Day.
National Peacekeepers’ Day was made an official day by an Act of the Parliament of Canada in 2008 to honour those Canadians who serve in the cause of peace. This day is about commemoration and celebration of Canadian peacekeepers, past and present. It is also recognition of those who help make peacekeeping duty less arduous and for remembering our fallen comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the field of honour in the service of peace.
Peacekeeping Day ceremony in Surrey, hosted by Surrey Chapter of CPVA, is being held on Saturday, Aug. 8, commencing at 3 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 (2643-128 Ave) and will feature a number of civil and military guests, as well as members of the Surrey and White Rock RCMP Detachments, many who have served in the peacekeeping role.
Read More
3 bedroom basement suite
• 2,460 sq. ft., 3 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story - $435,000 CAD
Royal Heights, Surrey - This rare opportunity can be found at the entrance of Royal Heights: a community where you can find painted porches and sidewalks, neatly trimmed hedges and lawns, where most of the homes have look of pride. Some sporting Canada's National Flag, an excellent elementary school which meets the needs of the neighbouring homes. This 6 bedroom home is designed in a way which could easily accommodate another suite in the basement. On the main floor the home boasts of original hardwood floors with 3 spacious bedrooms, 4 piece bathroom and access to a sizable deck. The lower suite has 3 large bedrooms plus a family room and other room and 2 full bathrooms. As for yard space, because the way the home is situated on the lot, it has very limited back yard space, however the property extends out to the side, fully fenced and shaded with tall cedar trees.
Property information