A "message" from Message - Update on Veterans Affairs
January 16, 2011
Subject: Update on Veterans Affairs.
Dear Mr Blackburn, MP
Your almost secret goodwill visit of eight (8) Canadian cities this week is considered a waste of time and a waste of tax payer’s money. When were you going to advertise it and invite all Veterans to attend? During the past five (5) years you have failed to listen to recommendations made by the Veteran’s Ombudsman, Veterans Organizations, Veterans Advocates and issues presented at the Veterans first rally. When will you take action with regards to the following outstanding Veterans issues?
· Veterans are calling for a formal Public inquiry into the office of Veterans Affairs to address the unacceptable behaviour and the mismanagement of Veterans issues and personnel files;
· To terminate the disability lump-sum payment that will cause serious financial hardship to many Veterans and their Families;
· To eliminate the unfair/unjust CPP (Canada pension plan) benefits reduction programme affecting retired and disabled Military/RCMP Veterans at age 65 or sooner if they become disabled. They have fully paid for and earned their Annuity;
· To eliminate the unfair Annuity reduction associated with the SISIP plan; (Service Income Security Insurance Plan)
· To include the VIP (Veterans Independence Programme) to all widows of Veterans;
· To increase the Survivor’s Annuity amount upon death to 66% from the current 50%; and
· To increase the SDB (Supplementary Death Benefit) to $ 10,000 and be in line with the Public service death benefits.
It is disturbing to hear the words ”Thank you for your service to our Country” during Remembrance week! This week of ceremonies is set aside for Canada to acknowledge its Veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our Country. The Government of Canada needs to take care of their widows and children. It must also take care of its disabled Veterans and their Families. Stop these cost cutting measures! Terminate the lump-sum payments to our disabled Veterans. Award our Veterans a monthly tax free disability income and provide proper medical care to them and their Families. They have earned it!
Mr. Blackburn, MP your petty crumbs resolution are not supported! Unfortunately, media coverage, public pressure and class action lawsuits are the only venue left to Veterans and their Families to resolve their issues.
Military/RCMP Veterans and their Families have gallantly served our Country Canada! They deserve to be treated with fairness, justice and dignity!
“ Veterans will no longer remain silent! “
Sincerely,
John Labelle
Veterans Annuity Campaign
Coordinator
(Trust the Lord! Serve the People!)
florencejohn@ns.sympatico.ca
Important sites:
http://users.eastlink.ca/~clawback1
www.veteranvoice.info
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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC 604-530-4111
www.HughMessage.com