In response to a Written Question he tabled in the Senate, Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe has confirmed that Justice Minister Rob Nicholson has spent over $7.8 million on legal fees to fight veterans and their widows on compensation for exposure to Agent Orange.

“The legal costs incurred by the Government of Canada have increased from just over $2 million in 2008, to over $7.8 million as of March 2010,” said Downe.

Prime Minister Harper made a promise during the 2006 federal election, when he stated, “Our government will stand up for full compensation for persons exposed to defoliant spraying during the period from 1956 to 1984. We’ll disclose all information concerning the spraying to veterans and civilians, and will provide medical testing to anyone who may have been exposed.”

On September 12, 2007, the Harper Government announced a disappointing compensation package for those affected by the spraying of Agent Orange, offering payment only to those who served between 1966 and 1967.

In order to receive the compensation that was promised to them, and force Prime Minister Stephen Harper to honour his commitment, these deserving Canadian veterans and their families have had to undertake a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada.

“The Prime Minister’s supportive and comforting words towards Canadian veterans continue to be contradicted by the actions of his government – these surviving veterans and their families have waited long enough – it is time to stop paying lawyers and start paying our veterans the debt to which they are owed,” concluded Downe.

Government of Canada's Legal Costs re: Agent Orange Compensation
	July 1, 2005 to March 4, 2010	July 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008
Health Canada	$27,997.51
Justice	$5,822,629.27	$2,186,414.00
National Defence	$1,575,879.72
Veterans Affairs Canada	$416,640.58
TOTAL	$7,843,147.08	$2,186,414.00

-30-

 

For further information:
Senator Percy Downe: 613-943-8107
Or toll free at 1-800-267-7362   
www.sen.parl.gc.ca/pdowne

Most Recent News