OTTAWA, ON, April 16, 2003 - The decision to grant war veterans allowance to Hugh Trainor of Summerside, PEI, must necessarily be appealed, according to a statement released today by the 44-member National Council of Veteran Associations.

"We have no argument with Mr. Trainor," Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of NCVA, said. "If, however, we are to protect the interest of those who served in the Armed Forces and are deserving of veterans benefits, we cannot allow the decision of the Appeal Board to remain unchallenged."

The decision to grant the allowance to Hugh Trainor was made on March 31st of this year. Chadderton stated that his organization, which had followed the nine year history of appeals, including two to the Federal Court, will commence work immediately to appeal the decision.

"The appellate system provides that we would have to submit an appeal to the Appeal Board in Charlottetown and, quite probably, to the Federal Court itself," Chadderton said.

Chadderton stated that the task of veterans organizations was to protect the interests of veterans. "We cannot see that the granting of a veterans allowance to a person who did not serve is any way within the intent of the legislation," he said.

Chadderton stated further: "We must take into consideration the feelings of veterans, Merchant Seamen and other civilian groups who served with the Armed Forces, if they have had an application for benefits turned down. How could Veterans Affairs justify granting a benefit to a man who did not even serve while turning down what might necessarily be a deserving case for someone who wore his Majesty's uniform during World War II?"

A copy of our media advisory released yesterday is attached.