OTTAWA, ON, October 28, 1999 

STATEMENT BY CLIFF CHADDERTON, CHAIR 

The National Council of Veteran Associations, which represents 36 veterans organizations, was pleased to hear that Veterans Affairs Minister George Baker is apparently preparing a proposal for cabinet regarding compensation for Merchant Seamen.

We have been in consultation with Mr. Baker and his officials for several weeks.

The following facts are known: 

• Widows will be included.
• If compensation is awarded, it will be in a lump sum.
• Mr. Baker is apparently looking for some parallel with World War II veterans.
• The major veterans organizations, including the Royal Canadian Legion, have counselled against the $20,000 and $30,000 demanded by Merchant Navy groups. The major veterans organizations have, however, given Mr. Baker a guarantee that if he can come up with an amount which is reasonable and indicate that the basis for the amount is fair, we will support him.
• Officials of Veterans Affairs have assured us that any Merchant Seamen compensation package would not include other civilian groups such as Ferry Command and Overseas Welfare Workers as indicated in The National Post story of October 16, 1999. The government has already approved a $5 million package which would give these groups the same pension eligibility as veterans.