NATIONAL NEWS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / SOMMAIRE DES NOUVELLES NATIONALES
ADM(PA) / SMA(AP)
September 20 2010 / le 20 septembre 2010
MINISTER / LE MINISTRE
New Funding for Veterans
The Conservative government's $2-billion plan to help severely injured and poor veterans was greeted
with muted enthusiasm. Veterans' advocates and opposition parties say the Tories are attempting to
deflect a political hot potato rather than ensure reform of "fundamentally flawed" system. Outgoing
veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran, who warned the government that vets are being cheated of their
benefit, said: “They have a game to play up there, it is all about face saving and damage control. … They
can pump as much money as they want but if the filters are such that they are denying benefits, then we
are back to square one.” The announcement by Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Veterans Affair
Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn of $200 million in additional benefits over five years for some 6,320 vets
came twenty-four hours before MPs were to question the Conservative government over their failure to
care for injured veterans. NDP veterans critic Peter Stoffer questioned where the money would come from
but was pleased to see Mr. Blackburn had "changed his tune" over the summer and was finally acting. Mr.
Blackburn pledged more announcements including one within days dealing with the lump sum disability
award – the focus of much of the criticism from injured veterans and their supporters (A. Raj: TSun 12,
CSun 4, ESun 8, OSun 5, WSun 10, KWS 7, LFP C3; S. Rennie and D. Jarry-Shore: FDG A7, MTT C1;
B. Campion-Smith: TStar A1; No Mention of the Minister: S. Rennie and D. Jarry-Shore: HS A1, SJT B7,
CG A7).
When making the announcement Mr. MacKay said: “Our support will not end when the soldier leaves the
army.” It was noted that Chief of Defence Staff Gen Walt Natynczyk is among those who criticize the
current lump-sum disability award. The new measures announced Sunday include a lifetime stipend of an
additional $1,000 per month to help soldiers who are forced to retire due to injuries they have suffered in
the line of duty. Mr. MacKay said: “This is money that will go directly into the pockets of veterans'
households.” Several veterans commented on the announcement including Ron Cundell, a retired
sergeant and a disabled veteran of the Gulf War, who called the government "masters of illusion" (M.
Iype: Ctz A1, EJ A1, NP A4, SSP A9, VSun B1, Gaz A12, RLP A6, CH A1; D. Kristy: WStar A1).
Mr. MacKay said: “There is no higher standard of civilian responsibility for a government than to treat
those veterans who have put it all on the line.” Injured Afghan veteran Paul Franklin said the
announcement is a good start, but he is holding out hope the issue of lump-sum payments will be
addressed soon. Mr. MacKay denied that the new measures were provoked by Col (ret.) Stogran's
frustrations (J. Taber: G&M A7).
There was some confusion about whether the government would tax the extra $1,000 paid to wounded
veterans. Mr. MacKay and Mr. Blackburn told reporters the money was tax-free. However, a Veterans
Affairs official corrected the ministers, saying soldiers would pay tax on the extra cash (Staff: HCH A1).
Coverage of the announcement was included in a story about a petition circulating in some legion halls
that urges the Conservative government to keep veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran on the job (S. Rennie:
HCH B1, CG A7).
Aide financière accrue
Le gouvernement fédéral consacrera deux milliards de dollars supplémentaires pour ses vétérans. Les
nouvelles mesures annoncées hier augmenteront les prestations des soldats blessés, inaptes et ceux qui
souhaitent se réorienter. L'annonce survient au moment où le gouvernement de Stephen Harper fait face
à plusieurs critiques liées au traitement qu'il réserve aux jeunes soldats blessés en Afghanistan.
L'ombudsman sortant des anciens combattants, Pat Stogran, a accusé Ottawa de faillir à ses obligations
à l'égard de la nouvelle génération de soldats. Hier, le ministre des Anciens Combattants, Jean-Pierre
Blackburn, a dit vouloir corriger les "lacunes" de la nouvelle Charte des anciens combattants, adoptée en
2006. Il était accompagné du ministre de la Défense, Peter MacKay (Pr A9, Dr 2, Qt 8, VE 16, AN 13, LN
9, Sol 2, Dv A4).
F-35 Procurement
Defence Department documents show that air force officers working on the purchase of Canada's new
fighter planes expected there would a competition for the multibillion-dollar deal. The plan written by
officers for the Next Generation Fighter Capability project called for a “competitive process” for both the
aircraft and the long-term maintenance contract. A planned schedule was for the competition to be run in
2010, with a contract to be awarded by 2012. Defence Minister Peter MacKay told the Commons on
May 27 that the government intended to hold a competition involving a number of different aircraft. But he
reversed that position and on July 16, Mr. MacKay and other cabinet ministers announced the Harper
government would proceed with the purchase of the F-35. A spokesperson for Mr. MacKay said the air
force leadership “was incredibly supportive of the F-35 procurement and this government’s efforts to build
the Canadian Forces.” Mr. MacKay said the government had to move on the F-35 purchase to avoid any
gap between the arrival of a new plane and the phasing out of the current fleet of CF-18 fighter jets.
However, the fighter replacement timeline suggested there would be no issues with a gap (D. Pugliese:
Ctz A1, RLP B9, WStar B1, VProv A15, CH A9).
Parliamentary Proceedings: Comment
Don Martin: They're the parliamentary pit bulls, rabid partisans who ensure the House of Commons is
sharply divided into party friends and opposition enemies with no middle ground. Among the best in show
is parliamentary secretary to the defence minister, Laurie Hawn. He will be taking on the Military Doves.
His hands will be full if the $16-billion contract for F-35s gets hit by a deadly ack-ack attack from the
opposition parties. He is not exactly shy about delivering gruff accusations of disloyalty or absurdity when
under opposition attack on military spending priorities (Ctz A4, CH A9, NP A4).
CDS / CEM
Rapatriement coûteux
Le ministère de la Défense dépensera 700 millions de dollars en trois ans pour remettre en bon état
l'équipement militaire utilisé durant la mission des troupes canadiennes en Afghanistan. Le retrait en
2011 des 2800 soldats canadiens déployés dans la région de Kandahar ne signifie donc pas la fin des
coûts liés à cette mission en sol afghan, révèlent des documents obtenus en vertu de la Loi sur l'accès à
l'information. Le rapatriement des soldats et de tout leur équipement, après une mission de près de 10
ans, coûtera à lui seul plus de 1 milliard de dollars, selon les estimations du ministère de la Défense.
Cette opération doit être terminée au plus tard le 31 décembre 2011. Le général Walt Natynczyk a déjà
fait savoir que le rapatriement des troupes et de leur équipement sera une tâche des plus exigeantes (Pr
A9, Dr 18, VE 16, Qt 16, LN 10).
MILITARY POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION / COMMISSION D'EXAMEN DES PLAINTES
CONCERNANT LA POLICE MILITAIRE
No related coverage. / Aucune couverture pertinente.
CANADA IN AFGHANISTAN / LE CANADA EN AFGHANISTAN
Post-Withdrawal Role in Afghanistan
Shaping Canada’s post-combat mission in Afghanistan is high on the agenda for all political parties as
Parliament resumes. Co-operation could be foiled by disputes over Afghan detainees and disagreements
on whether some Canadian troops should be left behind to train Afghan fighters and police. A
spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the government has not “categorically” closed the
door on a military training role. However, the spokesperson said any proposals must come through the
special House of Commons committee on the mission in Afghanistan which he claimed has “been
hijacked into ‘all detainee all the time.’” Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert said that with the detainee issue
currently being dealt with by an ad hoc committee examining classified documents the way is cleared for
the special committee to work on the post-combat role for Canada (J. O’Neill: Ctz A4, SSP A9, RLP B3,
Gaz A14).
Rapatriement coûteux
Francine Matteau, mère du caporal-chef Nicolas Magnan, blessé aux deux jambes en Afghanistan,
estime qu'il subsiste encore beaucoup d'inconnues à la suite des annonces du ministre Jean-Pierre
Blackburn pour améliorer l'aide fédérale apportée aux anciens combattants blessés au combat. Mme
Matteau se demande comment seront définies les "blessures sévères et catastrophiques" qui permettront
à un militaire de décrocher l'indemnité mensuelle de 1000 $ à vie annoncée hier (Sol 2).
CSIS and Afghan Detainees
Federal documents reveal that CSIS admits interrogating up to 50 Afghan prisoners captured by the
Canadian Forces, but insists they were never mistreated. Briefing notes prepared for CSIS director Dick
Fadden take pains to emphasize the conduct of agents has been above reproach and that the spy
agency is bound "in every instance by the law, ministerial directives and internal policies." University of
Ottawa law professor Errol Mendes said the notes raise the spectre of spies travelling along with soldiers
in combat - or perhaps taking part in ultra-secret special forces operations. The notes say CSIS personnel
in Afghanistan have been authorized to carry guns because “they are often required to meet individuals some who would be described as unfriendly at best - in very dangerous situations while carrying out their
work” (Staff: HCH B2, HS A11).
50 détenus afghans interrogés
Le Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS) a interrogé jusqu'à 50 détenus afghans
capturés par les Forces canadiennes, mais insiste sur le fait qu'ils n'ont jamais fait l'objet de mauvais
traitements, révèle un document fédéral. Des notes préparées pour le directeur du SCRS soulignent que
le comportement de ses agents avait été sans reproche (Dv A2).
Afghanistan Election
The top United Nations diplomat in Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, said it was too early to describe a
parliamentary election as a success, with an expected 4,000 complaints to be heard and turnout figures
not yet established. Coverage noted next year’s end to combat operations for Canadian troops (P. Tait
and S. Salahuddin: LFP C1, KWS 8, NP A13).
Nader Nadery, head of the Free and Fair Election Foundation, a coalition of civic groups that fielded
some 7,000 observers for the Afghan election, expressed deepening alarm at the number of reports it
was gathering of vote-rigging and bloodshed. Mr. Nadery said he is encouraged by the turnout. Hamid
Obaidi, a spokesperson for the Electoral Complaints Commission, said complaints were at about the
same level as they had been for the presidential election (J. Landay and S. Shah: Ctz A6).
An interview with the UN-backed head of the Electoral Complaints Commission for the most recent
presidential election, Grant Kippen, noted that he is troubled by Canada’s plans to bring its troops home
next summer (M. Fisher: EJ A11, Gaz A14, SSP C9, RLP B3).
OTHERS / AUTRES
New Funding for Veterans
Captain Wayne Johnson, the founder of Wounded Warriors said the additional $2 billion for anyone badly
hurt on Canadian military missions falls short of helping less-9njured or emotionally-scarred soldiers. He
said the government ignores please to provide reservists with equal benefits, better train soldiers to return
to civilian life or provide better pensions for those who are not wounded. He said post-traumatic stress
disorder and operational stress injury are not as high profile as physical injuries: “We’ve established what
a pair of legs are worth ... what about a person’s soul?” (I. Robertson: TSun 6).
Parliamentary Proceedings
Among the ten issues identified as likely sources of tension on Parliament Hill, two concern the military:
the F-35 procurement and the future of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan (M. Kennedy: Ctz A1, WStar B1,
VSun B1, VProv A15, RLP B3, EJ A3).
Canada Army Run
Coverage profiled the Canada Army Run in Ottawa. The run raised money for military families and injured
veterans. It was noted that some participants ran as part of the military’s Soldier On program (L. Bermel:
OSun 49; D. Rogers: Ctz B1).
Fundraising Ride at Gagetown
Coverage profiled the ride of 100 motorcyclists from CFB Gagetown and the surrounding community that
raised more than $2,000 for the Royal Canadian Legion in Oromocto, which recently lost its building due
to fire (Lt (n) Al Blondin: FDG C5).
Targa Newfoundland
Coverage noted that CF veterans MCpl Jody Mitic and Cpl Andrew Knisley climbed to seventh in the
Modern Division of the Targa Newfoundland. They also raised over $90,000 for the Soldier On fund
(Staff: SJT D4).
New Funding for Veterans: Comment
Rosie DiManno: Following WWII, veterans were offered low-interest loans and free college tuition to help
adjust to civilian life after serving their country. Surely Afghan vets should be entitled to the same by a
government spending $16 billion on new fighter jets. This Tory fix needs a retrofit (TStar A2).
Section: News
Lead: The Conservative government's $2-billion plan to help severely injured and poor veterans
was greeted with muted enthusiasm Sunday.
Headline: Feds spring $2B for vets Ombudsman calls cash damage control
Page: 12
Byline: ALTHIA RAJ PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU
Outlet: The Toronto Sun
Illustrations:
 photo by Chris Roussakis,Qmi Agency Defence Minister Peter MacKay talks toreporters
yesterday after announcing new measures Ottawa is putting in place for veterans under the new
Veterans Charter, including an extra $2 billion to help those who have been severely injured
veterans.
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Dateline: OTTAWA
The Conservative government's $2-billion plan to help severely injured and poor veterans was
greeted with muted enthusiasm Sunday.
Veterans' advocates and opposition parties say the Tories are attempting to deflect a political hot
potato rather than ensure reform of "fundamentally flawed" system.
'A GAME TO PLAY'
"They have a game to play up there, it is all about face saving and damage control," said
outgoing veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran, who warned the government last month vets are
being cheated of their benefits.
"They can pump as much money as they want but if the filters are such that they are denying
benefits, then we are back to square one."
Twenty-four hours before MPs were set to question the Tories over their failure care for injured
veterans, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Veterans Affairs Minister Jean- Pierre Blackburn
announced $200 million over five years in additional benefits for some 6,320 vets.
As QMI Agency reported Sunday, approximately 500 catastrophically injured veterans will be
eligible for an additional taxable $1,000 per month for the rest of their life. Access to the
permanent impairment allowance for seriously injured vets, which varies in taxable amounts
between $536 to $1,609 a month, will be expanded.
The government will also increase the benefit for lost earnings to a minimum of $40,000 for
veterans in rehabilitation program.
"They knew they were going to get hammered in the House, I mean enough of us have
complained," said veterans advocate Dennis Manuge.
NDP veterans critic Peter Stoffer questioned where the money would come from but was pleased
to see Blackburn had "changed his tune" over the summer and was finally acting.
Blackburn pledged more announcements including one within days dealing with the lump sum
disability award -- the focus of much of the criticism from injured veterans and their supporters.
The measures announced Sunday are expected to cost $2 billion over the duration of the
program.
althia.raj@sunmedia.ca
Back to Top
Section: International
Headline: Feds up benefits to wounded war veterans
Page: A7
Outlet: The Daily Gleaner (Fredericton)
Byline: STEVE RENNIE and DOMINIQUE JARRY-SHORE The Canadian Press
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
OTTAWA - The governing Conservatives tried to head off a political firefight when Parliament
resumes today by announcing a plan to boost monthly payments to injured and wounded war
veterans.
But some vets said they're still waiting for the Tories to address their main complaint about the
new system of lump sum payments and income replacement, which are part of the New
Veteran's Charter.
Two Conservative cabinet ministers held a news conference Sunday to outline what they called
the first of several steps to help those who have risked life and limb for their country.
The five-year plan includes an additional $200 million over the next five years for veterans who
can't ever go back to work because of their injuries, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean Pierre
Blackburn told a news conference.
Those veterans will get an extra $1,000 each month for the rest of their lives. That amount will
be on top of 75 per cent of their salaries and a permanent monthly allowance of $536 to $1,609.
"The government is and always will be there for them and their families," Blackburn said.
The minister hinted at more measures "in the weeks to come, and maybe in the days to come."
Neither Blackburn nor Defence Minister Peter MacKay would tip the government's hand about
what's in store for the lump sum payments - which are different from the support money
announced Sunday.
Veterans who have lost limbs, eyesight, hearing or speech receive a one-time payment through
the military's accidental dismemberment insurance plan.
But many wounded veterans have complained their benefits are woefully inadequate, blaming
"penny-pinching" bureaucrats.
The Tories appeared stung by intense criticism from veterans and their ombudsman, retired
colonel Pat Stogran, at a news conference last month. Support for the military has been a central
theme throughout Stephen Harper's years as prime minister.
The timing of the Sunday news conference appeared aimed at heading off opposition criticism as
Parliament resumes sitting today.
"I think this is a quick fix," said Liberal MP Kirsty Duncan, the party's new veterans affairs
critic.
"I think these reforms are long overdue. I think the government is trying to change the channel."
More than 4,000 veterans will benefit from the new measures, the government said. The total
cost of the benefits will be $2 billion over the life of the multi-year program.
Stogran welcomed the extra cash, but he said there's too much red tape in the bureaucracy.
Back to Top
Section: News
Headline: Benefits boost 'not enough:' Wounded vet
Page: A1
Byline: Bruce Campion-Smith Toronto Star chief
Outlet: Toronto Star
Illustrations:
 Governor General Michaëlle Jean at an Ottawa ceremony commemorating the Battle of
Britain Sunday, the same day changes to veterans' benefits were announced. On A12: Pope
praises Britain's heroes. FRED CHARTRAND/THE CANADIAN PRESS
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Soldiers badly wounded in Afghanistan have been left shortchanged by changes to veterans'
benefits, cabinet ministers have conceded as they scrambled to boost financial assistance and
promised more changes to come.
The government will provide increased financial support for seriously injured veterans, an
enhanced monthly income for those unable to return to work and guarantee a minimum annual
income, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean Pierre Blackburn told a news conference Sunday.
These latest measures will assist 4,000 veterans and will cost an estimated $200 million in the
first five years.
"We are taking measures to offer better financial support to our veterans because they deserve
it," Blackburn said.
"The quality of life for our veterans is a top priority for our government," he said.
Both Blackburn and Defence Minister Peter MacKay hinted that further changes are coming,
notably to the controversial program of paying lump sums to compensate veterans for serious
injuries, such as a loss of a limb.
In complaints backed by studies, modern-day veterans have said that the most seriously injured
are worse off financially with the lump sum, compared to the monthly payments it replaced.
"This is one of the very serious issues that we are still seized with and intend to correct,"
MacKay said.
An announcement on that issue could come as early as this week.
With Sunday's announcement and others to come, MacKay said the government was taking
action to address the "unintended consequences" of the 2006 veterans charter, a revised package
of benefits that critics say left some worse off.
MacKay conceded that as he said the benefits were in "evolution.
"There were elements and individuals who in some form or fashion did not receive the support
we had intended," MacKay said.
"This is why we are examining further issues like the lump sum payment," he said.
"We are going to improve our system, the programs and the policies and the care needed to meet
the needs of ... our veterans," MacKay said.
Veteran Paul Franklin, who lost both legs in a 2006 suicide bomb attack in Kandahar, said the
announcement was "good" but more needs to be done.
"The changes are nice ... but it is not enough. We will support the right decisions if they put vets
first and not Treasury Board or budgets," he said.
He suggested boosting payments to the most seriously injured, overhauling the insurance
payments to soldiers who lose limbs and making many of the payouts tax-free.
"Those are pretty cheap commitments to take care of people that laid their lives (on the line) for
Canada and our missions," he said.
"Our professional soldiers fight with some of the best equipment in the world. We are some of
the best-trained in the world," Franklin said.
As a result, Franklin said that returning soldiers "expect to be taken care of. . . . (Veterans
Affairs) needs to step up and do the right things."
Among the measures announced Sunday:
- Veterans who have experienced serious injuries and are unable to work again will get $1,000
more a month for the rest of their lives. Within the next five years, 500 veterans will be eligible
for this additional amount.
- More veterans will be able to tap into a permanent monthly allowance for seriously wounded
veterans, worth between $536 and $1,609. More than 3,500 veterans are expected to be eligible
for this allowance over the next five years.
- Veterans who are in rehabilitation get 75 per cent of their salary. The government will now
guarantee them a minimum annual income of about $40,000. This is expected to boost the
income of 2,320 veterans and ensure they have enough income to "meet their needs and to live in
dignity," Blackburn said.
The changes require amendments that must be approved by Parliament. MacKay appealed to all
parties to help ensure their speedy passage.
Just last month, Veterans' Ombudsman Pat Stogran, a retired infantry officer, went on the attack
against government officials and bureaucrats he said were letting down those who have
sacrificed their lives and limbs for the country.
"We have 18-year-old and 19-year-old veterans. That is not the traditional image that Canadians
have of veterans," MacKay said.
According to the most recent figures, 529 soldiers have been injured in action between 2002 and
the end of 2009 and another 913 had suffered noncombat injuries.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Mark Iype
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Headline: Tories pledge $2B for wounded soldiers; About 4,000 veterans to benefit from new
measures
Page: A1 / Front
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: Postmedia News
Facing criticism it has been shortchanging soldiers hurt in the line of duty, the federal
government on Sunday unveiled what it says will be the first in a series of steps aimed at looking
after Canada's new generation of war veterans.
The Conservatives plan to pump $2 billion into helping the country's most severely injured
veterans, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn and Defence Minister Peter MacKay
told reporters in Ottawa as they reiterated the government's support for the Canadian Forces.
"Our support will not end when the soldier leaves the army," MacKay said.
In 2006, the government enacted the New Veterans Charter, under which wounded veterans
became eligible for a lump-sum payment of nearly $277,000, instead of the traditional
guaranteed monthly pension payments.
That change has been criticized by many, including the outgoing veterans' ombudsman Pat
Stogran and even Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the chief of defence staff, who say the pension-style
option was better for many veterans.
Stogran and others have accused the government of being more concerned with its fiscal bottom
line than the welfare of its soldiers.
The new measures announced Sunday include a lifetime stipend of an additional $1,000 per
month to help soldiers who are forced to retire due to injuries they've suffered in the line of duty.
This payment is on top of the 75 per cent of pre-injury salary that veterans with "catastrophic
injuries" receive, plus monthly allowances of $536 to $1,609 that they receive during
rehabilitation.
The payments will provide the affected soldiers with a minimum benefit of $40,000 per year.
"This is money that will go directly into the pockets of veterans' households," said MacKay.
About 4,000 more soldiers would now be eligible for the expanded monthly benefits, which will
take effect once the new measures are passed in the House of Commons.
The monthly payments will be taxable. They will also not be retroactive to 2006.
The funding, however, was quickly dismissed by several former soldiers who said new money is
simply "putting a band-aid on a disease."
Sean Bruyea, a retired Canadian Forces intelligence officer and advocate for veterans said
"platitudes were plenty" during Sunday's announcement, but he said it will only serve to "enrage"
veterans that are already feeling betrayed by the government.
"It's not just about money, it's a fundamental issue of equality," he said. "Veterans don't
understand why they are being dictated to by a broken bureaucracy when they are basically
powerless."
Ron Cundell, a retired sergeant and a disabled veteran of the Gulf War called the government
"masters of illusion."
Cundell said, that with the House of Commons beginning its fall session today, he's afraid
veterans' issues will get lost in the raucous parliamentary debate that has been the hallmark of the
Conservatives minority government.
"This is the proverbial Christmas Eve as we wait for the clock to strike 12 and we can all say it's
Christmas Day," he said. "None of this money is coming immediately and we have to wait for it
to get through Parliament.
"They have successfully turned the issue into a political football."
Cundell was one of the veterans who railed against the government this summer after it was
announced that Stogran, the veterans ombudsman, would not be kept at his post.
While Cundell said he is happy that Sunday's announcement has shown the pressure veterans
groups have been applying over the past few months has made a difference, he said the changes
have still not addressed concerns over the lump-sum payments for disabled vets.
Blackburn said the government "will be announcing further measures in the weeks and maybe
days to come," hinting that the controversy over the lump-sum payments might be addressed.
"The government is and always will be there for (veterans) and their families," he said.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Dylan Kristy
Outlet: The Windsor Star
Illustrations:
 Colour Photo: Mike Barnewall
Headline: $2B more for injured vets called overdue
Page: A1 / Front
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: The Windsor Star; with files from Postmedia News
The federal government's Sunday announcement that it will pump an additional $2 billion into
benefits for soldiers wounded in combat is long overdue, says a former soldier from Windsor.
"Can I say it took (expletive) long enough?" said Mike Barnewall, who had his right foot blown
off by a landmine while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.
"I'm glad they are going to make changes for the better but at the same time it's still frustrating
that they couldn't have done this from the beginning."
Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn and Defence Minister Peter MacKay reiterated
the government's support for the Canadian Forces.
"Our support will not end when the soldier leaves the army," MacKay said.
In 2006, the government enacted the New Veterans Charter, under which wounded veterans
became eligible for a lump-sum payment of nearly $277,000, instead of the traditional
guaranteed monthly pension payments. That change has been criticized by many, including the
outgoing veterans' ombudsman Pat Stogran and even Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the chief of
defence staff, who say the pension-style option was better for many veterans.
"We have argued almost since day one about the new system and how the lump-sum doesn't
work versus the monthly payout and the funny thing is, at the start you don't see it," said
Barnewall, 29.
"At the start I got the lump-sum payout and I thought that was great. Then when I started
thinking about how long I was going to live I thought it was a joke."
The new measures announced Sunday include a lifetime stipend of an additional $1,000 per
month to help soldiers who are forced to retire due to injuries they have suffered in the line of
duty. This payment is on top of the 75 per cent of pre-injury salary that veterans with
"catastrophic injuries" currently receive, plus monthly allowances of $536 to $1,609 that they
receive during rehabilitation.
The payments will provide the affected soldiers with a minimum benefit of $40,000 per year.
"This is money that will go directly into the pockets of veterans' households," MacKay said.
About 4,000 more soldiers would be eligible for the expanded monthly benefits, which would
take effect once the new measures are passed in the House of Commons.
The monthly payments will be taxable. They will also not be retroactive to 2006.
"When one serves, one does it because of a necessity. They don't expect anything," said Master
Cpl. Mike Akpata, who served in Afghanistan for six months in 2007, and is a senior constable
with Windsor Police Services.
"The support from one's government and one's people is important to take care of all of our
soldiers, our sailors, our men and women who stepped up to do the right thing. I'm very
appreciative that our government is doing the right thing for all of our injured veterans,
regardless of what conflict they served in."
The funding, however, was quickly dismissed by several former soldiers who said new money is
simply "putting a Band-aid on a disease."
Ron Cundell, a retired sergeant and a disabled veteran of the Gulf War called the government
"masters of illusion."
Cundell said that, with the House of Commons beginning its fall session today, he's afraid
veterans' issues will get lost in the raucous parliamentary debate that has been the hallmark of the
Conservatives minority government.
"This is the proverbial Christmas Eve as we wait for the clock to strike 12 and we can all say it's
Christmas Day," he said. "None of this money is coming immediately and we have to wait for it
to get through Parliament.
"They have successfully turned the issue into a political football."
Akpata said he is fortunate to have returned uninjured and with a good job to go back to, but
many soldiers return to nothing.
"You can always do more. We as Canadians strive to make the world a better place.
"We also strive to take care of our own, so I don't have a direct impact because I am taken care
of, but I do have some friends who will be very very pleased.
"The economy is difficult. If you have a physical injury it's difficult to find employment. If you
are psychologically affected because of your service it might be difficult to even maintain stable
relationships, so to have counselling and the help that the government is going to give everybody
can only make our people better."
Blackburn said the government "will be announcing further measures in the weeks and maybe
days to come," hinting that the controversy over the lump-sum payments might be addressed.
Back to Top
Section: National News
Outlet: The Globe And Mail
Byline: JANE TABER
Headline: Ottawa's new deal for injured veterans
Page: A7
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
The Harper government has announced new measures to help Canada's most severely wounded
soldiers, one day before Parliament resumes and the divisive issue was expected to become a
flashpoint again.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn held a
news conference Sunday to detail the enhanced benefits, which they say will cost $2-billion over
the program's lifetime.
Included in that is $200-million over the next five years for veterans who can't go back to work
because of their injuries.
``There is no higher standard of civilian responsibility for a government than to treat those
veterans who have put it all on the line,'' Mr. MacKay said.
Stephen Harper, who has championed the military throughout his terms as Prime Minister, has
been under fire recently by veterans and their ombudsman Pat Stogran, a retired colonel, for a
change in policy that sees wounded soldiers receive compensation in lump-sum payments rather
than monthly pension payments. Veteran say the lump-sum payments are reckless.
Mr. MacKay and Mr. Blackburn did not indicate whether the system of lump-sum payments
would be continued or stopped, but said more announcements are on the way.
``We're coming soon about this question of lump-sum payment,'' Mr. Blackburn said. ``There
will be something soon about that.''
The ministers said that over the next five years more than 4,000 will benefit from the new
measures. The measures include a lifetime $1,000 monthly stipend for 500 veterans who are
severely injured and not expected to work again. These are veterans with physical as well as
mental injuries.
This is in addition to what they would receive under the New Veterans Charter that took effect in
2006. They could receive up to a maximum of $2,600 a month.
As well, more than 3,500 other seriously injured veterans are expected to be eligible for
permanent monthly allowances, which will vary from $536 to $1,609, under expanded and
revised eligibility criteria.
All of the money is taxable.
Col. Stogran said on Sunday that while he is ``encouraged'' by the government's ``decisive
move,'' he is still concerned about the threshold used by bureaucrats to determine who is eligible.
``The department can say, `I'm sorry, your wounds aren't serious enough to warrant this.' That's
the kind of shenanigan the system [places] on our veterans,'' he said.
``They set the bar as high as any insurance company in Canada in the interests of preserving the
public purse ... when the legislation actually directs it should be liberally interpreted ...''
He said ``the system is still broken, severely broken.''
``There is a big black machine out there, a black hole of bureaucrats that have a culture of deny,
deny, deny like an insurance company.''
Afghan veteran Paul Franklin lost both legs in an explosion of a convoy he was driving in 2006.
He said Sunday's announcement is a good start, but is holding out hope the issue of lump-sum
payments will be addressed soon.
``I don't think the financial commitment of $1,000 a month is anywhere near enough,'' Mr.
Franklin said on the phone from Edmonton.
``You've got someone that's out of work - how are they supposed to use that $1,000 for rent and
home ownership and all those other huge expenses of life?
``Hopefully ... our lump-sum benefit will be increased.''
Mr. MacKay denied Sunday that the new measures were provoked by Col. Stogran's frustrations.
The ministers also said this is just the first in a series of announcements they will be making over
the next few weeks about benefits for Canadian veterans.
``This is the first piece,'' said Mr. MacKay about improving the lot for Canada's veterans. ``It is
important to reflect upon the fact, we have 18- and 19-year-old veterans. That is not the
traditional image Canadians have of veterans.''
He said they face ``very personal'' and ``complex'' challenges regarding their homes, families,
transport, and education.
Back to Top
Section: Front
Outlet: The Chronicle-Herald
Headline: Boost for injured vets announced; $200 million for permanently disabled doesn't
cover main complaint, critics say
Page: A1
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - The governing Conservatives appeared to try to head off a political fire fight when
Parliament resumes today by announcing a plan to boost monthly payments to injured and
wounded war veterans.
But some vets said they're still waiting for the Tories to address their main complaint about the
new system of lump sum payments and income replacement, which are part of the New
Veteran's Charter.
Two Conservative cabinet ministers held a news conference Sunday to outline what they called
the first of several steps to help those who have risked life and limb for their country.
The five-year plan includes an additional $200 million over the next five years for veterans who
can't ever go back to work because of their injuries, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean Pierre
Blackburn told a news conference.
Those veterans will get an extra $1,000 each month for the rest of their lives. That amount will
be on top of 75 per cent of their salaries and a permanent monthly allowance of $536 to $1,609.
"The government is and always will be there for them and their families," Blackburn said.
The minister hinted at more measures "in the weeks to come, and maybe in the days to come."
Neither Blackburn nor Defence Minister Peter MacKay would tip the government's hand about
what's in store for the lump sum payments - which are different from the support money
announced Sunday.
Veterans who have lost limbs, eyesight, hearing or speech receive a one-time payment through
the military's accidental dismemberment insurance plan.
But many wounded veterans have complained their benefits are woefully inadequate, blaming
"penny-pinching" bureaucrats.
The Tories appeared stung by intense criticism from veterans and their ombudsman, retired
colonel Pat Stogran, at a news conference last month. Support for the military has been a central
theme throughout Stephen Harper's years as prime minister.
The timing of the Sunday news conference appeared aimed at heading off opposition criticism as
Parliament resumes sitting today.
"I think this is a quick fix," said Liberal MP Kirsty Duncan, the party's new veterans affairs
critic.
"I think these reforms are long overdue. I think the government is trying to change the channel."
More than 4,000 veterans will benefit from the new measures, the government said. The total
cost of the benefits will be $2 billion over the life of the multi-year program.
Stogran welcomed the extra cash, but he said there's too much red tape in the bureaucracy.
"Putting money in the top end of this does not necessarily mean that it's going to filter out to
actually help troops on the bottom," he cautioned.
Other veterans were skeptically kicking the tires on the government announcement shortly after
it was announced.
Veteran's advocate Dennis Manuge, who was injured in an accident at CFB Petawawa just before
being deployed to Bosnia in 2001, said he wasn't impressed with the announcement in light of
recent government spending.
"Two billion - well, nice, thanks, but how about $9 to $16 billion for jets, and $1 billion on G8
and G20 (summits)?" Manuge said from his home in Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S.
"There was nothing wrong with the Pension Act prior to 2006 so if something's not broke why
are you fixing it?"
Manuge also took issue with Blackburn's statement that the New Veterans Charter was passed
with the approval of Canada's veterans. "It passed in 20 days," Manuge said. "It wasn't because
the legislation was good. It's because they conned everybody into believing this was better."
"This New Veteran's Charter obviously isn't that good if we have to go back and make these
repairs."
Many veterans say the one-time payments pale in comparison to the post-Second World War
practise of granting lifetime pensions. A study commissioned by the veterans ombudsman took
aim at the lump-sum system, which can be up to $276,000 for the most severe injuries. The study
concluded the payments short-changed low-income soldiers and the most severely disabled
veterans.
Injured soldiers are given a lump sum cash pay-out and a monthly income replacement cheque
while they are in rehabilitation. The cheques stop when they switch to a civilian job.
Afghan veteran Paul Franklin, who lost both legs in an explosion in a convoy in Afghanistan in
2006, said today's announcement is a good start. However, Franklin is holding out hope the issue
of lump-sum payments will be addressed soon.
"I don't think the financial commitment of $1,000 a month is anywhere near enough," Franklin
said on the phone from Edmonton.
"You've got someone that's out of work - how are they supposed to use that $1,000 for rent and
home ownership and all those other huge expenses of life? Hopefully... our lump-sum benefit
will be increased."
There was some confusion about whether the government would tax the extra $1,000 paid to
wounded veterans. MacKay and Blackburn told reporters the money was tax-free. But then a
Veterans Affairs official stood up to correct the ministers, saying soldiers would in fact pay tax
on the extra cash.
Disabled veteran Ron Cundell criticized the government for taxing benefits paid to wounded
soldiers. "Why are you going to give a guy $1,000 a month if you're going to tax him on it?" he
said.
'There was nothing wrong with the Pension Act prior to 2006 so if something's not broke why are
you fixing it?'
Disabled veteran
Back to Top
Section: Canada
Byline: Steve Rennie
Outlet: The Chronicle-Herald
Illustrations:
 A petition making the rounds of Canadian legion halls is calling for the government to keep
veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran in that job.(Sean Kilpatrick / CP)
Headline: Petition supports Stogran; Veterans want to keep their ombudsman
Page: B1
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - Former Canadian soldiers don't want the voice of war veterans silenced just yet.
A petition is circling some legion halls that urges the Conservative government to keep popular
veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran on the job a while longer.
The Tories have said the retired colonel's three-year contract won't be renewed this fall.
But the petition makes it clear the veterans want Stogran to stick around. Among other things, it
calls on the government to "renew the mandate of the Veterans Ombudsman, Col. Pat Stogran"
The petition will be sent to Parliament once it makes its way through the legions.
Stogran, a former ground commander in Afghanistan, has been speaking out in public and on
Twitter to highlight the plight of many veterans and wounded soldiers.
He held a news conference last month, flanked by wounded veterans, and blasted government
officials and bureaucrats for letting down those who put life and limb on the line for their
country.
Stogran accused Veterans Affairs of adopting a "penny-pinching insurance company mentality"
toward its clients.
The petition also calls on the Tories to address a central complaint of veterans, the new system of
lump sum payments and income replacement. Veterans want the government to restore the postSecond World War practice of granting them lifetime pensions.
A study commissioned by the veterans ombudsman and obtained by The Canadian Press last
month, took aim at existing lump sum payments, which can be up to $276,000 for the most
severe injuries.
The study concluded that the one-time payments - the hallmark of the New Veteran's Charter unfairly treated low-income soldiers and the most severely disabled veterans.
Injured soldiers are given a lump sum cash payout and a monthly income replacement cheque
while they are in rehabilitation.
The cheques stop when they transition to a civilian job.
It's been suggested in order to help soldiers of the lowest rank, the size of the monthly income
replacement could be increased. The replacement cheque amounts to 75 per cent of a soldier's
pre-injury salary.
Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn and Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced
an expanded aid package for wounded soldiers at a news conference Sunday.
The changes are not expected to address the new system of lump sum payments.
Liberal MP Dan McTeague, who fought for improved benefits for wounded soldiers, accused the
Conservatives of fumbling the veterans file.
"There's a lot of issues out there dealing with the walking injured, as well as those who have
injuries that don't just involve body, but also mind," he said.
Back to Top
Section: Monde
Byline: Handfield, Catherine
Outlet: La Presse
Headline: Ottawa délie les cordons de sa bourse
Page: A9
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Le gouvernement conservateur a annoncé hier des nouvelles mesures d'aide financière aux soldats
gravement blessés qui pourraient totaliser 200 millions en cinq ans.
L'annonce survient au moment où le gouvernement de Stephen Harper fait face à plusieurs critiques liées
au traitement qu'il réserve aux jeunes soldats blessés en Afghanistan.
La semaine dernière, La Presse a consacré un dossier sur les inégalités du système d'indemnités. On y
apprenait l'histoire du caporal Martin Renaud, qui a perdu ses deux jambes en Afghanistan et qui se sent
abandonné par le gouvernement.
Son cas illustre les critiques virulentes de l'ombudsman sortant des anciens combattants, Pat Stogran. Le
mois dernier, M. Stogran a accusé Ottawa de faillir à ses obligations à l'égard de la nouvelle génération
de soldats.
Hier, le ministre des Anciens Combattants, Jean-Pierre Blackburn, a dit vouloir corriger les "lacunes" de
la nouvelle Charte des anciens combattants, adoptée en 2006. "Nous avons une dette énorme et
éternelle envers nos hommes et nos femmes en uniforme, nos vétérans et leur famille", a déclaré M.
Blackburn lors d'une conférence de presse à Ottawa. Il était accompagné du ministre de la Défense,
Peter MacKay.
Invalides
Ottawa propose trois nouvelles mesures. D'abord, les invalides de guerre qui ne pourront plus jamais
travailler recevront 1000$ de plus par mois, une somme qui s'ajoute aux allocations mensuelles déjà
existantes. Environ 500 vétérans en profiteront d'ici cinq ans. Ensuite, le gouvernement assouplit les
critères d'admissibilité à l'allocation mensuelle versée aux soldats ayant une déficience permanente. Cela
permettra à 3500 anciens combattants supplémentaires de toucher cette indemnité, qui varie de 500$ à
1600$ mensuellement. Enfin, Ottawa rehausse à un minimum de 40 000$ par année l'allocation pour
perte de revenus pendant la réadaptation.
Ces mesures totaliseront 2 milliards pour la durée de vie du programme, selon Jean-Pierre Blackburn.
Pour les cinq prochaines années, elles représenteront 200 millions de dollars de soutien additionnel.
"D'ici cinq ans, nos vétérans de l'ère moderne seront plus nombreux que les vétérans traditionnels, au
nombre de 155 700 actuellement", a rappelé M. Blackburn, qui a souligné la nécessité de s'adapter à la
nouvelle génération de soldats.
Le porte-parole du NPD pour les anciens combattants, Peter Stoffer, a salué hier l'annonce des
conservateurs. "Toutefois, je me pose deux questions, a-t-il dit. Quels sont les détails des mesures? Et,
surtout, d'où provient cet argent? Les conservateurs vont-ils faire des coupes ailleurs?"
Le caporal Martin Renaud espère être admissible à l'une ou l'autre des mesures annoncées hier. Il
pourrait notamment toucher l'indemnité destinée aux anciens combattants souffrant d'une déficience
permanente.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: David Pugliese
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Illustrations:
 Photo: Postmedia News / The government selected Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter as Canada's new fighter plane without a competition.
Headline: Air force expected bid process for new jets; Competition for contract worth billions
was scheduled for this year, documents reveal
Page: A1 / Front
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: The Ottawa Citizen
Air force officers working on the purchase of Canada's new fighter planes expected there would
a competition this year for the multibillion-dollar deal, according to Defence Department
documents obtained by the Citizen.
The plan written by officers for the Next Generation Fighter Capability project called for a
"competitive process" for both the aircraft and the long-term maintenance contract, according to
the project outline developed in the summer of 2009. That schedule planned for the competition
to be run in 2010, with a contract to be awarded by 2012, according to the project documents.
Instead, the Conservative government decided to proceed without a competition and select the F35 Joint Strike Fighter built by U.S. aerospace firm Lockheed Martin.
The high price-tag of the proposed purchase of the 65 stealth fighters and the lack of competition
has become the focus of criticism by opposition MPs and others.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay told the Commons on May 27 that the government intended to
hold a competition involving a number of different aircraft. But he reversed that position and on
July 16, MacKay and other cabinet ministers announced the Harper government would proceed
with the purchase of the F-35.
MacKay, Industry Minister Tony Clement and Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose now say
there was already a competitive process for the deal.
That happened in 2001 when the U.S. government selected Lockheed Martin's F-35 over a
competing aircraft from Boeing. According to the ministers, Canada took part in that
competition.
"It is very clear that this was an open, transparent process," MacKay told a Commons committee
on Wednesday.
Opposition MPs, however, have pointed out that competition was for the aircraft that met the
needs of the U.S. military. They note that Canada is a sovereign nation and should select a plane
based on its needs, not what the U.S. deems is relevant in an aircraft.
Other aerospace firms have argued that Canada should have a competition, noting they can
provide aircraft at a much cheaper cost than $16 billion. "Sole sourcing anything can't be a good
thing," Tony Ogilvy, a sales representative for Saab Aerospace, said in an earlier interview. "The
taxpayer has got to be satisfied that this is something the country needs. No one can waste money
these days."
Saab had wanted to offer Canada the Gripen next-generation fighter.
U.S. aerospace firm Boeing was prepared to offer the F-18 Super Hornet, an advanced version of
the aircraft that Canada already operates.
BAE, a British firm also involved in the F-35 project, said it would offer Canada its Typhoon
fighter aircraft if there was a competition.
MacKay's spokesman Jay Paxton said Sunday that at last week's defence committee, the air force
leadership "was incredibly supportive of the F-35 procurement and this government's efforts to
build the Canadian Forces."
He noted that air force commander Lt.-Gen. André Deschamps told the Commons that the F-35
is the best value for taxpayers and will keep Canada at the forefront of fight operations.
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, concerned that no competition was held to select the fighter
plane, has vowed to review the deal if his party forms the next government. He has also
questioned whether the purchase is needed at a time when the country's deficit has climbed to
$50 billion.
The deal, if it goes through, would be the most expensive military equipment procurement in
Canadian history.
The Conservatives have countered that the Liberals originally involved Canada in the early
development of the F-35 when they provided funding so domestic aerospace firms could bid on
the program and the air force could receive information about the plane from the Pentagon. At
the time, however, government officials said the funding did not obligate Canada to buy the F35.
Canada won't be required to sign a contract committing it to purchasing the fighters until 2013,
opening the door for any future government to back away from the proposed deal if needed.
According to MacKay, the government had to move on the F-35 purchase to avoid any gap
between the arrival of a new plane and the phasing out of the current fleet of CF-18 fighter jets.
But the fighter replacement timeline, obtained by the Citizen through the Access to Information
law, suggested there would be no issues with a gap. According to that timeline, running a
competitive process this year would allow for a contract to be signed in 2012, with aircraft
delivered in 2015-2016. Those planes would become operational between 2018 and 2023,
according to the document.
The government earmarked $2.6 billion to upgrade the CF-18s and the last modernized aircraft
was just delivered in March. The CF-18 fighters can continue flying until 2018-2020, according
to the air force.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Don Martin
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Illustrations:
 Photo: Chris Wattie, Reuters / The Senate chambers were being prepared this week for the
return of parliamentarians from their summer recess.
Headline: Attack dogs already baying
Page: A4
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: Postmedia News
They're the parliamentary pit bulls, rabid partisans who ensure the House of Commons is sharply
divided into party friends and opposition enemies with no middle ground.
While MPs say the summer feedback from their ridings was a public plea for civility, particularly
during the raucous kindergarten class they call question period, barking and baying from inside
the kennel can already be heard as the big dogs prepare to eat.
The government's many missteps have emboldened opposition parties with only an empty
agenda to attack, so the vacuum created in the Commons will soon be filled with unfair
questions, non-answers, barbs and slurs.
Not all MPs attack themselves silly. Political antagonists are a special breed in the national
capital and these are the best in show.
- Conservative John Baird versus Liberal David McGuinty: It's mostly an act, but Baird can snap
and sneer better than anyone, firing off deadly zingers while nonchalantly clipping his
fingernails. In his new role as the government's House Leader, he'll face off against an MP he
truly despises while enacting the prime minister's directives to either play nice or nasty. This is
Stephen Harper. Expect it to be mostly nasty.
His counterpart on the Liberal side is the aggressive brother of Ontario Premier Dalton
McGuinty. Liberal MP David McGuinty clashed regularly with Baird on the environment
portfolio and their rivalry has only intensified since. They won't even appear together on
televised political shows anymore. This feud isn't political. It's personal.
- Liberal energy critic Denis Coderre versus Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis. It
makes no sense to have two Quebec heavyweights sparring over oilpatch issues when the nearest
pumpjacks are thousands of kilometres from their home turf. But when the energy (read
oilsands) file heats up, these two francophones will be the main Commons combatants. Coderre
is guaranteed to unleash outrageous colour commentary while the rarely nimble Paradis struggles
to survive by reciting scripted answers.
- Pierre Poilievre versus All Harper Bashers: When this pale baby face peers through his specs at
those who dare torment his leader, he personifies aloof disdain. As Stephen Harper's
parliamentary secretary, he's the stand-in on issues best barge-poled away from the boss. Sure,
he's reading the talking points, but he's the master of dismissiveness when delivering the
message.
- Greg Rickford versus those Liberal evildoers. Rarely seen but regularly heard, this Kenora,
Ont. MP is one of the few Conservative MPs who relish unleashing demonizing diatribes at all
things Liberal. Most Conservative MPs consider delivering these exaggerated statements beneath
them. Not so Rickford, whose hand goes up whenever they need a smear delivered. A PMO pet,
this rookie's considered a rising star for having both bravado and brains, which was reflected in
his promotion to a parliamentary secretary gig last week.
- Pat Martin versus The Cabinet: When the New Democrats need a deadly clip or quip delivered
to the television networks, this Martin gets the nod. He's elevated indignant bluster into an art
form that has reporters smirking and scribbling down every outburst. "It took 13 years for the
Liberals to get this corrupt and arrogant, but the virus seems to have mutated. The Conservatives
have succumbed in less than four years," he fumed last spring. Reporters love him. Cabinet
ministers, not so much.
- Siobhan Coady and Scott Brison: She's the Liberal's very sharp Treasury Board critic, set to
give board president Stockwell Day plenty of grief over deficit-elimination moves. Brison, as
finance critic, will aim his deadly wit at Finance Minister Jim Flaherty over all budgetary
matters. Together, they're set to raise the toxicity level on all questions about the government's
spending and slashing programs.
- Laurie Hawn versus the Military Doves: The Conservative Edmonton MP and former fighterjet pilot could have his hands full if the $16-billion contract for F-35s gets hit by a deadly ackack attack from the opposition parties. A no-nonsense hawk who is backup to the defence
minister, he is not exactly shy about delivering gruff accusations of disloyalty or absurdity when
under opposition attack on military spending priorities.
- Mark Holland: The Liberal MP went relatively quiet for a year, but after the wanton squander
of the G8 and G20 summit on fake lakes and gazebos far from the meeting sites, the Holland
howl erupted anew. It's good to have him back.
OK, so enough barking from the kennel. As they re-enter the House of Commons today, we'll see
if these pit bulls have any bite.
dmartin@canwest.com
Back to Top
Section: Monde
Headline: Une note salée... même après le retrait des troupes
Page: A9
Outlet: La Presse
Byline: Bellavance, Joël-Denis
Illustrations:
 Ces soldats canadiens ont atterri à l'aérodrome de Kandahar, au début du mois. Quand toutes les
troupes auront levé le camp, à la fin de 2011, l'équipement devra être remis en bon état.
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Dateline: OTTAWA
Le ministère de la Défense dépensera 700 millions de dollars en trois ans pour remettre en bon état
l'équipement militaire utilisé durant la mission des troupes canadiennes en Afghanistan.
Le retrait en 2011 des 2800 soldats canadiens déployés dans la région de Kandahar ne signifie donc pas
la fin des coûts liés à cette mission en sol afghan, révèlent des documents que La Presse a obtenus en
vertu de la Loi sur l'accès à l'information.
Le rapatriement des soldats et de tout leur équipement, après une mission de près de 10 ans, coûtera à
lui seul plus de 1 milliard de dollars, selon les estimations du ministère de la Défense. Cette opération
doit être terminée au plus tard le 31 décembre 2011.
Mais une fois de retour au pays, l'équipement devra être remis dans l'état dans lequel il était avant d'être
envoyé en Afghanistan, a confirmé Dominique Verdon, porte-parole du Ministère.
Plus de 1200 véhicules de toutes sortes -des chars d'assaut (Leopard C2), des jeeps (G-Wagon), des
blindés (Bison), entre autres-, des hélicoptères et des milliers de conteneurs doivent notamment être
ramenés au pays.
Des militaires devront aussi répertorier le matériel qui pourrait être vendu aux forces alliées qui
demeureront en Afghanistan et celui qui pourrait être donné aux troupes afghanes.
Ainsi, en 2011-2012, on prévoit dépenser 817 millions de dollars dans le cadre de la mission en
Afghanistan, les trois quarts de cette somme servant à rapatrier les troupes et le reste pour payer les
coûts des réparations.
En 2012-2013, les Forces armées canadiennes estiment que les coûts des réparations s'élèveront à 265
millions de dollars. L'année suivante, les coûts sont évalués à 275 millions de dollars.
"Notre mission de combat se termine comme prévu en 2011. Après chaque mission, il faut remettre tout
l'équipement militaire utilisé dans l'état dans lequel il était avant le début de la mission. Il y a toujours des
coûts après une mission", a expliqué Mme Verdon.
La planification du retrait des troupes a commencé en août 2009. Le chef d'état-major des Forces
canadiennes, le général Walt Natynczyk, a alors ordonné à ses subalternes de préparer le retour des
soldats afin de respecter l'esprit et la lettre de la motion adoptée par le Parlement en 2008 qui stipule que
la mission de combat doit prendre fin en 2011.
Exigeant rapatriement
On estime que près de 500 militaires seront mis à contribution pour mener à bien l'opération visant à
ramener au pays tout le matériel militaire. Le général Natynczyk a déjà fait savoir que le rapatriement des
troupes et de leur équipement sera une tâche des plus exigeantes.
"Nous devons accomplir cette tâche de façon très organisée et très structurée. Il s'agit du redéploiement
de troupes et d'équipement le plus vaste à être entrepris par les Forces canadiennes à partir d'un théâtre
d'opérations actif depuis la guerre de Corée", a-t-il ajouté.
Cette mission a coûté la vie à 152 soldats canadiens jusqu'ici. Un diplomate, une journaliste et deux
travailleurs humanitaires canadiens ont également péri. Le déploiement des soldats pendant 10 ans aura
coûté près de 10 milliards de dollars.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Juliet O'Neill
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Headline: Post-combat Afghan role high on agenda; Detainees issue threatens to foil cooperation of opposition parties
Page: A4
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: Postmedia News
The shaping of Canada's post-combat mission in Afghanistan is high on the agenda for all
political parties as Parliament resumes.
But co-operation could be foiled by disputes over Afghan detainees and disagreement on
whether some Canadian troops should be left behind to train Afghan fighters and police.
The minority Conservative government's willingness to give opposition MPs a say in the civilian
reconstruction mission after the withdrawal of Canada's 2,800 troops next year appears to hinge
in part on whether their outcry over treatment of Afghan detainees has been defused.
New Democratic Party defence critic Jack Harris says if the Conservatives and Liberals "cut a
deal" on a training mission for Canadian troops there may have to be a vote to authorize it in the
House of Commons.
"If they don't have a deal and the government is prepared to let that military commitment expire,
then we'd be very happy to debate what future endeavours Canada can offer to the Afghan people
through other programs," Harris said.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has repeatedly said there will be no military mission after 2011.
However, his spokesman, Andrew MacDougall, said the government has not "categorically"
closed the door on a military-training role. A training role is advocated by Liberal foreign affairs
critic Bob Rae and has been recommended by the Senate defence committee.
MacDougall said the government wants proposals, if there are going to be any, to come through
the special House of Commons committee on the mission in Afghanistan.
"I don't see us initiating that discussion," MacDougall said.
"The Afghan committee was always meant to look at this. Unfortunately, it's been hijacked into
'all detainee all the time'."
The committee was established as a result of a 2008 parliamentary motion to extend until July
2011 Canada's troop commitment to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in
Afghanistan.
That motion, a result of negotiations between Harper and then Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, was
approved by Conservative and Liberal caucuses and opposed by the NDP and Bloc Québécois.
The NDP also refused to participate in an ad hoc committee of MPs set up last spring to examine
classified documents in search of evidence the government turned a blind eye to abuse of
detainees transferred to Afghan authorities by the Canadian Forces.
Harris says the Liberals turned the matter into a documents debate and the committee has merely
"put a cone of silence" over the detainee issue.
Bryon Wilfert, a Toronto Liberal on the ad hoc committee, said the detainee information MPs
want to make public is being screened by jurists appointed by the government to safeguard
national security.
Wilfert said that since the ad hoc committee is dealing with the detainee issue, the way is cleared
for the special committee on the Afghani-stan mission to work on the post-combat role for
Canada.
"We'd like the committee to put forward some salient proposals in the next month," Wilfert said.
"The government has to come clean and put on the table what is it that they think we should be
doing. And we need to get a signal that whatever we recommend is going to be taken seriously
by the government."
Wilfert said some MPs would call for a vote on the future mission and whether it has a military
component. But MacDougall said there is no precedent for a government asking Parliament to
approve a specific development and foreign-aid plan.
Back to Top
Section: Actualités
Headline: Encore beaucoup d'inconnues, estime la mère d'un soldat blessé
Page: 2
Outlet: Le Soleil
Byline: Bussières, Ian
Illustrations:
 Francine Matteau montre la photo de son fils, Nicolas Magnan.
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Francine Matteau, mère du caporal-chef Nicolas Magnan, blessé aux deux jambes en Afghanistan,
estime qu'il subsiste encore beaucoup d'inconnues à la suite des annonces du ministre Jean-Pierre
Blackburn pour améliorer l'aide fédérale apportée aux anciens combattants blessés au combat.
"Le minimum de 40 000 $ versé à chaque année aux soldats en réadaptation est une bonne chose, car
plusieurs fantassins qui sont dans l'armée depuis peu ne gagnent même pas ça. C'est valable, c'est bien,
mais pour le reste, c'est tellement vague. On ne sait pas tout", a commenté la résidante de Québec. Mme
Matteau se demande comment seront définies les "blessures sévères et catastrophiques" qui permettront
à un militaire de décrocher l'indemnité mensuelle de 1000 $ à vie annoncée hier.
Elle s'inquiète aussi des difficultés que pourraient avoir les ex-militaires à obtenir l'indemnisation
maximale qui leur ouvrirait la porte du montant mensuel additionnel variant de 536 $ à 1609 $ pour les
blessés graves. "Ce montant est versé à ceux qui ont un score de 100 % ou plus sur une grille qui évalue
leurs limitations. Dans le cas de Nicolas, il se bat depuis des années pour qu'on reconnaisse qu'il est
atteint à 100 %", fait-elle remarquer.
Back to Top
Section: Canada
Outlet: The Chronicle-Herald
Headline: CSIS says it didn't abuse any Afghans; Spy service interrogated dozens
Page: B2
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - Canada's spy service admits interrogating up to 50 Afghan prisoners captured by the
Canadian Forces, but insists they were never mistreated, federal documents reveal.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service's involvement in interviewing suspected Taliban
fighters alongside military intelligence officers was revealed by The Canadian Press last March,
though details have remained largely cloaked in secrecy.
Briefing notes prepared for CSIS director Dick Fadden take pains to emphasize the conduct of
agents has been above reproach and that the spy agency is bound "in every instance by the law,
ministerial directives and internal policies."
The documents, obtained under the Access to Information Act, were drawn up to brief Fadden
for a June interview with the CBC, which did not ask him about the CSIS role in Afghanistan.
"CSIS officers have been serving alongside the Canadian Forces and willingly share some of the
risks faced by our soldiers," say the notes, which acknowledge the spies were armed.
The briefing materials lift the curtain ever so slightly on the agency's activities, but also raise
more questions in the mind of a legal expert.
University of Ottawa law professor Errol Mendes said the notes raise the spectre of spies
travelling along with soldiers in combat - or perhaps taking part in ultra-secret special forces
operations. Such actions exceed CSIS's legislated mandate, he said.
"We've got to look at that very carefully and ask many more questions," said Mendes.
"Intelligence gathering is absolutely within the mandate of CSIS, but actually going out on
missions is a legal issue as to whether it's within their jurisdiction."
The notes say CSIS personnel in Afghanistan have been authorized to carry guns because "they
are often required to meet individuals - some who would be described as unfriendly at best - in
very dangerous situations while carrying out their work."
The Canadian army is thought to have captured hundreds of suspected Taliban fighters over nine
years of operations in Kandahar. Recent reports indicate that since 2006 almost 500 have been
handed to Afghan authorities.
CSIS questioned Afghan detainees from 2002 through late 2007, when the military began to
conduct interrogations without assistance, Michel Coulombe, the service's assistant director for
foreign collection, told the Commons special committee on Afghanistan in May.
Back to Top
Section: Actualités
Byline: La Presse canadienne
Outlet: Le Devoir
Headline: En bref - Le SCRS a interrogé jusqu'à 50 détenus afghans
Page: A2
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Ottawa -- Le Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS) a interrogé jusqu'à 50 détenus
afghans capturés par les Forces canadiennes, mais insiste sur le fait qu'ils n'ont jamais fait l'objet de
mauvais traitements, révèle un document fédéral.
Des notes préparées pour le directeur du SCRS soulignent que le comportement de ses agents avait été
sans reproche. Le SCRS affirme, au contraire de la CIA américaine, ne pas utiliser de techniques
d'interrogatoire coercitives, comme la simulation de noyade.
Back to Top
Section: News
Lead: The top United Nations diplomat in Afghanistan said on Sunday it was too early to
describe a parliamentary election as a success, with an expected 4,000 complaints to be heard
and turnout figures not yet established.
Headline: Fraud, turnout weigh on vote Afghanistan: Officials call weekend election a success,
but UN diplomat says it's too early to tell
Page: C1
Byline: BY PAUL TAIT ANDSAYED SALAHUDDIN, REUTERS
Outlet: The London Free Press
Illustrations:
 photo by Raheb Homavandi, Reuters Workers carry ballot boxes from Saturday's
parliamentary election into a warehouse in Herat, western Afghanistan, on Sunday. Early signs
indicate that almost one million fewer votes were cast Saturday than in last year's presidential
election.
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Dateline: KABUL
The top United Nations diplomat in Afghanistan said on Sunday it was too early to describe a
parliamentary election as a success, with an expected 4,000 complaints to be heard and turnout
figures not yet established.
Afghan election officials declared Saturday's result a success despite widespread reports of fraud,
worryingly low voter turnout and attacks across the country that killed at least 17 people after the
Taliban vowed to disrupt the poll.
"I think that that is premature, with all due respect," Staffan de Mistura, special representative for
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Reuters in an interview.
"They have done a great job ... But I would wait to talk about success," he said in Kabul.
Election officials pored over votes on Sunday but there will be a long wait before even
preliminary results are declared, with ballots still to come in from remote areas and thousands of
complaints expected from unsuccessful candidates.
The election was being closely watched in Washington ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's
planned war-strategy review in December, which will likely examine the pace and scale of U.S.
troop withdrawals after nine years of war.
Canadian troops fighting in Afghanistan will also end combat operations next year.
A flawed poll would weigh on Obama when his administration faces mid-term Congressional
elections in November amid sagging public support for the war, with violence at its worst since
the Taliban were ousted in 2001.
Some areas have started sending checked ballot boxes back to Kabul, the Independent Election
Commission (IEC) told Reuters, but early signs were that almost a million fewer votes were cast
than in a flawed 2009 presidential poll.
The IEC said on Saturday the number of Afghans who cast ballots was about 3.6 million,
although de Mistura said the final figure would likely be around 4 million.
The IEC has said there were 11.4 million voters but de Mistura said that number only
represented the number of ballot papers sent to polling stations and that the real number of
eligible voters was probably closer to 10.5 million.
The Taliban twice threatened to disrupt the election and warned voters to stay away. Their threat
seemed to have some impact on turnout, with nervous voters staying at home after the hardline
Islamists launched scores of attacks across the country.
The bodies of three election officials kidnapped during voting were found in northern Balkh
province on Sunday, IEC chairman Fazl Ahmad Manawi said.
The violence was slightly down on last year's election but was more widespread, and reached
into once peaceful areas.
Attempted fraud was also a major concern, with reports of ballot-stuffing, repeat voting, votebuying and other fraud coming in from across the country.
The Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan reported "extensive irregularities" ranging
from the destruction of polling centres to ballot stuffing, erratic opening and closing times of
polls and interference by candidates.
In a statement on its website, FEFA called on the IEC "to ensure the integrity of the rest of the
electoral process".
De Mistura said he expected as many as 4,000 complaints which the U.N.-backed Electoral
Complaints Commission would have to judge. Most would come from candidates who did not
win one of the 249 seats in the wolesi jirga, or lower house of parliament.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Jonathan S. Landay and Saeed Shah
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Illustrations:
 Photo: Patrick Baz, Agence France-Presse, Getty Images / A U.S. soldier with the 101st
Airborne Division patrols a pomegranate orchard in Chahar Qolbah, a hamlet on the outskirts of
the village of Jellawar near Kandahar earlier this month. Groups monitoring parliamentary
elections in Afghanistan have become alarmedby the levels of fraud and violence being reported
in the aftermath of Saturday's vote.
Headline: Afghan watchdog gathers fraud evidence; Number of reports collected from polls has
officials 'concerned'
Page: A6
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Dateline: KABUL
Source: McClatchy-Tribune News
Afghanistan's leading election watchdog expressed deepening alarm Sunday at the number of
reports it was gathering of vote-rigging and bloodshed that claimed at least two dozen lives in the
nation's second legislative election since the 2001 U.S. invasion.
With elections officials beginning the laborious process of certifying votes in the closely
watched races, independent observers raised new warnings about the scale of fraud, intimidation
and unrest that could undermine the credibility of the new parliament.
"We are more concerned because we are collecting more information," said Nader Nadery, head
of the Free and Fair Election Foundation, a coalition of civic groups that fielded some 7,000
observers during Saturday's elections to the 249-seat lower house of Parliament.
Nadery, whose organization alleged extensive ballot-stuffing and security problems almost
immediately after the polls closed Saturday, declined to elaborate on the new data that the group
is reviewing until a news conference set for today.
"I'm encouraged by the turnout compared to what was expected," Nadery added, referring to the
official initial estimate of four million. About six million voters turned out in last year's fraudmarred presidential election, which secured a second four-year term for President Hamid Karzai.
Hamid Obaidi, a spokesman for the Electoral Complaints Commission, the body charged with
adjudicating vote-rigging allegations, said complaints are running at "the same" level as they
were in the presidential election. He declined to elaborate, saying the figure would be released
today.
Karzai and his U.S.-led allies have portrayed the elections as a success, hailing the voters who
defied threats by the Taliban and allied extremist groups.
The Karzai government and the Obama administration saw the elections as a chance to reclaim
some of the legitimacy they lost in the massive fraud that scarred Karzai's re-election.
"The people of Afghanistan have shown courage and participated in this election and made it a
success," declared Fazil Ahmad Manawi, the chairman of the Independent Election Commission.
"We do accept shortfalls in the process. In a country like Afghanistan, we should not expect
miracles."
The U.S. and its NATO allies appeared to be anxious to show progress in Afghanistan in the face
of growing opposition among Americans to the increasingly costly war, said Thomas Ruttig of
the independent Afghanistan Analysts Network.
"I find that a little bit optimistic and driven by the domestic agenda and not by the reality in
Afghanistan," Ruttig said. "I think the institutions in Afghanistan generally are too weak and I
don't see a step forward in democratization."
Serious problems existed going into the vote. They included sales of fake voter cards printed in
Pakistan, intimidation by local power barons and the absence of a national voter list. There were
about 17 million registered voters, but an estimated 5 million were thought to be holding fake
cards.
At least 24 civilians were killed and 46 injured in 93 attacks by insurgents on polling stations
around the country, Manawi said.
Some analysts warned that Karzai and the U.S. risked a further loss of credibility by casting the
election as a success before the full extent of the vote-rigging has been determined, a process
that's expected to delay the seating of the new parliament for weeks or perhaps months.
Analysts noted that the official initial turnout estimate was nearly two million below the number
certified in Karzai's re-election, continuing a trend of diminishing attendance that began with the
2004 presidential contest. The turnout figure will almost certainly drop as the complaints
commission weeds out fraudulent ballots.
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Matthew Fisher
Outlet: Edmonton Journal
Illustrations:
 Colour Photo: Kippen
 Colour Photo: Andrew Biraj, Reuters / Representatives of candidates check results in front of a
polling station in Kabul on Sunday. Preliminary figures showed 3.6 million votes were cast in
Afghanistan's parliamentary poll on Saturday, election officials said, after polls closed on a day
clouded bysecurity and fraud concerns.
 Colour Photo: Paula Bronstein, Getty Images / Workers unload ballot boxes at the
Independent Election Commission warehouse in Kabul on Sunday. Voter turnout was low in
many parts of the country, and at least 17 people were killed in attacks.
Headline: Progress of Afghan vote 'encouraging'; Nation's institutions, citizens more attuned to
electoral process -- Canadian expert
Page: A11
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Dateline: KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Source: Postmedia News
Afghans have learned some hard lessons about how to run an election fairly, Grant Kippen
concluded after this weekend's national vote to select a new parliament.
A year ago, the irrepressibly cheerful, silver-haired 55-year-old Ottawa resident was at the centre
of a political firestorm that pitted him, the Obama White House and most of the international
community against Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
As the UN-backed head of the Electoral Complaints Commission, Kippen found there had been
"clear and compelling evidence of fraud," involving more than a million ballots cast in last
August's presidential elections and demanded the vote be repeated.
Although furious, Karzai bowed to enormous outside pressure and reluctantly agreed to another
vote, although it was subsequently not required when, at nearly the last minute, the runner-up,
Abdullah-Abdullah, chose to withdraw.
Kippen returned to Afghanistan for this weekend's parliamentary ballot, but no longer as one of
the most powerful figures in the country. This time around he had a much less public role,
serving as an observer for the international non-profit group National Democracy Institute. After
a tour of about 10 polling centres in and near Kabul on Saturday, he came away expressing
guarded enthusiasm about what he had seen.
"It is too early to tell about the whole process," because the NDI and other international and
Afghan groups were still compiling data and specific complaints of irregularities from across this
immense country, Kippen said, "but there were quite a few things that impressed me. It is not
just Afghan institutions that are more attuned to fraud now. Voters are, too."
Although the former aide to Pierre Trudeau acknowledged there had not been a high turnout,
even in relatively secure Kabul, he had seen "lineups of voters in the morning and (Independent
Election Commission of Afghanistan) seemed on top of the situation.
The commission has said it believes about four million votes were cast. Estimates of eligible
voters in the country range from 10.5 million to 11.4 million.
"I saw a lot of candidates' agents. This is encouraging for two reasons. More Afghans are doing
more than just voting. They are learning the elections process," Kippen said.
"The IEC also introduced some positive changes. They are putting tape over results, so that they
cannot be altered and they had better control of ballots as they went out. Now we have to see
what the control is like on the ballots coming in."
Despite the usual Taliban warnings to voters to stay home or die, NATO and Afghan security
officials both said attacks on election day were down more than 30 per cent from last August's
presidential vote.
"It was interesting and a surprise to hear that in some places the Taliban were actively trying to
get people to support specific candidates while in other places they were sending out threatening
"night letters," Kippen said, chuckling at the paradox.
Election day was still marred by violence and allegations of fraud. Attacks across the country
killed at least 17 people, and there are estimates of 4,000 complaints about the voting and
election processes that still have to be heard.
Since Kippen returned to his home in Ottawa in mid-December, there have been a whirlwind of
trips to Nepal, Egypt, Kosovo, Georgia, Belgium, Germany and the United States to discuss how
to run fair elections. Similar trips are in the offing in the next year to help with elections in some
of these same places, and perhaps Armenia and Africa, as well.
Like many Canadians who have served in Afghanistan, Kippen, who lived here from 2003 to
2005, remains drawn to the country. He said he is troubled by Canada's plans to bring its troops
home next summer and what that might portend for other aspects of Canada's engagement with
Afghanistan.
"It seems that our military presence has defined our mission here," Kippen said, adding that he
had become a huge admirer of the professionalism and commitment of the troops that Canada
has sent here. "We have a good reputation in the world, and part of the reason for that is that we
do not just pick up and leave before things are finished. I hope that we are not going to be seen
that way here.
"This is the biggest foreign policy issue that we've dealt with for a very long time, and yet it
seems that Afghanistan has disappeared from public debate. It is important that the government
comes out forcefully and says Canada intends to do long-term to help Afghanistan build its
political, economic and social institutions," he said.
"We are a rich country in the broadest sense of that term. So, the question that I would pose is
this: 'Did we do all that we could do to assist the Afghan people?' "
Back to Top
Section: News
Lead: A $2-billion boost for anyone badly hurt on Canadian military missions falls short of
helping less-injured or emotionally- scarred soldiers, the head of a GTA-area veterans group told
the Toronto Sun.
Headline: Gov't falls short for troops Canada isn't doing enough for emotionally scarred
veterans: Johnston
Page: 6
Byline: IAN ROBERTSON TORONTO SUN
Outlet: The Toronto Sun
Illustrations:
 photo of WAYNE JOHNSTON
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
A $2-billion boost for anyone badly hurt on Canadian military missions falls short of helping
less-injured or emotionally- scarred soldiers, the head of a GTA-area veterans group told the
Toronto Sun.
After the federal government pledged Sunday to increase pensions for those left seriously
injured, Capt. Wayne Johnston, 52, welcomed the aid, saying "there are some good things with
Veterans Affairs and I hope this is a beginning.
"Given the timing ... I hope this isn't some grease on the axle to calm down the criticism ... or
window-dressing," Johnston said in an interview, referring to accusations that the government
has shortchanged new veterans.
The Whitby-area resident, who for two tours as a reservist helped repatriate Canadians killed in
Afghanistan, said there are still many disparities.
"I thought the Canadian way was universality of care," Johnston said.
But while focusing on vets with missing limbs and other debilitating battle scars, the founder of
Wounded Warriors said the government continues to low-ball pleas to provide reservists with
equal benefits, better-train soldiers to return to civilian life or provide better pensions for those
who are not wounded.
"We've got soldiers who are in limbo land, hanging around units doing nothing," waiting for
wounds to heal and their terms of duty to expire, he said.
Johnston said many young soldiers only have high school education and would be hard-pressed
to get work even as government clerks.
With little or no post-graduate training, he said their main competition comes from younger,
university-trained applicants who never served in the military.
Many are left demoralized, said Johnston.
"While they're in the forces, give them back their dignity, get them training and help them
become contributing members of society," he urged.
On its website, Veterans Affairs says it helps vets with what Johnston calls "invisible wounds,"
but he says battle fatigue or depression -- commonly referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and operational stress injury (OSI) -- are not as high profile for the military as physical
injuries.
He should know.
Johnston has OSI from handling too many repatriations in his military "family."
As Canada prepares to end its mission in Afghanistan, he predicts as many as 30% of returning
soldiers will arrive home with emotional scars.
"We have boys and girls with OSIs--who can't get out of the house," Johnston said.
"We've established what a pair of legs are worth ... what about a person's soul?" he said, urging
taxpayers to continue lobbying their MPs.
ian.robertson@sunmedia.ca
Back to Top
Section: News
Byline: Mark Kennedy
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Headline: An upHill battle; 10 issues politicians face when they return to Parliament
Page: A1 / Front
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: Postmedia News
Canada's federal politicians return to the House of Commons on Monday for what promises to be
a politically volatile session.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the opposition parties say they are not seeking an early
election. Still, the political rivals are intent on laying the groundwork for a campaign, whenever
it comes.
Harper will promise to create jobs, put criminals in prison, guard against terrorism, stop humansmuggling and rebuild the economy. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff will blast Harper for
spending billions on military planes and overcrowded prisons and will promise to put the focus
on health care, education and pensions.
NDP leader Jack Layton will say both Harper and Ignatieff are divisive and only the New
Democrats can bridge regional differences facing the country. Bloc Québécois leader Gilles
Duceppe will campaign for federal largesse in his province and accuse Layton of being a
hypocrite on gun control.
Beyond that, there are 10 issues to watch in the fall session. All are triggers that will heighten
political tension on the Hill.
1. Gun registry: MPs vote Wednesday on whether Tory MP Candice Hoeppner's bill to kill the
gun registry should proceed. It appears the bill is in trouble. Several New Democrats who once
opposed the registry have changed their votes. The Liberals will be out in full force, as will the
Bloc, to support the registry. Still, it will be a squeaker and no one is predicting the outcome. If it
dies, the Tories will make it an election issue. If it survives, the bill will proceed to a final vote
within a couple of weeks.
2. Refugee legislation: The government will table a bill early in the session that cracks down on
human-smuggling and proposes new measures to handle boatloads of refugees, such as the one
that came from Sri Lanka this summer.
3. Census: The story broke in the summer when Parliament wasn't sitting, but the bad news isn't
over yet for Industry Minister Tony Clement. The opposition will accuse him of misleading
Canadians and tarring the reputation of Statistics Canada.
4. G20/G8 security costs: The opposition is convinced there's a scandal here. They will battle for
the release of internal documents that show how the $1 billion was spent.
5. Stimulus boondoggle: Auditor General Sheila Fraser releases a report Oct. 26 that could be a
bombshell. She has audited the billions of dollars the government spent on the economic-
stimulus program. Was it money well spent? Were Conservative ridings favoured? Opposition
parties are praying for a boondoggle.
6. Fighter jets: Prepare for a noisy debate. Opposition parties contend the $16-billion price tag
for the F-35 jets is too high and say the government should have opened the purchase to other
bidders. Conservatives insist the contract is financially sound and that Canada needs the jets to
defend its sovereignty.
7. The economy: The government is coyly promising three economic measures early in the
session. Will they be substantive or window dressing? Similarly, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty
will table an economic update later in the session. Will it just be a simple economic forecast with
revised deficit projections, or will it be a mini-budget that contains items the opposition cannot
support?
8. Guergis/Jaffer: This one's not over yet. MPs are angry at former Tory MP Rahim Jaffer for
giving misleading testimony at a committee. The House will consider whether he should be
punished. Independent MP Helena Guergis, who has been cleared by the RCMP but hasn't been
allowed back in the Tory caucus by Harper, still hasn't testified.
9. Afghanistan: It's the critical debate that still hasn't been held. Are we really going to remove
all our troops from the country in 2011? Might we leave some there to help train Afghan
soldiers?
10. The supremacy of Parliament: Last spring, there was a kerfuffle over whether aides can be
compelled to testify at a Commons committee. Harper's director of communications, Dimitri
Soudas, and others have failed to appear. The prime minister says only ministers will testify.
MPs are not impressed. Count on this to heighten tensions and raise a fundamental question:
Who's supreme? Parliament or the PMO?
Back to Top
Section: Sports
Lead: You could call it a race of redemption for the men's and women's winners of the Canada
Army Run Half Marathon on Sunday -- but for very different reasons.
Headline: A MOVING EXPERIENCE Army Run offers redemption for winners, 'heartening'
show of support for our protectors
Page: 49
Byline: LYNNE BERMEL
Outlet: The Ottawa Sun
Illustrations:
 Chris Rouss akis/QMIAgency 3 photos by CHRIS ROUSSAKIS/QMI AGENCY 1.
Competitors in the Canada Army Run 5K pass Parliament Hill on Wellington St. Sunday.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay (above) chats with Maj. Mark Campbell during the third annual
race, which raises money for Soldier On -- a program that helps to rehabilitate troops injured in
the line of duty -- and the Military Families Fund. 2. A "few" of the record 14,000 participants in
this year's race.
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
You could call it a race of redemption for the men's and women's winners of the Canada Army
Run Half Marathon on Sunday -- but for very different reasons.
Ottawa's Kerri Cook, 26, secured her first road-race victory, while fellow 26-year-old Patrick
Marion overcame a season of injuries to take the men's title.
Marion ran side-by-side with Charles Nadeau for most of the race, then found another gear with
3 km to go and powered to victory. Marion hit the tape in 1:11:17.2, while Nadeau, an army
captain stationed in Val Cartier, Que., came home in 1:11:32.0. Patrick Lalonde of L'Orignal,
Que., was third in 1:15:45.2.
"The crowds were great," said Marion of the hundreds of people who lined the half-marathon
route that started on Wellington St. and finished at the Cartier Square drill hall on Queen
Elizabeth Drwy.
"It was also neat to see the troops out there ... pretty cool," he added, "I like the course, even
though there are lots of hills."
Marion noted he that lived near Beechwood Cemetery, where Canadian soldiers are buried and
which was part of the route this year.
Cook (1:23:28.1) was surprised by her own victory.
"This is such a unique race," she said. "I tend to go out hard from the gun. Typically, I get passed
around the 9K mark. This time, I looked around and saw that I was still leading at 11K. I told
myself I was going to battle the mental game and just hang on."
Ottawa's Stacey Lance, making her half-marathon debut, outkicked Susan Durrell to take second
in 1:24:29.3. Durrell finished in 1:24:30.9.
In the 5K, Ottawa's Mayo Aben (14:52.1) bested Yves Sikubwabo (14:52.2), while Victoria's
Ryan McKenzie hung on for third in 15:13.0.
Joanna Brown, fresh off her Junior World Cup Triathlon win, took the women's title in 17:25.6.
Masters champion Liz Maguire finished second in 18:05.2, while fellow Ottawa Athletic Club
team member Daniele Riendeau hit the tape in 18:09.1.
Pte. Brock Blaszczyk, 21, was among those who raced as part of the military's Soldier On
program, which helps to rehabilitate troops injured in the line of duty.
Blaszczyk, who lost his leg to a landmine five months ago, dedicated his race to platoon
commander Lieut. Andrew Nuttall, who was killed in Afghanistan last December.
"You have to keep going. Life isn't over. Lieut. Nuttall would never have wanted us to quit," said
Blaszczyk, who plans to take part in the 125-km Death Race in the Rocky Mountains next
August and will train for the half-marathon next year.
"It's heartening to see that people have come from all over the country to be a part of this run,"
said army commander Lt.-Gen. Peter Devlin.
GREATEST COUNTRY
"As soldiers, we're proud to wear the uniform and defend Canadian values and freedoms. We
live in the greatest country in the world. We're moved by the show of support we received
(Sunday), including all the Canadian flags that people carried with them as they ran."
The Canada Army Run is the fastest-growing run in the country and the second biggest in the
capital region after the Ottawa Race Weekend. The Army Run debuted in 2008 with 7,000
participants -- a Canadian record for an inaugural run -- and increased to 11,000 last year. More
than 14,000 took part this year.
The run raises money for Soldier On and the Military Families Fund.
lynnebermel@rogers.com
--High fives
Canada Army Run Results
5K
MEN
1. Maya Aden (Ottawa), 14:52.1
2. Yves Sikubwabo (Ottawa), 14:52.2
3. Ryan McKenzie (Victoria), 15:13.0
4. Russell Christie (Ottawa), 15:16.8
5. Kyle Desormeaux (Ottawa), 15:44.7
WOMEN
1. Joanna Brown (Carp), 17:25.6
2. Liz Maguire (Ottawa), 18:05.2
3. Daniele Riendeau (Ottawa), 18:09.1
4. Julia Malleck (Kitchener), 18:09.7
5. Roya MacDonald (Ottawa), 18:12.5
Half-Maratho n
MEN
1. Patrick Marion (Ottawa), 1:11:17.2
2. Charles Nadeau (Quebec City), 1:11:32.0
3. Patrick Lalonde (L'Orignal), 1:15:45.2
4. Darl Sutherland (Peterborough), 1:17:48.1
5. Tommy Des Brisay (Kanata), 1:18:06.9
Women
1. Kerri Cook (Ottawa), 1:23:28.1
2. Stacey Lance (Ottawa), 1:24:29.3
3. Susan Durrell (Ottawa), 1:24:30.9
4. Jodi Wendland (Ottawa), 1:25:43.0
5. Emily MacLean (Ottawa), 1:26:46.9
Back to Top
Section: City
Byline: Dave Rogers
Outlet: The Ottawa Citizen
Headline: 14,000 run to raise money for military families, veterans
Page: B1 / Front
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Source: The Ottawa Citizen
Wearing mostly numbered camouflage shirts, more than 14,000 civilians and armed forces
personnel ran, walked or rolled in Ottawa's third annual Canada Army Run on Sunday to raise
money for military families and injured veterans.
The event, which honours Canada's army, has become the second-largest run in the National
Capital Region after Ottawa Race Weekend in May and the fastest growing run in Canada.
The run, which includes a 5K and a half-marathon, began with 7,000 participants in 2008 and
increased to 11,000 in 2009.
The five-kilometre run for about three dozen injured veterans and disabled athletes started at
7:45 a.m. at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue followed by a mass start of more than 7,000
runners.
The run raised almost $60,000 for Soldier On, which supports injured military personnel who
participate in sports as part of their rehabilitation, and the Military Families Fund, which helps
armed forces families.
The 5K runners went for a short distance on Wellington Street, then along the Rideau Canal on
Colonel By Drive, across the Pretoria Bridge and back along Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the
finish line at Cartier Square Drillhall.
The half-marathon was on Wellington, Sussex Drive, Rockcliffe Parkway and then along the
same loop as the 5K run.
Run director Maj. Luc Frenette said some runners participated to achieve personal best times
while others came to honour family and friends in the military or in memory of loved ones who
lost their lives in the line of duty.
"Thousands were here to simply show their support for the troops," Frenette said.
"It was truly an inspirational and motivational day."
Maj. Mark Campbell, 46, who lost both legs to an improvised explosive device while on patrol in
Afghanistan in June 2008, crossed the finish line near Cartier Square Drillhall on a hand-cranked
tricycle.
Campbell, who was with the 3rd Batallion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, is
posted to the Joint Personnel Support Unit in Edmonton.
"This run builds on the ongoing wave of Canadian public awareness of what our military is
doing at home and abroad in Afghanistan," Campbell said.
"To see the crowds out and see people cheering us on is really heartwarming. ... You don't have
to agree with the particular mission, but it is important for serving soldiers, sailors, airmen and
airwomen to know the Canadian public supports them as they support Canada. It is good to know
that the Canadian public knows and appreciates what we are doing."
Campbell said he plans to participate again because this year's event was fun and gave him the
chance to meet friends from across Canada.
Sgt. Major Gino Moretti, one of the run organizers, said you could "feel the passion of the
nation" in the 14,000 people who participated in the run.
"We should also recognize more than 900 soldiers and civilians from seven different nations who
ran at Kandahar Airfield today," Moretti said. "Some people ran because they know somebody in
the army or to say thank you to the soldiers and to Canada.
"Each person has a unique story."
--Army Run results
5K Male
1st: Maya Aden (Ottawa), 14:52.1
2nd: Yves Sikubwabo (Ottawa), 14:52.2
3rd: Ryan McKenzie (Victoria), 15:13.0
5K Female
1st: Joanna Brown (Carp), 17:25.6
2nd: Liz Maguire (Ottawa), 18:05.2
3rd: Daniele Riendeau (Ottawa), 18:09.1
Half Marathon Male
1st: Patrick Marion (Ottawa), 1:11:17.2
2nd: Charles Nadeau (Quebec City), 1:11:32.0
3rd: Patrick Lalonde (L'Orignal), 1:15:45.2
Half Marathon Female
1st: Kerri Cook (Ottawa),1:23:28.1
2nd: Stacey Lance (Ottawa), 1:24:29.3
3rd: Susan Durrell (Ottawa), 1:24:30.9
Back to Top
Section: Business
Headline: Motorcyclists raise money for legion
Page: C5
Outlet: The Daily Gleaner (Fredericton)
Byline: LT. (N) AL BLONDIN For The Daily Gleaner
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
About 100 motorcyclists from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Oromocto and the surrounding
community chose to use this year's anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack to engage in a
memorable display of solidarity and generosity for the Royal Canadian Legion in Oromocto.
They raised more than $2,000 for the legion, which recently lost its building due to fire. The
fundraising event was spearheaded by the Defenders, a motorcycle club of retired and serving
members of the RCMP and the Canadian Forces who traditionally use legion facilities to hold
their meetings.
The local Defenders president, Warrant Officer Leonard Canam from the Combat Training
Centre at CFB Gagetown, and vice-president Jody McArthur, who is also the safety co-ordinator
with 3 Area Support Group Gagetown, organized the event.
They also enlisted support from six other local motorcycle clubs and a few independent
motorcyclists.
"The turnout was great in light of the poor weather conditions," said Canam. "When it comes to
events like these, our colleagues from other clubs always come through."
A large portion of the riders consisted of military and civilian members of CFB Gagetown.
Local retailers also participated. The Oromocto Giant Tiger donated hot dogs, hamburgers,
drinks and associated products for the barbecue following the parade of bikers, and many other
merchants donated various products for a silent auction.
The ride departed the parking lot in front of the destroyed legion building in Oromocto and
proceeded on Route 102 east to the legion in the Village of Gagetown. The bikers then carried on
to the legion in Fredericton before returning to Oromocto, where the barbecue and auction were
held.
Back to Top
Section: Sports
Outlet: The Telegram (St. John's)
Illustrations:
 Well-known Canadian automobile journalist Jim Kenzie shows off his medal after he and
navigator Brian Bourbonniere finished in first place in the Targa 2010 Newfoundland Open
Division in their Mini Cooper.
 The Subaru of Matt and Brian Oldford gets some air time going over a bridge in Brigus during
Friday's final leg of the 2010 Targa Newfoundland.The Oldfords, from St. John's, finished first
in the Modern Division
Headline: 2010 TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND
Page: D4
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
After five days tearing through sleepy communities in Central and Eastern Newfoundland, Jim
Kenzie and co-driver Brian Bourbonniere emerged as Targa Newfoundland open division
champs.
Competing in their 2009 Mini Cooper S JCW, the pair accumulated 11 minutes and 51 seconds
in penalties. 2009 champs Roy Hopkins and Adrienne Hughes and their Dodge Dart Demon
finished second in the division with 14 minutes and 24 seconds in penalties, while Kevin "Crash"
Corrigan and Paul Abbott placed third (1:02:41) in their Ford Escort MK1 S2000.
The event wrapped up Friday evening following a six-stage Leg 5, which took drivers through
the Northern Avalon, and for the first time in Targa's history, through the communities of
Carbonear, Harbour Grace and Brigus.
Subaru WRX Sti drivers Matt Oldford and Brian Oldford took top spot in the Modern Division
with just 2:53 in penalties, Targa Newfoundland owner Scott Giannou and co-driver Ray Felice
easily took the Classic Division with less than a minute in penalties (:58) in a Porsche 911, and
Alan Townsley and David Fuhrmann, driving an Acura RSX, took a mere two seconds in
penalties all week in the Grand Touring class.
Forty-seven of the 58 cars that left St. John's on Monday, Sept. 13 completed the event.
Trailer Park Boys stars Rob Wells and J.P. Tremblay, a.k.a. Ricky and Julian, finished 11th in
Grand Touring, while Canadian Forces veterans Master Cpl. Jody Mitic and Cpl. Andrew
Knisley climbed to seventh in the Modern Division on the final day. Along the way, the duo
raised over $90,000 for the Soldier On Fund.
FINAL STANDINGS
Open division
Pos Car No. Driver/Co-driver Vehicle Overall score Leg 5
1 807 Kenzie/Bourbonniere Mini Cooper S JCW 0:11:51 0:08:19
2 3 Hopkins/Hughes Dodge Dart Demon 0:14:24 0:03:59
3 2 Corrigan/Keenan Ford Escort MK1 S2000 1:02:41 0:12:28
4 810 Sawyer/Whyte Mini Cooper 1:10:29 0:13:01
5 5 Crewe/Hayward Volkswagen GTI 1:10:54 0:12:38
- 8 Wong/Sie BMW M3 DNF DNF
- 733 Adams/Louli Subaru WR DNF DNF
Grand Touring DIVISION
Pos Car No. Driver/Co-driver Vehicle Overall score Leg 5
U-Class
1 1017 Townsley/Fuhrmann Acura RSX 0:00:02 0:00:01
2 1010 Butler/Quest Porsche Boxter/Spyder 0:00:10 0:00:00
3 1030 Stacey/Kinlyside Subaru WRX 0:00:53 0:00:14
4 1048 Soave/Porasik Dodge Charger 0:03:48 0:01:58
E-Class
1 1032 Crant/Russell Volkswagen Golf Trek 0:00:09 0:00:00
2 1038 Hume/Bartleet Mini Cooper 0:00:24 0:00:02
3 1025 Hume/MacMullen BMW 335is 0:00:33 0:00:04
4 1027 Stover/Ricci Acura RDX 0:01:11 0:00:00
5 1046 Drumheller/Flanigin Porsche 993 Carrera Coupe 0:01:25 0:00:03 6 1037 Best/Parsons
Mitsubishi Evolution X 0:01:34 0:00:03
7 1048 Murray/Spiegelberg Porsche 911 C4S 0:01:48 0:00:26
8 1014 Piscitelli/Piscitelli BMW M5 0:05:56 0:03:23
9 1006 Taylor/Craig Chevrolet Corvette Z06 0:05:59 0:03:03
10 1008 Morch/Harris Dodge Calibre SRT 4 0:09:43 0:00:27
11 1023 Tremblay/Wells Porsche Cayman S 0:17:27 0:08:06
12 1049 Collingwood/Collingwood Dodge Viper 1:13:20 0:05:53
- 1019 Layton Ruff Mazda Miata MX-5 DNF DNF
- 1042 Novak/Hansen Mazda MX-5 DNF DNF
Classic DIVISION
Pos Car No. Driver/Co-driver Vehicle Overall score Leg 5
1 406 Giannou/Felice Porsche 911 SC 0:00:58 0:00:34
2 233 Yuille/Swan Chevrolet Camaro 0:06:58 0:06:28
3 188 Shannahan/Smith Ford Falcon Sprint 0:13:3 0:05:23
4 411 Wiltshire/Wiltshire Porsche 911 Targa 0:22:04 0:06:13
- 111 Shelton/Poraski Studebaker Commander Starline DNF DNF
- 209 Healey/Wiseman BMW 2002 DNF DNF
- 310 Horton/Potter Ford Escort MK1 DNF DNF
- 405 Gorham/Jackson Datsun 240 Z2 DNF DNF
Modern division
Pos Car No. Driver/Co-driver Vehicle Overall score Leg 5
1 715 Oldford/Oldford Subaru WRX Sti 0:02:53 0:01:32
2 888 Hartling/Beswick Lotus Exige 0:03:39 0:01:41
3 707 Wain/Piper Porsche GT2 0:04:42 0:01:47
4 717 Davenport/Monette Subaru WRX 0:05:35 0:02:32
5 609 Comrie-Picard/O'Kane Toyota Supra 0:06:19 0:01:36
6 803 Mepham/Solecki Mini Cooper S JCW 0:07:01 0:03:17
7 817 Mitic/Knisley Acura TL SH-AWD 0:07:46 0:02:51
8 716 Vollan/Filan Porsche Turbo 0:08:17 0:03:40
9 603 Karlin/McIntyre BMW M3 0:08:57 0:03:48
10 727 Jarvis/Sleigh Mini Cooper 0:10:21 0:03:53
11 709 Howard/Dyer Subaru WRX 0:13:15 0:05:42
12 506 Holland/Caratti Porsche 944 Turbo S 0:13:19 0:04:23
13 809 McGeehan/Covington Chevrolet Cobalt SS 0:15:36 0:05:14
14 777 Rodrigues/Laitenberger Porsche 996 TT 0:18:30 0:05:40
15 603 Hill/Kostick KIA Forte Koup 0:20:26 0:05:07
16 511 Turner/Deagle Ford Mustang GT 0:23:30 0:07:06
1715 Melendy/Lorenzen Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z28 0:23:36 0:05:23
18 720 Jones/Weld Honda Civic 0:32:11 0:07:47
19 19 Shotton/Pye Dodge Omni GLH Turbo 0:37:14 0:16:54
20 503 Bucknam/Vail Porsche 911 Carrera 0:37:37 0:08:51
- 618 Walter/Trauttmansdorf Nissan 240SX DNF DNF
- 897 Collingwood/Collingwood Porsche GT3RS DNF DNF
Back to Top
Section: News
Headline: Shortchanging wounded vets
Page: A2
Byline: Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Outlet: Toronto Star
Illustrations:
 Comrades prepare to move Sapper Jason Freeman, hurt by an IED, back to combat outpost
Ballpeen for medical evacuation in July. Improved payments are still far less than what's
available to returning soldiers in the U.K. TheCanadian Press file photo
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
What you hear is the sound of one hand clapping - because the other arm was blown off by a
roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Limbs lost, bodies gouged by shrapnel, minds and spirit concussed by post-traumatic stress
disorder: These are only some of the consequences from Canada's eight-year military
deployment to a country we will leave next summer only marginally better off than when our
troops arrived.
Applause was muted as the Tories announced on Sunday amendments to the New Veterans
Charter, with a financial boost of $200 million in benefits over the first five years for the most
seriously wounded vets, those who've suffered "catastrophic" injuries.
The Veterans Charter, spearheaded by the Liberals when in power but implemented in 2006 by
the Conservatives, has been the source of endless consternation for returning warriors.
Overwhelmed by bureaucracy, frustrated by the confusing plethora of overlapping agencies to
which application must be made, and oftentimes defeated by the forces aligned against them,
Afghan veterans have for years been complaining about a system that, frankly, was designed to
lowball compensation for soldiers and their families.
The "living charter" - passed unanimously but with little parliamentary debate - was intended to
be flexible so that flaws and gaps could be addressed as they were identified. An advisory group
was quick on the task, as was the veterans' ombudsman, yet it has taken four years for the Tories
to respond and the package formally unveiled Sunday in Ottawa is far from satisfactory, no
matter how much the defence and veterans affairs minister complimented themselves for it.
The core failing of the Charter remains: Lump sum payments for severely injured veterans, far
less than what's available to returning soldiers in the United Kingdom and Australia, in lieu of
automatic lifelong monthly disability pensions as enjoyed by Canadian soldiers after World War
II.
At most - those rendered unable to ever work again because of their injuries - can claim a lumpsum payment of up to $276,000. In the U.K., total disability carries compensation of $850,000.
In Australia, veterans have the option of a lump sum or lifelong disability pension.
In practice, few Canadian veterans have qualified for the upper level sum.
Accessing that money is a maddening process, with complete onus on the veteran to prove that
he or she has been grievously and irreversibly harmed, with no reasonable prospect of returning
to service or the civilian labour force. A sliding scale of injury impact is measured by 5 per cent
increments and, as veterans have discovered, bureaucrats will push back hard on the medical
documentation, demanding an excessively high standard of proof that a disability is servicelinked.
This makes mendicants out of proud soldiers at a time when they are struggling to recognize
their own severely altered, even unrecognizable, bodies. Most also have little capacity for
managing the paper chase demands imposed on them by institutional rigidity, required to file
multiple appeals to access funds from programs, the reasons for rejection mystifying.
Defence Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn said seriously injured veterans who can't return to work
will get an extra $1,000 each month for the rest of their lives, on top of the 75 per cent of their
salaries to which they're now entitled, plus a permanent monthly allowance of between $536 and
$1,609.
Those cheques still stop when veterans transition to a civilian job, after rehabilitation, as if the
nation's obligation to them ceases when, sufficiently treated or outfitted with prosthetics, a job is
secured.
Yet they'll spend the rest of their lives missing those limbs, coping with disabilities and suffering
residual pain.
Will the monthly boost be retroactive? Nobody has explained, though Blackburn said more
announcements are pending. Will that extra grand - which isn't very much, particularly when
added to 75 per cent of a low-ranking private's pre-injury salary - be available only, as seems the
case, to the most severely injured, and how will that be defined? And what of the complicated
pension clawbacks that have been roundly condemned, which shrink the dollar amount
considerably?
Many injured veterans have, since returning from Afghanistan, jumped at the lump sum offer
that looks appealing to a person in their mid-20s who has a poor grasp of the long-term future.
And some - youthful, with little financial guidance - have blown it on stuff rather than arrange
investments and structured money management, since they'd have to pay for that advice out of
pocket.
Earning loss benefits are certainly available through different programs, including funds to cover
education expenses for soldiers returning to school or professionally retraining while undergoing
rehab. Yet there have been cases of a year-long wait, following repatriation, before these cheques
are actually cut because of file processing backups and basic bureaucratic incompetence.
What of supplementary death benefits for spouses and children? Tax-free death benefits are
available to families, due to any Canadian Forces member killed while in service or those who
die from their wounds within 30 days of the injury. What about the family of a loved one who
dies after 30 days, sometimes the long-term consequences of an injury not even realized until
months, years, later?
Following WWII, veterans were offered low-interest loans and free college tuition to help adjust
to civilian life after serving their country. Surely Afghan vets should be entitled to the same by a
government spending $16 billion on new fighter jets.
The slick hardware may be necessary for a modern military in the 21st century. Yet the most
precious asset this country has is human - serving men and women - and their benefits have been
eroded under the Veterans Charter.
This Tory fix needs a retrofit.
Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Back to Top
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