Hugh Message

A "message" from Message - RCL News Release

2013-01-31T20:30:00Z

FUNERAL AND BURIAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS

ELMIRA, ON, January 31, 2013

Mr. Gordon Moore, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion, accompanied by Mr. Phil Fredette, the Government Relations Chair of the Funeral Service Association of Canada and Mr. Jean-Pierre Goyer, Executive Director of the Last Post Fund, announced the launch of a national letter writing campaign to request that the government improve the Funeral and Burial Benefits Program for Veterans, earlier today at Legion Branch 469.

“At every biennial Dominion Convention since 2004, the Legion has requested the federal government make some important improvements to the Veterans Funeral and Burial Benefits Program and is dismayed by their inaction,” said Mr. Moore.

“There should be no doubt that the issue of adequate funeral and burial support is an urgent issue for Second World War and Korean War Veterans. The majority of these men and women are in their 90s; approximately 2,000 pass on each month,” added Mr. Moore.

“Starting today, we are calling on our approximately 330,000 members to send a letter to their respective MPs highlighting the need for government action to improve the Funeral and Burial Benefits program. All Canadians who wish to support our efforts are encouraged to do so by visiting our website and downloading our letter at http://legion.ca/Veterans/BurialBenefits_e.cfm,” concluded Mr. Moore.

For more details, see attached RCL News Release 31st January, 2013

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC

www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - Concrete-busting knotweed threatens deals

2012-10-19T19:25:00Z

Concrete-busting knotweed threatens deals

Japanese knotweed is now in many B.C. Regions, found in six provinces in Canada and 39 of 50 U.S. States and is on the World Conservation Union’s list of 100 worst invasive species.

“We would like to see it on property disclosures,” says Jennifer Grenz, program director for the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, who says it should rank up there with grow operations in terms of the hidden threats for clients purchasing property or developers hoping to build on a site.

A "message" from Message - 9 Buyer Traps and How to Avoid Them!

2012-10-02T20:13:00Z

No matter which way you look at it, buying a home is a major investment. But for many Home Buyers, it can be an even more expensive process than it needs to be because many fall prey to at least a few of the many common and costly mistakes which trap them into either:

· paying too much for the home they want, or

· losing their dream home to another buyer, or

· (worse) buying the wrong home for their needs.

A systematized approach to the Home Buying process can help you steer clear of these common traps, allowing you to not only cut costs, but also secure the home that’s best for you.

This important report discusses the 9 most common and costly of these Home Buyer traps, how to identify them, and what you can do to avoid them.

You can obtain a copy instantly, online at: http://www.hughmessage.com/Util/GetDocument.ashx?docId=1294325

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer, 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3 - 604-551-6584

A "message" from Message - 2 Story For Sale in Kimberley Alpine Resort

2012-08-03T18:11:00Z

• 1,249 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $208,800 CAD - Priced to sell Now!

Kimberley Alpine Resort, Kimberley - Kimberley Ridge - All season location.

In the Winter, Ski in, and ski out: Best value at the Resort in Kimberley. In the Summer, test your skills on the local Golf Courses.

Looking for a year round Investment?

This top level, three bed townhouse unit has the option for a separate 1 bed lock-off for different options on renting. Unit is in good condition. It's best feature is it is located a few steps away from the North Star Express High Speed Quad chair and village core. The unit itself has a Large vaulted ceiling, lofted master bedroom with ensuite. There is also another master bedroom on main floor and it also has an ensuite bathroom. From the deck, there is a peekaboo view of Rockies. Other features include, hot tub & BBQ. Price asking is well below other similar 3 bedroom units, and priced closer to the 2 bedroom units. So compare value & step up to the plate. If you're looking for an investment, then join the Rental Pool for a little rental income, or, if you wish, then use it yourself.

Property information

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer, 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3 - 604-552-6584

A "message" from Message - 9th August, 2012 - National Peacekeepers' Day

2012-07-16T22:49:00Z

Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Surrey V Chapter wish to invite all Veterans to come and be a part of Canada's National Peacekeepers' Day Remembrance Parade.

A "Word" document is attached with all details and can be posted for public viewing.

In view of the fact that Canada is winding down their commitment in Afghanistan and are once again being sought by other troubled Nations for assistance, now is not a time to fade back into the shadows.

Many are the trials of Veterans who are still attempting to overcome Operational Stress Injuries, and no matter what theatre of operations you may have served in, they all need your support.

Therefore, please shake the bushes; tell as many Veterans and Serving Members that you know of and insist on them coming out and supporting others.

Several months ago, a Veteran of the Second World War said to me (in the presence of others): He was thankful he never had to serve as a Peacekeeper. He said; at least we knew who our enemy was, and what our objective was, but, as a Peacekeeper, your hands are tied and, your enemy could be standing right next to you and you'd never know it until it was too late.

So please come, and invite as many others to come; let us be proud to show the Flag!

Info:

·         Date: 9^th of August, 2012 (Thursday Evening)

·         Time: 19:30 (Parade Fall-In)    (Out of town guests are also welcome to parade)

·         Dress: UN Berets & Medals (Regimental Headdress & Blazers Optional)

·         Location: RCL 240 Crescent Beach 2643 – 128^th Street, Surrey, BC

http://www.CPVA-Surrey.com

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Hugh Message
Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC 604-551-6584
www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - The President Speaks

2012-07-10T17:57:00Z

6 July 2012

Macdonald Realty’s Analysis of the Current Vancouver Market

After the release of June home inventory stats by Vancouver Real Estate Board, the media has pick up many opinions out there regarding which way the market is going. These have been mostly negative, including one of our own realtors who was quoted as saying “it’s time to cash out”.

Most of these comments are based on one calculation method only – inventory absorption rate. In reality, it is only one of many factors influencing real estate market trends. First of all, most of people are buying homes basing on the individual needs and life plans. The concept of market “right time to sell or buy” really only applies to short term investors and speculators – they only count for a small percentage of the buying/selling public. Therefore their power to drastically influence property price change is limited and also, geographically specific (some areas have higher # of properties bought by speculators and will feel more effect with a market slow down).

Vancouver is a city with diverse industries (unlike a single-industry town), and the employment base is strong. It is known internationally as one of the most attractive cities to live in and there will continue to have strong demand for immigration which converts to demand in housing. All these elements remain the same and they serve to support a sustainable real estate market. Also, the mistake of using solely the listing inventory account to predict prices is that it ignores the fact that many sellers have the ability to take the properties off the market if they can’t achieve the prices they want, which would change the stats again.

Real estate is a cyclical market. We have had a long run of very active market and price increases in the last few years. By its cyclical nature the market is due for some correction in some overheated markets. And depending on each individual’s specific needs and wants, now could both be the right time and wrong time to buy or sell. For a point of reference, looking back at Vancouver’s past 40 years real estate price charts, Vancouver home prices have doubled every 10 years with drops and rises in between.

Lynn Hsu

President and CEO

Macdonald Realty Group

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC

www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - Prime Minister Supports "Red Fridays"

2012-05-07T17:23:00Z

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the anniversary of the Red Friday Campaign launch in Canada

May 6, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the sixth anniversary of the Red Friday Campaign in Canada:

“Six years ago today, Lisa Miller and Karen Boire launched the Red Friday movement in Canada with a rally on Parliament Hill. This grassroots initiative – which encourages Canadians to wear red on Fridays as a tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces – is a simple yet effective way for us to show our support to those who risk their lives so that we can live in peace and security.

“Since the launch of the campaign, wearing red has become a central theme in numerous events, celebrations and rallies supporting our troops across Canada. It has also become a meaningful expression of our admiration and gratitude for those who protect our freedom and security.

“As we celebrate the anniversary of the Red Friday Campaign, I want to encourage Canadians to continue the proud tradition of wearing red on Fridays as a symbol of our solidarity and continued support for the men and women who bravely serve our country.”

The Prime Minister's Office – Communications

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3 604-551-6584 or 604-530-4111 www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - Solid Country Home For Sale in Yarrow

2012-05-03T17:58:00Z

6 bedrooms - 2.78 Acres

• 2,754 sq. ft., 3 bath, 6 bdrm single story - $628,880 CAD - A little love...

Yarrow, Chilliwack - A good solid old country home. It may not be pretty, but it is solid! Hardwood flooring and hot water heating are two of the strong features this 32 year old home has. Priced below latest Bank Appraisal. Country Village Atmosphere, yet close enough to town. Lovely 2.78 acres in a most beautiful setting offers lovely mountain and farmland views. Land is flat, fenced and cross fenced and all usable. The property includes a 36'x36' barn (needs some work) resting on a 40'x60' concrete pad.

There is much to explore.

This beautiful Hobby Farm is located just a block from the main street of Yarrow and it's on a quiet street. Interior includes attractive tiled entry, maple hardwood flooring on the entire main floor as well as the upstairs hallway. Lots of cupboards in the kitchen including an island with built in stove. There are real "wood burning fireplaces" but the home is heated by baseboard hot water heating throughout.

A huge wrap around sundeck with adjoining hot tub make this home an entertainers delight.

There's no need to worry about the children walking to their school unescorted, as their school bus will pick them up in the morning and drop them off in the afternoon, almost at your door step..

Property information

Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3 - 604-530-4111 or 604-551-6584

http://www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins Honours Ponoka Resident

2012-04-17T19:25:00Z

April 17, 2012

Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins Honours Ponoka Resident

Ottawa - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, presented Ponoka resident Walter Burchnall with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

“Mr. Burchnall has devoted countless hours to helping and honouring Veterans. He has made a real and lasting difference in the lives of his comrades in Ponoka,” said Minister Blaney. “Our Government is proud to recognize Mr. Burchnall’s dedication to his fellow Veterans and their families. His extraordinary efforts in commemorating Veterans and assisting them and their families make Mr. Burchnall a deserving recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.”

“The community of Ponoka and, in fact, many Albertans have benefited from the service and contribution of Walter Burchnall,” said Mr. Calkins. “As a pilot in Burma who bravely served during the Second World War and as an active and dedicated volunteer in his community following the war, Mr. Burchnall has demonstrated his commitment to both his country and his community. He is truly deserving of this honour.”

Mr. Burchnall is a Second World War Veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He has held almost every executive position in his Royal Canadian Legion branch, including president. As a branch service officer, Mr. Burchnall assisted Veterans and their dependants in

applying for benefits and services, helped families of Veterans with funeral arrangements, performed countless Legion tributes at funeral services and acted as an agent in obtaining headstones, at considerable savings, for Veterans’ graves in the Field of Honour. Mr. Burchnall

also served on a committee to construct a new community cenotaph, undertaking much of the manual work.

Mr. Burchnall continues to assist with twilight candlelight tributes at the local cemetery and takes part in Decoration Day ceremonies by placing flags on Veterans’ graves at dawn. He has been honoured with a Royal Canadian Legion Life Membership and the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation includes a bar, which can be worn below official decorations on a Veteran’s blazer, as well as a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate.

The Commendation is presented to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of Veterans and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements. It is intended primarily for Veterans, but in some circumstances may also be awarded to non-Veterans. Nominations may be submitted at any time and are reviewed annually by an advisory committee.

Find more information on the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, including the accomplishments and biography of the recipient, at http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/press/viewrelease/1368

Media inquiries:

Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor 613-992-7468

Codie Taylor Director of Communications 613-996-4649

Veterans Affairs Canada Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3 604-551-6584

http://www.hughmessage.com/

A "message" from Message - Member of Parliament Royal Galipeau Marks 95th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

2012-04-05T18:18:00Z

Ottawa - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of

Veterans Affairs, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for

Ottawa-Orléans, joined 120 students with Encounters with Canada at a

special ceremony held at the National War Memorial to mark the 95th

anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The youth participants,

representing every province and territory, are in Ottawa for a week-long

awareness session on the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the First World War.

“It is heartening to see young Canadians so passionate about, and

engaged in, the act of commemorating those who defended our values of

peace, freedom and democracy in the First World War,” said Minister

Blaney. “Because this group of young Canadians is engaged in

remembrance, the contributions and sacrifices of our Veterans will be

recognized and appreciated for generations to come.”

“Today, we remember the more than 650,000 brave Canadians who served

during the First World War and the more than 66,000 who lost their

lives,” said MP Galipeau. “Your Government is committed to honouring

the important sacrifices and contributions of those who served Canada 95

years ago.”

Over the last 30 years, the Encounters with Canada program has helped

more than 89,000 young Canadians learn about themselves and their

country, through a week of citizenship and leadership activities. During

the commemorative ceremony, the students presented their original

reflections on the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The significance of the

occasion was also marked by the release of 95 doves.

It was 95 years ago on Easter Monday, in 1917, that the four divisions

of the Canadian Corps, fighting side-by-side for the first time,

captured Vimy Ridge. By the fourth day, April 12, Canadians controlled

the entire ridge. The victory at Vimy was not without a price. There

were more than 10,600 casualties. Of those, approximately 3,600 gave

their lives.

For more information on Canada’s contribution to the Battle of Vimy

Ridge during the First World War, visit www.veterans.gc.ca .

Media inquiries:

Janice Summerby

Media Relations Advisor

Veterans Affairs Canada

613-992-7468

Codie Taylor

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

613-996-4649

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC 604-530-4111 604-551-6584

www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - Government of Canada to Mark 95th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

2012-04-04T19:17:00Z

Veterans Affairs Canada

Media Advisory

April 4, 2012

Government of Canada to Mark 95th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy

Ridge

Ottawa - On April 9, His Excellency the Right Honourable David

Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the

Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, will participate

in a commemorative ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, in

France, to mark the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The Governor General and the Minister will be joined by a Canadian

delegation including representatives of Veterans’ organizations, the

Department of National Defence, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and

parliamentarians. In addition, close to 5,000 Canadian youth will

participate in events marking the anniversary.

Ceremony of Remembrance to mark the 95th anniversary of the Battle of

Vimy Ridge

Event Date: Monday, April 9, 2012

Event Time: 3:30 p.m.

Event Location: Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Vimy, France

Notes: A technical briefing for media will take place on site at 1:30

p.m. Photo identification is required for media to enter the event

site.

All public must be on the site no later than 2:30 p.m.

Media inquiries:

Janice Summerby

Media Relations Advisor

Veterans Affairs Canada

613-992-7468

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC

www.HughMessage.com

A "message" from Message - How would you feel?

2011-09-28T15:52:00Z

Veterans have been taken advantage of - those who have stood in the gap for you & me - Standing between Freedom and Tyranny.

A dirty little skirmish is being successfully swept under the carpet by our government. For years the government, through its Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP), has been taking money way from veterans. Like most skirmishes, this one gets little notice from the traditional news media and is not well-known known by the public. But that may soon change; the fight is finally in the courts.

Mr. Dennis Manuge is the representative plaintiff in a class action against the Canadian government. Peter Driscoll, a lawyer from McInnes Cooper, will be arguing the case. But why fight? Why not settle out of court or give veterans what they are owed? The government may hesitate because more than $500,000,000.00 (1/2 Billion) is at stake.

Half a Billion sounds like a lot of money but I am sure it could be funded from the 2 Billion in Tax Revenue generated from Tobacco sales or the approximate 7.7 Billion generated from alcohol sales. Besides, to date, the government has spent a mere half-million ($482,740.00) to fight veterans claims.

No one wins in a war, and in this little fight veterans stand to lose money; however, the government stands to lose the trust of its troops and future soldiers. Why join the military if you know you will be robbed of your insurance? The government has demonstrated a lack of strategic thinking.

Stand up for your veterans. Write your MP and insist that veterans receive the full benefits of the Long Term Disability insurance plan. No one wins in a war, but a dirty little skirmish can be profitable.

http://justalternativemedia.com/consumer-issues/a-dirty-little-skirmish/

A Dirty Little Skirmish

by David on SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 in CONSUMER ISSUES, VETERAN

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Hugh Message - 604-551-6584

Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer

22424 Fraser Highway,

Langley, BC V3A 8N3

A "message" from Message - Righting A Wrong

2011-07-05T18:46:00Z

Canadian Airborne Forces Association

Branch #8 – Bornewest

Box 1064

RPO Vedder Crossing

Chilliwack, BC V2R 3N7

04 July, 2011

To Whom It May Concern,

The Canadian Airborne Forces Association (CAFA) and the Airborne Regiment Association of Canada (ARAC), wish to address the recent media coverage that has been published or aired regarding the disbandment of the Canadian Airborne Regiment (CAR) in 1995. That event was a shoddy, politically expedient affair and caused a great deal of pain throughout the Airborne world and indeed for the Canadian Army as a whole. It is our belief that the entire story should be brought to the attention of all Canadians and their political leaders.

The Airborne Community at large has reacted strongly since Sunmedia’s story first broke in end-May 2011. Given that recent media coverage and the imminent analysis of the Canadian Army’s structure post the Afghanistan mission, it is timely to consider the re-establishment of the Canadian Airborne Regiment.

The attached position paper, “Righting A Wrong”, has been developed to fairly and accurately reflect the issues surrounding the disbandment of the CAR and to provide you with more detail of what actually transpired, the timeline of events leading to the disbandment and why. This paper has been approved by the presidents of both CAFA and ARAC and has been accepted by both associations as their joint position on this matter. Consequently, the paper represents the views of the Airborne Community at large as well as these two associations. Our Official Spokesperson is Major General H.C. (Herb) Pitts.

…It is hoped that the attached position paper “Righting a Wrong” will bring this important story to the attention of the Canadian public. Many Canadians never knew, or fully understood, the complete story of the Regiment’s disbandment. To this day, they associate the Regiment primarily with the “horrific” news stories of the time surrounding the deaths of the two Somalis at the hands of a few soldiers. Those were terrible and tragic events – but should not have led to the disbandment of the Regiment. Most certainly it should not have led to the perception that the Regiment was disbanded in disgrace.

If you have any questions or require contact information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Yours truly,

Wayne Dehnke

President

CAFA Branch #8 – Bornewest

Chilliwack, BC

604-858-0305

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer - 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3

http://www.HughMessage.com 604-551-6584

A "message" from Message - Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney Begins Two-Day Visit to New Brunswick

2011-07-05T18:05:00Z

July 5, 2011

Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney Begins Two-Day Visit to New Brunswick

Saint John - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, launched a two-day, fact-finding visit to New Brunswick this morning when he and Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, met with staff at the Saint John District Office of Veterans Affairs

Canada.

Minister Blaney then joined one of the Department’s case managers on a pair of routine home visits with Veterans in the Saint John area.

“It’s gratifying to see first-hand the work our employees do every day to deliver essential services and benefits to our honoured Veterans,” said Minister Blaney. “This is the kind of insight that will prove invaluable as we continue to make improvements within the Department in the way we care for and support our Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families.”

The Minister’s first day in New Brunswick is scheduled to end with a visit to the Ridgewood Veterans’ Wing, where he and Mr. Weston will meet resident Veterans and their families as well as staff, other caregivers and members of local Veterans’ organizations.

Minister Blaney is also using his time in the province to inform Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families about new improvements to the financial support available to seriously injured and vulnerable Veterans. The measures, contained in the Enhanced New

Veterans Charter Act and passed by Parliament in the spring, are expected to come into force this fall.

A Backgrounder on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act is attached.

For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada’s programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca.

Media inquiries:

Janice Summerby

Media Relations Advisor

Veterans Affairs Canada

613-992-7468

Michelle Wright

A/ Regional Director of Communications,

Atlantic

Veterans Affairs Canada

902-426-0635 Cell: 902-401-7691

Codie Taylor

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

613-996-4649

Backgrounder

Additional Details on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act

The Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act, which was passed by the last Parliament in March 2011, features significant changes to the New Veterans Charter to address concerns raised by Veterans, their families, as well as members of Veterans’ organizations, advisory groups and parliamentary committees.

With these enhancements, which are expected to come into force this fall, the Government of Canada will:

● improve access to monthly benefits (worth up to an additional

$1,632 per month, and payable for life) for seriously injured Veterans;

● introduce a new monthly $1,000 supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance-also payable for life-to help our most seriously injured or ill Veterans who are unable to be suitably, gainfully employed; and

● provide flexible payment options for receiving a disability award.

Also, by amending regulations which govern the New Veterans Charter, the Government will establish a minimum pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for all ill and injured Veterans in the rehabilitation program or, if they are unable to be suitably and gainfully employed again, until age 65.

Improving access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance and the Exceptional Incapacity Allowance: When the New Veterans Charter was implemented in 2006, it resulted in some unforeseen gaps between the new charter and the Pension Act, which had previously served all Veterans. As a result, a number of severely injured Veterans found themselves ineligible for either the new Permanent Impairment Allowance under the New Veterans Charter or the Exceptional Incapacity Allowance under the Pension Act.

By correcting these eligibility barriers between the two systems, it is expected that as many as 3,500 Veterans will now qualify for either the Permanent Impairment Allowance or the Exceptional Incapacity Allowance over the next five years.

Introducing a monthly $1,000 supplement for permanently and severely injured Veterans:

Severely injured Veterans who are receiving the Permanent Impairment Allowance and are unable to be suitably, gainfully employed will receive an additional $1,000 per month for the rest of their lives. This would be added to other financial supports they may receive, such as the minimum, pre-tax income of $40,000 a year available through the Earnings Loss benefit. It is anticipated that approximately 500 Veterans will benefit from this change over the next five years.

Providing payment options for the Disability Award: The tax-free Disability Award is currently a one-time payment designed solely to recognize and compensate for the non-economic impact (the pain and suffering) of an injury or illness. It is in addition to other financial supports (such as the monthly Earnings Loss benefit and the Permanent Impairment Allowance) which recognize the ongoing economic impact of an injury. Under this change to the New Veterans Charter, CF members and Veterans will have new payment options for receiving their disability award. These options are:

● equal annual payments spread out over the number of years of their choice (with interest);

● a partial lump-sum payment with the balance paid out in annual instalments over any number of years (with interest); or

● a single lump-sum payment.

Veterans will also have the option-at any time-to receive the balance of their disability award in a final lump-sum payment.

Introducing a minimum annual Earnings Loss benefit: In addition to the legislated changes outlined above, the regulations which govern the New Veterans Charter are being amended to include a minimum annual, pre-tax income of $40,000 for recipients of the monthly Earnings Loss benefit. This enhancement should, over the next five years, increase the monthly financial support available to approximately 2,300 Veterans who either left the Canadian Forces while still at a low military rank or when military salaries were much lower than they are today.

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Hugh Message - Macdonald Realty 1st Pioneer, 22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3

www.HughMessage.com 604-551-6584

A "message" from Message - Summer Colouring Contest for Children 2 - 12 years of age

2011-06-23T19:58:00Z

The formidable years are very important in the upbringing of a person who may be destined to lead this great country of Canada.

As our youth are influenced by much of what we see around us, we as responsible adults are encouraged to assist them in their growth and responsible decision making.

In the tender years of pre-teens, we need to give our children opportunity which will encourage them to express themselves in a positive way, and art in its many forms is one way,

To assist mothers and fathers, I'm offering them an opportunity to help them, in their early stages of development.

As a child, I was encouraged to draw and to colour pictures, and when one of my pictures was selected and displayed for all the other students in the school to see, it was a very big boost to my moral. What I'm proposing to do, is to offer a similar opportunity for the children in our area to also have their talents displayed. Not just in their schools but here, where the whole world can view their work.

Children can then send links to their grandparents and other family members or even friends, letting them see their handy work.

For more information on how to enter; click on the following link:

http://www.hughmessage.com/Colouring/page_2455408.html

Hugh Message

Macdonald Realty 1^st Pioneer

22424 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC V3A 8N3 604-551-6584