Duration: 57 minutes, 30 seconds ($12.00) • Order DVD
First Released: 1999 • Read Script (PDF)

The Canadian government declared the Merchant Marine an essential arm of our fighting service during the Second World War. Yet, after the war, the government did not recognize merchant seamen as veterans and withheld from them many veterans benefits.

In this briefing to the National Council of Veteran Associations, Chairman Cliff Chadderton tells the whole story of the treachery of the government, ship owners, and some unions. It is a tale Canadians should know.

A merchant seaman during the war was probably under age, over age or unfit for service in the regular uniformed Armed Forces. He was required to serve under what was known as the "sail or jail" Order in Council of the Canadian government. His chances of survival, particularly early in the war, were slim.

There were 353 merchant vessels sunk in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or the Canadian offshore waters. The U-boats, surface raiders, and enemy aircraft were not the only dangers. The sea itself was the enemy and convoys went ahead, no matter what the conditions.

After the war, the merchant seamen were forgotten heroes. This documentary explains why the government withheld benefits, and provides compelling reasons for the government to "make it up" to these men who were not given the option of seeking civilian employment under the generous legislation of the Veterans Charter available to the regular Armed Forces.

On May 4, 2001, Veterans Affairs Canada announced an additional $34.5 million to provide a full second payment for qualified Canadian Merchant Navy veterans and their surviving spouses. This follows the first 60% instalment and concludes the ex-gratia Merchant Navy Special Benefit bringing the total package to $104.5 million. This compensation removes the "black mark" that hung over Canada's veterans programs.