Save our injured veterans, not dollars, says Island senator

An overhaul of veterans' benefits and services three years ago must be about improved assistance to veterans and not saving dollars, says an Island Senator.

Percy Downe, a Liberal Senator living in Charlottetown, told The Guardian Monday he is seeking assurances that the New Veterans Charter that took effect April 1, 2006, will benefit veterans for the long haul.

The New Veterans Charter replaced monthly disability payments under the old Pension Act. And, given that injured Canadian Forces members have three years in which to return to a service-ready level or be released, the legislation has yet to be truly tested among those with the most severe injuries.

A payment of up to $255,792.25 - depending on the severity of the disability - replaces the lifelong monthly payments of old.

That is potentially a lot of money for what in many cases will be young men to manage, notes Downe, who sits on the subcommittee of Veterans Affairs.

"Some people will take the financial counselling and manage it well,'' he said.

"Others, if the money is spent, if the money is wasted because of other problems - addiction problems related to their war injury or mental health issues - what resources are available after the fact if (money management) mistakes are made.''

Downe participated in a briefing in Charlottetown Monday on a wide variety of topics including challenges facing veterans and officers returning from Afghanistan, incidence of post traumatic stress disorder, trade and technician shortages, and updates on the Aurora Incremental Life Extension project, Sea King and Cyclone helicopters, search and rescue (SAR), Maritime Forces Atlantic, and Marine Security Operations Centre operations.

Members of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence took part in the briefings by DVA and military officials Monday.

They will also be visiting military bases in the Maritime provinces this week.