March 24, 2011
Ottawa - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), celebrated final approval of Bill C-55 today. "It is an important breakthrough in how Canada cares for and supports injured and ill Canadian Forces (CF) members and Veterans," said Minister Blackburn.
Also known as the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act, Bill C-55 received royal assent this afternoon.
"This legislation represents a significant new chapter in the financial aid available to CF members and Veterans who are injured in the line of duty," said Minister Blackburn. "We are providing an additional $2 billion to ensure a better quality of life for ill and injured Veterans and their families."
Minister Blackburn thanked Veterans and their organizations for their support which he qualified as essential in helping parliamentarians understand the importance of the measures contained in the legislation. He also praised members of Parliament and senators of all political allegiances for taking the time to review the Bill and ensuring its speedy passage through the two chambers.
"The broad support for this Bill reflects the great pride and admiration that all Canadians share for our men and women in uniform, our Veterans and their families," said Minister Blackburn. "Parliamentarians clearly understood the importance of making sure these enhancements quickly reach the men and women who have earned and deserve this kind of support from their country."
The legislation still has to go through a number of regulatory steps before coming into force, which should be completed within the next five or six months.
Improved monthly benefits
- The legislation expands eligibility for monthly allowances (worth up to $1,632 per month-for life) for seriously injured Veterans; and
- It introduces an additional $1,000 monthly supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance (for life) to help our most seriously injured or ill Veterans who are unable to return to suitable gainful employment.
Also, by amending regulations for the Earnings Loss benefit, the Government will establish a minimum pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for Veterans who are in rehabilitation or, if they are no longer able to be gainfully employed, until age 65.
- The legislation creates new payment options for Canadian Forces members and Veterans receiving a disability award. While they will still have the choice of a lump-sum payment, they will also now be able to receive a disability award as either an annual payment over any number of years or as a combination of a partial lump-sum payment and annual instalments (with interest).
- Veterans will also retain the right to change their payment option at any time. This includes choosing at a later date to receive the balance of their disability award in a final lump-sum payment.
"By offering more payment options for the Disability Award, the Government of Canada has recognized that CF members and Veterans need financial choices that meet their individual circumstances," said Minister Blackburn.
Backgrounder - Additional details on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act.
- 30 -
Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
Vincent Caron
Special Assistant, Policy and Communication
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-995-5786
All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
Related Information:
Additional Details on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Improving Support for Canada's Veterans
New Veterans Charter - The Facts
New Veterans Charter Media Kit
Information for Canadian Forces - Our Veterans Matter
