ACVA Committee Report

Bloc Québécois Supplementary Opinion

We would like to begin by thanking all the witnesses who testified as part of the study of the New Veterans Charter.  

The Bloc Québécois has always believed that we have a collective responsibility toward Canada’s veterans. These men and women put themselves at great risk in the service of their country. It is our duty to see to their well-being once that service has ended.

We therefore support most of the report’s recommendations. However, the Bloc Québécois has reservations about recommendation 15.

When the New Veterans Charter was passed in 2006, the monthly lifetime pension for injured service personnel was replaced by a single lump sum payment. However, this method of payment is inadequate and ill suited to the needs of injured military members.

Several witnesses told the Committee that replacing the monthly pension with a lump sum was a bad decision, and they took the opportunity to ask Committee members to recommend a return to monthly benefits.

Like the witnesses, the Bloc Québécois believes that the concept of a lump sum payment is flawed and we ask for the lifetime monthly pension to be restored.

Firstly, the Canadian government has a collective responsibility toward veterans. If they become disabled, the government must see to their physical, psychological and financial well-being. We strongly doubt that a lump sum payment can ensure the same long-term stability as a monthly lifetime pension.

Recommendation 15 proposes a combination of lump sum payments, annuities and structured settlements. While this is a step in the right direction, we believe that it is still only a half measure and will not offer the long-term stability of monthly lifetime benefits. 

Secondly, we believe that the proposed solution does not take into account the psychological state of disabled service personnel or veterans. They can find themselves in a state of distress and vulnerability, and the Bloc Québécois wishes to state clearly that it feels empathy and compassion for them. Witnesses told us of the harsh reality that military personnel and veterans face, sometimes succumbing to deep depression or addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex or gambling. Given this situation, we have a legitimate right to question their judgement and ability to manage a lump sum payment. Are we doing them a service if we give them this money without thinking about their future?

In conclusion, the Bloc Québécois still believes that the best option is to give disabled military members and veterans a lifetime monthly pension.