Ottawa Disrects Vets

From the G & M:
"Veterans must verify lost limbs every three years, Ottawa says "

A wounded soldier who lost both legs in Afghanistan and has had to prove to Veterans Affairs every year that he still needs a wheelchair, will now only have to go through the experience every three years. The change in policy was quietly announced in the House of Commons by Pierre Lemieux, parliamentary secretary to the veterans minister.  In addition, Lemieux told opposition parties that veterans who are required to complete these renewals under the veterans independence program will have six months to hand in the paperwork, considerably longer than under the current system. Paul Franklin, who was a master corporal when he lost his legs in a 2006 roadside bombing in Kandahar, has long complained about the veterans system and its annual review. He says he was well looked after at National Defence, but has faced a bureaucratic nightmare since retiring almost six years ago and coming under the veterans department. His plight caused a political sensation and even drew the attention of comedian Rick Mercer, who devoted a rant to the subject. Franklin wasn’t immediately available to comment Friday. In early February, he spoke to CTV’s Canada AM and said veterans affairs treats him and other ex-soldiers as though they are trying to cheat the system. The department required him to justify annually why he still qualified for home-care services and income replacement because of his disability. The disputes got so bad, Franklin had his wheelchair taken away from him twice because it wasn’t clear which department should pay for it and which doctor’s notes were needed. Lemieux told the Commons that Veterans Affairs Minister Erin O’Toole has spoken to Franklin personally.

 

 

^ This a huge disgrace on the part of the Canadian Government and Veterans Affairs. If someone is labelled as having a permanent disability (like loosing a limb) then why would they ever have to re-prove that? I can understand needing to show proof for the initial application, but never again. This clearly shows the disconnect between the government, the military and their soldiers and veterans. I am ashamed as a Canadian to know my Government is treating those that were wounded in the service to protect our country like criminals rather than giving them the respect and dignity they deserve. ^

 

 

 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/veterans-must-verify-lost-limbs-every-three-years-ottawa-says/article23233103/