News Release

February 1, 2000

Federal Government Reaches Deal With Merchant Navy Veterans

Ottawa - The Honourable George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced a tax-free package for Canada's Merchant Navy veterans and surviving spouses. Payments will be made to eligible Canadian merchant mariners who served during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. The Minister says the payments to wartime Merchant Navy veterans or their surviving spouses will be made ex gratia.

"We would not be here today without the tremendous effort and leadership demonstrated by the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans' Association, the Merchant Navy Coalition for Equality, the Royal Canadian Legion, the National Council of Veteran Associations and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada," Minister Baker said. "In making these payments, the Government is saying to all Canadians that we value the enormous contribution and sacrifice made by the Merchant Navy during Canada's war efforts."

Maximum payments could be:

• $20,000 for war-related service of more than 24 months;
  
  
• $10,000 for war-related service of between 6 months and 24 months;
  
  
• $5,000 for war-related service of between 1 and 6 months, or for less than 1 month if captured, killed or disabled;
  
  
• An additional 20 percent will be paid to any veteran receiving these benefits who spent time as a Prisoner of War.
  
  

A total of $50 million has been allocated by the Government for this package. To ensure that all eligible veterans and surviving spouses receive a fair share of the available funds, payments will be made in up to two disbursements. The first will consist of a percentage of their maximum eligible payment. Should there be funds remaining, Merchant Navy veterans and surviving spouses would be eligible for a second disbursement.

Payments will be made to eligible former members of the Canadian or Newfoundland Merchant Navy with war-related service, who were not wartime members of the Armed Forces. In the case of deceased merchant mariners, surviving spouses may qualify. Merchant Navy veterans or surviving spouses have six months, until July 31, 2000, to apply.

Persons wanting to apply for this special benefit, should call toll-free at 1-800-228-7441. The TDD toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1-877-713-7640.

These payments build upon the existing comprehensive system of services and benefits available to all Canada's veterans. Merchant Navy veterans received full access to these benefits in 1992.

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca