Legion Disappointed With Only Slight Consideration for its Budget Recommendations

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/11/14 -- Mr. Gordon Moore, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion expressed mixed emotions with the outcome of today's budget. "I am very pleased that the issue of a dignified funeral for the most vulnerable, low income Veterans has finally been resolved." says Moore. "The Legion was singled out in the 2013 Budget in that the Government stated it would work with us and they lived up to their commitment in today's budget."

However, The Royal Canadian Legion is disappointed that the federal Government did not address the urgent financial shortcomings of the New Veterans Charter in today's budget. While studies and analysis since 2006 have concluded where immediate resolution is required, our most vulnerable Veterans continue to face a bleak future and financial hardship. "There should be no doubt that the issue of adequate financial support is an urgent issue for all Veterans and their families", says Moore. The Legion will continue to press on the issues still requiring immediate resolution including:

1.  The Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB) must be improved to provide 100% of pre-
    release income, continue for life and include increases for projected
    career earnings for a Canadian Armed Forces member;
2.  The maximum disability award must be increased consistent with what is
    provided to injured civilian workers who received general damages in law
    court; and
3.  The current inequity with regards to ELB for Class A and Class B (less
    than 180 days) Reservists for service attributable injuries must cease
    immediately.

However, the door has not closed, The Royal Canadian Legion will hold the torch high and continue to advocate for these much needed improvements to the financial compensation for our injured Veterans and their families. "This Government needs to give the men and women who have been injured in service to our country the hope for a better tomorrow; a brighter future," adds Moore. The Legion will not let these issues rest and our advocacy efforts will only be redoubled until the results our members expect are delivered by this government. Canada's Veterans and their families deserve no less.

ABOUT THE LEGION

Established in 1926, the Legion is the largest Veterans' and community support organization in Canada with more than 320,000 members. Its mission is to serve all Veterans including serving Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police members as well as their families, to promote Remembrance and to serve our communities and our country.

The Legion's Service Bureau Network provides assistance and representation to all Veterans regarding their disability claims, benefits and services from Veterans Affairs Canada and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. In communities across Canada it is the Legion that perpetuates Remembrance through the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day ceremonies. With more than 1, 460 branches, the Legion supports programs for seniors, Veterans' housing, outreach and visitation, youth leadership, education, sports, Cadets, Guides and Scouts.

We Will Remember Them.

Contacts:
Bruce Poulin
Dominion Command
The Royal Canadian Legion
[phone] ext. 241
Cell: [phone]
[e-mail]