OTTAWA, ON, May 12, 2004 - The 47-member National Council of Veteran Associations today welcomed news that the Government of Canada would provide up to $1,000 to assist D-Day veterans who wish to return to the shores of Normandy in connection with the 60th anniversary of the landing of the Canadians on Juno Beach.

"Although we compliment Veterans Affairs Minister McCallum on the action he is taking, there is a 'large measure of improbability' in the Government's action," Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of NCVA, said.

"Firstly, the average D-Day veteran is in his middle 80's. This is a time when he requires a companion, particularly in regard to the arduous trip to France. Most of the D-Day veterans can exist only with spousal help to provide medication, physical assistance with bathing, and other needs of their age group," Chadderton stated today.

He added: "The Government's offer to provide $1,000, which is equivalent to economy airfare on a round-trip basis from Canada to Paris, totally ignores the needs of this aging group. Accordingly, we have had many comments by telephone, e-mail and fax, expressing appreciation to the Government for its late offer of $1,000, but the words of thanks are sprinkled with snide comments as to whether Veterans Affairs really fully understands the plight of this aging group which stormed the beaches of Normandy some 60 years ago."

In addition, Chadderton said, "We have warned the Federal Government that its eleventh-hour announcement may well be futile in that no arrangements are being made for ground transportation via motorbuses and, according to French officials, accommodation is at a premium."

This is a supplement to the news release issued earlier today.

HEADING: VETERANS GROUP SAYS D-DAY FUNDING WELCOME BUT IMPRACTICAL 

DATELINE: OTTAWA, May 12, 2004 

The 60 veterans comprising the Minister's official party were given approximately $300 as a non-accountable advance for expenses.

In addition, if they required spousal assistance, they were allowed to take a companion. The companion would also be furnished with a non-accountable advance of a similar amount.

On the other hand, the offer from the Minister is solely a $1,000 grant which would not cover any extra expenses.

"This does a magnificent job of creating two different classes of D-Day veteran. In my view, the Government has not heard the end of this yet," said Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of the 47-member National Council of Veteran Associations.