The federal government has spent more than $38 million on legal proceedings involving Canada’s veterans over the past two years.
Nearly $1 million of that amount has been spent on legal fees for two lawsuits launched in 2016 by former members of the military who allege they were sexually assaulted or sexually harassed while they were serving.
Another $1.3 million was spent on legal fees for 73 other cases involving veterans.
Most of the spending was to resolve disputes over veterans’ benefits or pensions through the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. Operating that tribunal cost the government $18.4 million. Another $17.9 million went to advocates who represent veterans appealing decisions made by the Veterans Affairs department, according to documents tabled in the House of Commons.
Remember this, I remember this:
“A Liberal government will live up to our obligation to Canada’s veterans and their families. We will demonstrate the respect and appreciation for our veterans that Canadians rightly expect, and ensure that no veteran has to fight the government for the support and compensation they have earned.“
-Justin Trudeau 2015 election promises to Veterans.
Legal disputes involving veterans cost federal government almost $40 million over two years
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