July 9, 2011
Niagara Falls — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today that proposed regulatory changes in support of enhancing the New Veterans Charter have been published in the Canada Gazette.
The pre-publication of these regulatory changes is the next step toward bringing into force the measures that were approved by Parliament and received Royal Assent in March.
"We know there are men and women counting on these enhanced benefits to improve the quality of their lives, and we want to deliver them as quickly as possible," said Minister Blaney, who was in Niagara Falls today to participate in the official ceremonies for Canadian Veterans National Rendezvous.
The new measures are expected to take effect early this fall, when the normal regulatory approval process has been completed.
Minister Blaney said he will also continue to meet with Veterans and their families in their own communities this summer to discuss their concerns and priorities. His tour began earlier this week, in New Brunswick.
"Our Government is committed to listening to what our men and women in uniform-both past and present-have to say about the care and support they are receiving from their country," said Minister Blaney. "That is why we introduced these improvements through the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act in the first place.
The Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act, passed as Bill C-55 in the last Parliament, provides additional monthly support to seriously ill and injured Veterans and creates flexible new payment options for recipients of the disability award.
What the enhancements to the New Veterans Charter will do:
- 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;
- Expand eligibility for additional monthly allowances (worth up to $1,632 per month-for life) for seriously injured Veterans;
- Introduce a new $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; and
- Create new payment options for Canadian Forces members and Veterans receiving a disability award. While these men and women will still have the choice of a lump-sum payment, they will also be able to receive a disability award as either an annual payment over any number of years they choose, or as a combination of a partial lump-sum payment and annual instalments (with interest.)
"With these new payment options for the disability award, the Government of Canada is recognizing that our CF members and Veterans need choices to address their unique financial circumstances," said Minister Blaney.
Backgrounder — Additional details on the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act.
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