Motion to improve veterans' pensions opposed by Tories
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 | 8:12 AM ET CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/11/08/pension-veterans.html
An NDP motion calling on the federal government to improve pension benefits for military veterans was opposed in the House of Commons by Conservative MPs.
MPs on Tuesday passed the non-binding motion, introduced by the NDP veterans' affairs critic Peter Stoffer four days ahead of national Remembrance Day ceremonies.
However, all Conservative MPs voted against the motion, which means the minority government is unlikely to pass it.
The NDP proposal would reduce the amount of money Ottawa claws back from veterans' pensions when their Canada Pension or Old Age Security kicks in, as well as extend survivor benefits to spouses who had married older veterans, eliminating the so-called "gold-digger clause."
During the recent federal election campaign, the Conservatives promised changes to the pension plan for veterans, but say they need more time to figure out the best approach.
Stoffer, who introduced the motion, says he's baffled by the government's position.
More on link
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 | 8:12 AM ET CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/11/08/pension-veterans.html
An NDP motion calling on the federal government to improve pension benefits for military veterans was opposed in the House of Commons by Conservative MPs.
MPs on Tuesday passed the non-binding motion, introduced by the NDP veterans' affairs critic Peter Stoffer four days ahead of national Remembrance Day ceremonies.
However, all Conservative MPs voted against the motion, which means the minority government is unlikely to pass it.
The NDP proposal would reduce the amount of money Ottawa claws back from veterans' pensions when their Canada Pension or Old Age Security kicks in, as well as extend survivor benefits to spouses who had married older veterans, eliminating the so-called "gold-digger clause."
During the recent federal election campaign, the Conservatives promised changes to the pension plan for veterans, but say they need more time to figure out the best approach.
Stoffer, who introduced the motion, says he's baffled by the government's position.
More on link