TORONTO, Dec. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Veterans Transition Network: A group of six injured veterans suffered a devastating setback yesterday in their legal battle with the government when the Equitas case was struck down in its entirety at the B.C. Court of Appeal.
The Equitas case was filed in 2012 in response to a government decision in 2006 to replace lifelong pensions for disabled veterans with a single lump-sum payment. They allege that this overhaul discriminates against today’s veterans because the previous pension system provided more financial support over a lifetime.
The judgement on Monday did not consider whether or not disabled veterans were adequately compensated. Instead, it dismissed the claims that the charter rights of veterans had been violated and struck down the case on the grounds that there was no chance for success.
“We are more determined than ever to fight the fight for justice for disabled veterans,” Marc Burchell, President of the Equitas Society said, “and we will win because it is morally right.”
Retired Warrant Officer Brian McKenna, a representative of the Equitas Society previously stated, “This isn't the standard that Canada ought to deliver." McKenna has also taken part in an advisory group for Veterans Affairs Canada and volunteers as a paraprofessional with the Veterans Transition Network.
Veteran Affairs Canada remained optimistic, saying in a statement, "We remain committed to a lifelong benefit option for ill and injured Veterans and we will finalize a benefit for life option for pension program for ill and injured Veterans soon.”
In the meantime, the Veterans Transition Network continues to deliver specialized therapy services to Veterans who have been unable to receive timely assistance from the government.
About the Veterans Transition Network: The Veterans Transition Network is the only Canadian charity delivering mental health services to veterans from coast to coast. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Marv Westwood, their mission is to make sure no Canadian veteran is left suffering in isolation. Our programs are backed by 20 years of research and have a 98% successful transition rate, one of the highest in the world. For more information, see vtncanada.org.
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