OTTAWA, ON, November 7, 2003 - This is a statement from Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of the 47-member National Council of Veteran Associations (NCVA), who is en route to Florida for a minor knee operation.

"The announcement made by the Minister of Veterans Affairs in the House of Commons yesterday, and the news release from the Department, were passed to me for comment," he said.

"I take the greatest of pleasure in congratulating the Ministers of Government, and the Minister of Veterans Affairs, in respect of the announcement that VIP will be restored to 1990, being the date upon which VIP was first extended to war widows," Chadderton stated.

The Department has, of necessity, amended the ruling to the effect that a widow must qualify on health grounds.

Chadderton stated that this was ultimately fair in that a widow who is still able to provide groundskeeping, if she is residing in her own home, and/or housekeeping if she is physically capable of doing so, represents a reasonable response.

This would be acceptable to the widows and, as well, takes into account the necessity of the Government to act responsibly in regard to taxpayers funds.

Chadderton added that his organization would be immediately notifying those widows who made justifiable complaints to the effect that the groundskeeping and/or housekeeping would be payable only if the veteran died after the change in Departmental Regulations of May 12, 2003.

"I take great pleasure," Chadderton stated, "in commending the Minister and express my regret that it was my judgement that brought the situation to where we felt that we had to ask for his resignation. I would indicate now that, in all respects, except for the denial of VIP for widows whose husbands died prior to May 12th, he has provided for the veterans and their dependants, excellent leadership of his Department."

Chadderton has written to express his appreciation to the Government. In addition, he has apologized to the Minister that he felt it was necessary to ask for his resignation.

Chadderton has now written to the Minister expressing the view that NCVA, representing some 200,000 veterans and widows, has asked him to congratulate the Government and, in particular, the Minister of Veterans Affairs.

He also wishes to congratulate all Members of the House of Commons who supported the issue which resulted in unanimous approval of the House in regard to a motion requesting that the Government of Canada restore this benefit to widows.