PARLIAMENT HILL – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced on Sunday May 31, 2009 that the Government of Canada will be amending the War Veterans Allowance Act to once again extend benefits to allied veterans living within Canada.

The program, which was cut by the Liberal government in 1995, allows allied veterans who have lived in Canada for ten years to apply for the same benefits as Canadian veterans. In a progressive step, the conservative government of Canada will be extending eligibility to veterans of the Second World War as well as the Korean War.

Additionally, eligible veterans and their families may receive payment for benefits back to October 14, 2008. Local allied veteran Ken Hayward has been active in pursuing the announced changes since the Liberal government removed the program. Upon hearing the news Mr. Hayward exclaimed, “It’s about time! These changes will be invaluable for allied veterans living in Canada.”

In just a week since the announcement the proposed legislation has progressed through the House of Commons and is now moving swiftly through the Senate. The legislation, which is expected to receive royal assent shortly, is well on track for its tentative January 1, 2010 implementation date allowing the department to begin accepting applications for the program this summer.

When asked about the program MP Tilson remarked, “It is the right thing to do. We owe veterans, allied and Canadian alike, a tremendous amount. It’s great to see they are receiving the thanks they deserve.”

Programs under the proposed legislation include: the War Veterans Allowance, the Veterans Independence Program and a number of financial assistance initiatives designed to help cover the cost of everything from medical treatments, to funeral costs for veterans and their families. Bill Edge, another local allied veteran, is, “thrilled the government is taking this step to ensure allied veterans living within Canada are provided for.”

For more information, please contact Mr. Tilson’s Orangeville or Bolton constituency office.