OTTAWA, ON, July 15, 2003 - Cliff Chadderton, Chair of the 45-member National Council of Veteran Associations, stated today that his organization had been petitioning Ministers of Veterans Affairs for many years, suggesting that, regardless of the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, expected Thursday, July 17, 2003, the Department of Veterans Affairs should establish a review procedure which would allow payment of interest on justifiable cases.

As the legislation stands, interest is paid on funds administered on behalf of hospitalized veterans judged incapable of handling their own financial affairs. This legislation was passed January 1, 1990. The Government's decision was not retroactive.

A group of lawyers commenced a class action going back to 1917. This would mean far distant relatives could benefit.

"It is clear that the Pension Act is intended only to indemnify disabled veterans, with additional allowances for spouses and for children up to age 25," Chadderton said.

Chadderton stated that the policy of the National Council was that if the Supreme Court turned down the appeal, Veterans Affairs was still obligated to look at any justifiable cases preceding the January 1, 1990 deadline.

"On the other hand," Chadderton stated, "if the Supreme Court agreed with the principle of the appellants, Veterans Affairs should protect the taxpayer by enacting new legislation, based on the proviso that interest prior to January 1, 1990 should be paid, but that a realistic "cut-off" date be established so that benefits would be available only to descendants who would have a legitimate claim on the assets of the veteran, or on his estate."