Posted on 16 February 2010
Charlottetown Senator Percy E. Downe has requested that the Auditor General of Canada audit the implementation of the New Veterans Charter.
In response to Downe’s request, Auditor General Sheila Fraser agreed, “that the issue you raise is an important one” and said that her audit team will meet with Veterans Affairs officials later this month, “to discuss the best timing for an audit that will include the New Veterans Charter.” Downe thanked Ms. Fraser for her positive and prompt reply.
The Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs undertook a study on the implementation of the Charter to determine if veterans and their families are receiving the benefits they deserve.
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister’s decision to shut down Parliament has ground the work of the committee to a halt.
“We need to ensure that Members of the Canadian Forces, particularly younger members who have served in Afghanistan, and their families receive the best support available including health benefits, rehabilitation assistances, and much needed financial support,” said Downe.
The New Veterans Charter is described as a “living document” that will evolve to meet the changing needs of veterans—it gives significant flexibility to the Minister of Veterans Affairs to quickly adapt any required policies when responding to issues. But veterans and their families have expressed concern about the slow progress correcting problems with the Charter, in particular the lump sum payments, also known as the Disability Award and Death Benefit.
“I have raised concerns expressed by veterans and their families with regard to the lump sum payments on numerous occasions. I cannot get an answer from this Government,” continued Downe.
In December 2008, Senator Downe filed an Access to Information request asking if the Government of Canada experiences cost savings associated with the granting of the lump sum Disability Award and Death Benefit as compared to the former longer-term assistance measures. But after more than a year, the Harper Government continues to refuse to answer the question.
“Veterans benefits and services must be about improved assistance to veterans – not saving the Government dollars. The debt we owe our veterans and their families must be paid in full,” concluded Downe.
The New Veterans Charter was passed by Parliament in 2005.
Attachments:
Letter from Auditor General Sheila Fraser
Letter to Auditor General Sheila Fraser
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For further information:
Senator Percy Downe: 613-943-8107
Or toll free at 1-800-267-7362
www.sen.parl.gc.ca/pdowne