Concern for veterans

Open letter to Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

I would like to voice my support for Canadian Veterans with Cancer.

As a cancer survivor, whose cancer was caused by my service in the Canadian Forces, I understand the difficulties veterans are facing due to exposure to toxic chemicals and environments.

The United States has enacted the PACT Act, which resulted in certain disabilities presumed to have been caused by military service in certain deployments. That resulted in U.S. veterans automatically receiving benefits and services in a quick and less bureaucratic fashion.

The Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs does not have this type of approach. Although, the legislation has a provision for environmental exposures (that) cause certain types of disabilities, the veteran must prove several aspects.

The denial rate is very high. Most (claims) must go to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, where they are often approved. The delay can often outlive the veteran.

Canadian veterans have been exposed to highly toxic environments from burn pits to toxic chemicals and environments.

It is high time we update Department of Veterans Affairs policies and regulations to serve veterans with disabilities caused by toxic environmental conditions.

Steven Brent Warne