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Veterans mobilize for better compensation

A small but concerned group of veterans gathered in Red Deer on Saturday, joining thousands across Canada to fight for better compensation for veterans.
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Canadian veteran Al Low speaks to a crowd gathered outside Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen’s constituency office on Saturday. Dreeshen


A small but concerned group of veterans gathered in Red Deer on Saturday, joining thousands across Canada to fight for better compensation for veterans.

Eighteen veterans and supporters gathered outside Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen’s office at 11 a.m.

Gary Stewart, of Red Deer, who spent 34 years with the Canadian Air Force and five years in reserves, said he’s been denied disability pension for post traumatic stress disorder.

He said Veterans Affairs is just starting to recognize post traumatic stress disorder, which has been recognized by the United States military for 10 years.

“It’s just like Veterans Affairs Canada just doesn’t give a damn — nothing,” said Stewart who is also angry about clawbacks to regular military pensions.

He’s appealing the decision on his disability pension and he’s worried about the barriers military personnel serving Afghanistan will face.

“Veterans Affairs is not working. It needs to be fixed. Government won’t do it, unless we do things like we’re doing right now,” said Stewart, who joined other veterans wearing medals and poppies at the rally.

Al Low, president of 703 Wing of Airforce Association of Canada, said he spread the word about Saturday’s rally because it’s harder and harder for veterans to get benefits.

“It appears the first thing Veterans Affairs does is deny,” said Low who spent 36 years in airforce and another 8 years in the reserves.

They have already fought for their country, or were in constant training to meet potential threats. Veterans shouldn’t have to fight again for benefits, he said.

The appointment of a new veterans ombudsman is also worrisome to veterans.

The government did not renew Pat Stogran’s contract, a retired lieutenant-colonel who led a campaign to improve benefits for veterans. Retired chief warrant Guy Parent will take over the job on Remembrance Day.

Low questioned the government’s power to fire and hire the veterans ombudsman, when most ombudsmen are not under the direct control of government.

Dreeshen, who listened to veterans’ complaints at Saturday’s rally, said he understands veterans’ frustrations.

“I think you are going to find some of the things (Stogran) was talking about has been put into the new plans. I think we’re going see in the next few weeks even more details.”

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com