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New Veterans' Charter Enhancements |
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October 11, 2011 -- The needs of Veterans are changing. It is happening now, and it is happening quickly. On October 6, 2011, our Government responded by announcing that enhancements to the New Veterans Charter are now in effect—improving financial support for thousands of Canadian Veterans.
To date, Veterans Affairs Canada has helped more than 20,000 Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families through programs and services under the New Veterans Charter. The Charter offers the financial help Veterans need while providing full physical and psychological rehabilitation services, vocational assistance, health care benefits, and one-on-one case management—all aimed at helping Veterans make a successful transition to civilian life.
Our Government promised that the New Veterans Charter would evolve with the needs of the men and women it serves—and these latest enhancements follow through on this promise. Over the next five years, an additional $189 million dollars has been set aside for Veterans most in need. It is estimated that a minimum of 4,000 Veterans will qualify for this enhanced financial support during this time.
Enhancements to the New Veterans Charter:
- A minimum pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for Veterans who are in rehabilitation or, if they are no longer able to be gainfully employed, until age 65;
- Expanded eligibility for additional monthly allowances (worth up to $1,632 per month, payable for life) for seriously injured Veterans;
- A new $1,000 monthly supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance (payable for life) to help our most seriously injured or ill Veterans who are unable to return to suitable, gainful employment; and
- New payment options for Canadian Forces members and Veterans receiving a disability award. While these men and women still have the choice of a lump-sum payment, they are also now able to receive a disability award as either an annual payment (with interest) over any number of years they choose, or as a combination of a partial lump-sum payment and annual payments (with interest).
These enhancements are just one example of how our Government is changing to meet the needs of today’s Veterans. In the following weeks and months, Veterans will see the positive impact of how Veterans Affairs Canada is cutting red tape and working to offer the hassle-free service Veterans have asked for.
Are you a Veteran? Do you know someone who is a Veteran and may benefit from these enhancements? To learn more about the services and benefits available to Canadian Veterans, visit www.veterans.gc.ca. |
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Centennial Flame Research Award |
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September 20, 2011 -- The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities is inviting Canadians with disabilities to apply for the 2011 Centennial Flame Research Award.
According to the Centennial Flame Research Award Act, this monetary award is offered each year to a person with a disability to enable him or her to conduct research and prepare a report on the contributions of one or more Canadians with disabilities to the public life of Canada or the activities of Parliament.
The award for 2011 which was increased by $500.00 from the $5000.00 for 2010, will amount to $5500.00, and comes from the money collected from the Centennial Flame monument on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and any money otherwise received as a donation to the Centennial Flame Research Award Fund.
For your application to be considered, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must be a person with a disability;
- The applicant must submit proof of Canadian citizenship;
- The applicant must submit an outline in any medium of his or her proposed research project dealing with the contributions of a Canadian or Canadians with disabilities to public life in Canada or the activities of Parliament. The outline must explain the significance of these contributions and describe how the research will be undertaken;
- The applicant must submit a letter of support for his or her application from a person of his or her choice other than the subject of the research; and
- All required documents must be sent to the Clerk of the Committee and must be postmarked on or before October 15, 2011.
Those interested in more information on this award may consult the Committee's web site or contact the Office of the Clerk of the Committee. |
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CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis |
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June 29, 2011 -- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today issued the following statement:
"This morning I was briefed by Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), who chaired a meeting yesterday with the Scientific Expert Working Group on Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
"Patients and their families have been calling for the funding of a clinical trial on a treatment to unblock veins. Our government has been clear that we are prepared to fund a clinical trial, but only when there was sufficient medical and scientific information to support it proceeding safely.
"At yesterday's meeting, experts discussed the seven ongoing studies looking at CCSVIand linkages to MS, and reviewed scientific reports that are presently available. Based on this information, Dr. Beaudet has advised me that there is unanimous agreement that a clinical trial should proceed at the Phase I/II level.
"I have asked CIHR to establish the terms of reference for this clinical trial. We are committed to launching an open and transparent call for applications as quickly as possible. We have some of the world's best MS and vascular researchers in this country, so I'm confident they will put forward excellent proposals.
"I want to thank the Scientific Working Group on CCSVI and the MS Society of Canada for their dedication and hard work. Our Government appreciates all they have done to grapple with this important issue.
"It has been a moving experience to meet with and hear from so many MS patients and their families who have shown tremendous courage in the face of such a difficult illness. I wholeheartedly applaud those affected and their families who have to go through such difficult moments.
"I have always said that I would do everything I can to accelerate progress in this area, and I believe today's announcement is another example of our government's commitment to keep working tirelessly in the fight against MS." |
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Report Works Towards Red Tape Reduction |
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September 6, 2011 -- Last winter, the Red Tape Reduction Commission held hearings with business-owners and entrepreneurs across the country. This included a business roundtable discussion organized by MP David Sweet on March 4, 2011 at the Dutch Mill in Flamborough.
ADFW business-owners, like those from across the country, identified many examples of the challenges they face due to red tape—challenges that affect their ability to innovate and expand their businesses.
Today, Minister of State and Chair of the Red Tape Commission, Maxime Bernier released the What Was Heard report which summarizes the issues raised. This report will form the basis of the Red Tape Reduction Commission’s final report that will recommend ways to cut red tape to allow businesses and entrepreneurs do what they do best: create jobs and economic growth.
To read the entire What Was Heard report, click here.
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada recognized 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur, highlighting the resilience and innovation Canadian entrepreneurs demonstrated during the most challenging days of the global economic recession as well as recognizing the essential role that small and medium-sized businesses will play in securing Canada's ongoing economic recovery.
Canada's continued economic recovery will be stimulated by the private sector, and the reduction of red tape is one way the Government of Canada is making it easier for small businesses to invest and create jobs. |
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May 24, 2011 -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that targeted sanctions would be imposed against members of the current Syrian regime. This action is in response to the on-going and violent crackdown by the military and security forces against Syrian civilians who are peacefully protesting for democracy and the respect of human rights.
“Canada is gravely concerned at the excessive use of force by the Syrian regime against its own people, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the detention of thousands more,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The sanctions being announced today are a repudiation of Syria’s blatant violation of its international human rights obligations that threaten the security of the entire Middle East.”
Canada is also concerned about the humanitarian situation in cities and towns that remain under military lockdown, and by reports that hundreds of Syrians are fleeing the country.
Our Government will be implementing the following sanctions against Syria which are aimed at pushing for democratic reform:
- A travel ban to Canada imposed on designated people associated with the current Syrian regime;
- An asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people;
- A ban under the Export and Import Permits Act on the export from Canada to Syria of goods and technology that are subject to export controls; and,
- A suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.
The measures announced today directly target members of the current Syrian regime and individuals and entities involved in the crackdown. They are not intended to cause harm to the Syrian people.
Canada stands with the Syrian people’s call for democratic reform and calls on the current regime to immediately cease the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
“The best way to ensure peace and stability in Syria is through democratic reform and respect for human rights, not violent repression,” Prime Minister Harper added. |
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