- Reaction score
- 3,947
- Points
- 1,260
Caveat: Private Member's Bills have a very slim chance of passing unless the ruling party is also willing to let them pass.
From the House of Commons yesterday:
More information on the bill itself (even more'll be there once the text of the bill itself is posted):
The Canadian Press, 3 Oct 12New Democrats have introduced a private member’s bill to scrap an oft-maligned board where ex-soldiers can appeal the denial of benefits by the federal government. MP Peter Stoffer, the party’s veterans critic, says the review agency is the No. 1 problem facing individual veterans – and is seen as a place where they have to plead for what is rightfully theirs.
“The problem that many, many veterans face is when they appear before this politically appointed, non-accountable board is that they feel like they’re begging for something,” Mr. Stoffer said Wednesday.
“They feel they’re coming cap in hand.”
The Veterans Review and Appeal Board has been at the centre of complaints – even from one of its own members – that it disrespects and sometimes belittles veterans who appear before it ....
From the House of Commons yesterday:
Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP) moved for leave to introduce Bill C-447, An Act respecting the repeal and replacement of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act.
He said: Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the House for their unanimous consent to introduce the legislation.
Basically, this is a one-page bill that is, quite simply, for our veterans, military and RCMP in this country. I am sure I speak on behalf of all members who want to ensure that our veterans get the benefits they require in a quick and expedient manner to ensure they can get on with their lives after service to their country.
The bill basically says that the Government of Canada must, in consultation with Canadian veterans and organizations, develop new legislation to repeal and replace the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act in order to establish a new and simplified regime that incorporates a medical, evidence-based, peer review process for decision-making regarding veterans' entitlements under relevant federal statutes, and may introduce that legislation in the House of Commons within three days of when this act comes into force.
Once again I thank all members of the House for the opportunity to introduce this legislation.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
More information on the bill itself (even more'll be there once the text of the bill itself is posted):
C-447 An Act respecting the repeal and replacement of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act
Short Title
Veterans Review and Appeal Board Replacement Act ....