OTTAWA, ON, February 17, 1999 

STATEMENT: 

The national organizations representing veterans and Merchant Seamen agreed that they would not oppose the Omnibus Bill C-61 which is being reviewed by the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs on February 18th. This was on the understanding that the Committee would conduct a study to consider a grant in lieu of rehabilitation benefits denied to Merchant Navy personnel on discharge after World War II.

ESSENTIAL FACTS: 

• Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations, stated that representatives of the various groups had met on February 11th. It was agreed that the Omnibus Bill made provision that Merchant Seamen would be entitled to the designation as "war veteran" and would be extended the same pension and "means test" allowances as those who served in the Armed Forces during World War II.
• Chadderton stated that the decision not to appear was based on a commitment from Mr. Pat O'Brien, Chair of the Standing Committee, that an opportunity would be provided later in this session under which arrangements would be made for the organizations representing veterans and Merchant Seamen to make a comprehensive plea for a special lump sum payment in lieu of the benefits which were previously denied to Merchant Seamen as they did not have the status as veterans.
• The War Amps has produced a 60-minute film, Sail or Jail, which provides the background concerning the government's actions which led to a disenfranchisement of Merchant Seamen as veterans. The information in this 60-minute video is available to community channels free of charge and may be purchased at a cost-recovery price of $12 by telephoning 1-800-250-3030.

BACKGROUND: 

• Sept. 29, 1998: Seamen begin Parliament Hill hunger strike demanding Veterans Affairs Minister give 2,300 surviving Merchant Mariners equal benefits to other veterans.
• Oct. 7: Cliff Chadderton writes to Prime Minister about hunger strike and provides information regarding benefits sought in his 1997 submission to Senate Sub-Committee on Veterans Affairs.
• Oct 10: Hunger strike ends when Seamen offered meeting with Veterans Affairs Minister.
• Nov 18: NCVA annual meeting unanimously approves recommendation in support of claim.
• Nov 25: Merchant Seamen begin second hunger strike.
• Nov 26: Chadderton goes before Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs to comment on veterans Omnibus Bill C-61 and discuss lump sum payment for Merchant Navy vets.
• Nov 27: Second hunger strike ends when Seamen promised future hearing before Standing Committee where they can ask for special one-time payment for postwar benefits not received.
• Dec 2: Bill C-61 has first reading in the House. Proposed legislation would transfer current Merchant Navy veteran clauses to main Veterans Act, namely the Pension and War Veterans Allowance Act, however, does not address benefits withheld between 1945-1992.