OTTAWA, ON, October 26, 2003 - There was considerable debate in the House last Friday, in regard to the failure of the Government to provide continuation of Veterans Independence Program benefits unless the death took place after May 12, 2003. 

"As Chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations, I felt I had no alternative but to write to the Minister," states Cliff Chadderton.

"In particular, although the Minister of Veterans Affairs made reference to supportive letters from the Dominion Presidents of the Royal Canadian Legion and Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans, he made no reference to my response which went to his Deputy Minister," Chadderton continued.

"He might well have told the House that he received a letter from me (which had been asked for specifically in a telephone call by Jack Stagg, Deputy Minister)," Chadderton concluded. The letter contained a number of reservations.

Please find appended herewith a letter to Minister Pagtakhan.