OTTAWA, ON, May 25, 2005 - Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations (51 member groups), stated today that the Government has no liability for a class action currently before the Ontario Superior Court that is seeking up to $5.8 billion for disabled veterans.

"The Federal Government has said there never was a responsibility to pay any interest on the funds that they were managing for these veterans," Chadderton said. "They were doing them a favour, and there was no provision in any legislation that they could have paid interest anyway."

A group of lawyers commenced a class action going back to 1917, meaning the majority of beneficiaries would be far distant relatives.

"We are pressing the Government everyday for more bed space for veterans and this is where the money would be better spent rather than on 52nd degree cousins," said Chadderton.

The NCVA has petitioned Ministers of Veterans Affairs for many years, suggesting that, regardless of the decision of the Courts, Veterans Affairs Canada should establish a review procedure which would allow payment of interest on justifiable cases. The Supreme Court has held that Veterans Affairs is not responsible to pay interest.

Mr. Chadderton spoke at greater length on the issue on CJOB Radio's Larry Updike Show. The transcript can be read here.