A London MP is calling for changes that would put more money into the pockets of Canada's veterans.
New Democrat MP Irene Mathyssen introduced two new bills supporting Canadian Forces and RCMP veterans Thursday. The first bill would see disability pensions paid in full, even after a veteran starts receiving Canada Pension Plan benefits. The second bill would allow families of veterans who have passed away to receive 70% of the veteran's allowance.
Mathyssen says clawing back a veteran's disability benefits once CPP kicks in is an outrage.
"These men and women are injured and disabled due to their service and that disability continues when they start collecting CPP," says Mathyssen. "The financial and other impacts still exist and they should continue to receive that support.”
Spouses give up careers and move city-to-city throughout the duration of a veteran's service. Mathyssen says it is important that supports remain in place for those people after the veteran passes away.
“They [veterans] made a commitment to Canada and when they retire we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is only right that we ensure veterans and their families are financially supported," says Mathyssen.