Canada's NDP

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March 4th, 2015

Veterans with permanent injuries should not be subject to reviews

The recent decision by the Conservative government to change the requirement for disabled veterans to provide proof of their injuries every three years, instead of every year shows just how badly the Conservatives are failing veterans and their families.

“Veterans with permanent injuries, like Paul Franklin, should not have to continue to prove that they are still disabled,” said NDP Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore). “I know that some Conservatives deny the reality of climate change, but surely Conservatives do not believe that disabled veterans can re-grow their amputated limbs.”

Criticisms of the original policy by Paul Franklin, a retired master corporal who lost his legs in 2006 while serving in Kandahar, have generated significant public concern with this callous Conservative policy.

Stoffer added that veterans who are amputees or have permanent injuries should never have to re-submit paperwork to prove the scope of their injuries in order to be eligible for continued assistance. Instead, the Department should be contacting veterans on a regular basis to determine if their needs are being met or if more assistance is required.

“This is one more example of the callous disregard this Conservative government has for injured veterans and their families," said Stoffer. "I implore the Minister to end this ridiculous policy.”