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Some of Kelowna's veterans proudly walking in the Remembrance Day parade. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
Another new benefit has been proposed for Canadian veterans.
The proposed Critical Injury Benefit (CIB) was announced on Monday by the federal government in an effort to help the most severely injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and veterans. The CIB would give a $70,000 tax-free award to CAF members and veterans who, since April 2006, have either experienced a severe and traumatic injury or developed an acute disease from a single event that caused “immediate and severe impairment and interference in quality of life”, says the government.
This benefit is supposed to work with existing benefits and supports from Veterans Affairs Canada, and the government says that the benefit is separate and apart from disability award payments.
(Photo Credit: Canadian Armed Forces)
“This new benefit will provide immediate recognition and compensation to CAF members and Veterans who have made a tremendous personal sacrifice, and will provide them with security and peace of mind following a critical injury or illness,” said Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Veteran Affairs Canada says that, to reduce wait times, their employees will proactively contact those veterans who have had a severe service-related injury or disease to discuss the benefit.
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