Elizabeth May
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present a petition from residents throughout the riding of Saanich—Gulf Islands, from Victoria to Gabriola, Mayne Island to Salt Spring. It pertains to the issue of unfairness to veterans. Through the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act, the government has obligated Canada to show “…just and due appreciation to members and veterans for their service to Canada.”
Petitioners draw particular attention to the problem of time lags in reviewing claims. Re-evaluating disability benefit claims can take a tremendously long time, but the department has put in place a five-year statutory limit on back pay eligibility. We are essentially unjustly treating veterans because of the delays and the bureaucracy. The petitioners ask that the limits on back pay eligibility be removed.