January 3, 2014
Ottawa – The following was issued today in light of the routine filing of the Government’s legal factum, the latest stage in the ongoing Scott et al. v. Attorney General of Canada proposed class action:
On October 2, 2013, the Government of Canada appealed the Honourable Mr. Justice Gordon Weatherill’s ruling on the Attorney General of Canada’s Application to Strike the Notice of Civil Claim filed by the Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Scott et al. v. Attorney General of Canada proposed class action.
On September 26, 2013, after reviewing recent reports from the Veterans Ombudsman and following several weeks of extensive consultation with stakeholders, Minister Fantino announced the Government’s support for a comprehensive review of the New Veterans Charter, including all enhancements, with a special focus placed on the most seriously injured, support for families and the delivery of programs by Veterans Affairs Canada. This review, which was called for by the Government, serves as a key vehicle to find responsible changes to improve the already robust systems of support in place to help Canada’s Veterans.
"The Parliamentary Committee remains the right forum for addressing changes to the New Veterans Charter," said the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "This review, led by legislators who represent Canadians from across the country, is an inclusive, consultative collaboration on how best to make positive changes for Veterans and their families. We continue to focus on our common goal of best serving those who served Canada."
To date, Canada’s Veterans’ Ombudsman, Equitas representatives, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and technical experts from within and outside the Government of Canada have appeared. During his appearance, Minister Fantino asked parliamentarians to recommend language that could be added to the New Veterans Charter to define the duty and obligation that the Government of Canada has towards Veterans. The review will continue when Parliament resumes at the end of January.
Veterans Affairs Canada’s support and services offer the right care at the right time to achieve the best results for Veterans and their families. Find out more at veterans.gc.ca.
Janice Summerby
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Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Joshua Zanin
613-996-4649
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
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