Government of Canada Announces More Support for Allied Veterans and Their Families

June 01, 2009

(Monday, June 1, 2009 - PETERBOROUGH, ON)  The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs has announced he will introduce legislation to amend the War Veterans Allowance Act to extend benefits to Allied Veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, and their family members.

"This week, I intend to introduce legislation to return access for eligible Allied Veterans and their families to the same programs available to the Canadian men and women who served alongside them," said Minister Thompson.  "We made a promise to bring these much-needed benefits and services back to Allied Veterans and to include Allied Veterans of the Korean War and we intend to make good on that promise."

"I am very pleased that is legislation is being introduced." stated Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Riding.  "Our local MP's Veterans Committee has been working very hard on this issue and it is excellent to see it finally come to fruition.  These brave men and women served alongside our Canadian troops in many theatres of war and they and their families deserve our respect as well as our support for their service and dedication."

The proposed legislation will provide low-income Allied Veterans of the Second World War, who live in Canada and have for at least ten years, with access to War Veterans Allowance and associated assistance and health benefits. Eligibility will also be expanded to include those who fought for Allied Forces in the Korean War who lived in Canada prior to the war or who currently live in Canada and have for at least ten years.

MP's Del Mastro's Veterans Committee was established in early 2006 to give a voice to local Veterans and to further the recognition and support that Veterans receive from the Federal Government and from all Canadians.Accomplishments of the Committee include the Sabre Jet Refurbishment Project, the Heroes' Tribute Gala, an annual Veterans Affairs Clinic, the creation of a Police Foreign Service Medal (pending) and advocacy for the reinstating of the Allied Veterans benefits under the War Veterans Allowance Act.

"We owe so much to our Veterans." stated MP Del Mastro.  "Our freedom, our very way of life was bought through their service and their sacrifice.  It is my pledge to stand behind this legislation to provide our Veterans and their families with the recognition and support that they deserve.  This announcement fulfills the Conservative Government's election promise to restore the Allied Veterans benefits the Liberals cut in 1995.  Our Government made a promise to support Allied Veterans living in Canada by extending benefits the Liberals cut in 1995.  We are proud to be keeping our promise by amending this legislation."