Veteran Rights
Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.
Dear Bird Talk,
Thank you for reminding old soldiers in the Spring 08 CSANews magazine about exercising rights vis-a-vis retirement benefits, prescription medication, support for home safety provisions and matters mobility. However, such benefits only apply to ex-members of the Canadian Armed Forces, not its expat allies.
As a long-standing member of the Korean Veterans Association, Cambridge, and as one who fought under the auspices of The War Office (London), I am not entitled to Canadian benefits and, what is more, nor have I been approached by said War Office at any time during the past 40 years that I have lived in Canada ever mentioning U.K. veterans’ benefits. I still receive the same very small pension which is frozen at the 1968 rate, with nary a single increase (non-indexed) throughout all those years. As well, I cannot even remember ever having received a bulletin, pamphlet or broadsheet-reminder listing what I am supposed to be entitled to.
Obviously, out of sight is out of mind. Aussie, Kiwi, South African and British expats are all left out to dry in exactly the same fashion as, inevitably, our numbers rapidly decrease. This U.K. penny-pinching policy can only help Mr. Brown solve a multitude of at-home fiscally strapped social services headaches.
Ron Smith
Response:
Ed: It appears that Mr. Brown may be having a little trouble at home. Perhaps now would be a good time to write to the War Office to “complain” and copy a few of the British newspapers. Politicians seem to understand the little guy’s plight much better just prior to an election.
You could also contact the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners (CABP) that is working on U.K. veterans’ behalf.
CABP – Toll-Free – 1.800.591.3964
www.britishpensions.com
