Further changes will guarantee all beneficiaries a minimum of $40,000 per year in benefits, whatever their salary was when they served in the Armed Forces, said Blackburn.
"If the legislation is adopted, on top of the lump-sum disability award, our most seriously injured veterans who are no longer able to work will receive at least $58,000 per year," he said in a release.
The government will allow wounded veterans the choice of a lump-sum payment or instalments over several years, or a combination of both. The veterans can choose the number of years they'd like to receive payments.
"The disability award is not intended to be income replacement. The disability award is intended to recognize through compensation the pain and suffering of the veteran," said Blackburn.
I don't know what was wrong with the original plan. It treated me well enough. This stinks of the Govt trying to cut corners and costs associated with wounded soldiers. And they had the gall to change it during war time..
Will the $40k per year be guaranteed for life? Or like under the system up until yesterday, does the income supplement exist only for up to two years while under rehabilitation, which the government would decide when you were done?
I want to see a half dozen case studies comparing the old system and today's new system using actual calculations based on actual injuries. I frankly do not believe anymore that the government is operating in good faith on this issue until I see a simple, clear cut breakdown of real numbers without weasel words.
MAPLE GUARDIAN left this comment on the story, which I think pretty well sums it up:
Wow, Throw us a fricken bone Blackburn. Veterans are not finished with you. This is once again another rosey stab in the back from our government. This is wonderful I was making over $54k /yr now I get blown up and am unable to work and I get $40k I am not sure that the minister that doesn't have to worry about his paycheque understands that a lot of us wounded vets have families. $40K may be great for a single person but I have a wife and 3 kids and pay child support for two others from a previous relationship as a lot of us do because the military is so hard on families, what the hell am I supposed to do? Say sorry kids but because dad chose to fight for Queen and country, and was injured putting his ass on the line for them, you get to be raised in poverty? For those that do not think that it is a big deal. I was signed on to the CF till at least 14 Nov 2020, that was a contract with a possibility of advancement, increases in rank and pay. The moment I became wounded I was ineligible for promotion, and pay raises because I am considered UNFIT. My career was golden and it was only a matter of months before I was to be promoted. I forgot it is only a contract if I want to get out of the forces, but if I get wounded and become a liability to them they'll just cut me loose with $40/yr with no possibility of it ever increasing. Gee thanks a lot.
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