"Peace of Mind" Legislation Proposed
At a time when world events are creating much uncertainty, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to provide the broadest coverage possible to members
of the Canadian Forces (CF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who put themselves in harm's way to serve their country at home or abroad.
Legislation introduced in the House of Commons in April would make it easier and quicker for the Government to declare a Special Duty Area (SDA). SDA refers to a specific geographic area outside Canada where members are exposed to greater risk. This change means serving members and their families could potentially know they have round-the-clock disability and health coverage before they are deployed, rather than after they return home.
Legislation under Bill C-31 also would create a new type of service called a Special Duty Operation (SDO). SDOs do not have geographic boundaries and they cover
everyone who is deployed to an operation of elevated risk. A SDO can be declared by the Minister of National Defence, in consultation with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, to cover any operation involving elevated risk that has taken place since September 11, 2001. This may include operations that involve the fight against terrorism anywhere in the world or operations that occur within Canada to support disaster relief or search and rescue activities.
The proposed legislation means that:
- members would receive round-the-clock disability pension and health care coverage from the moment they are deployed to a SDA or SDO in any part of the world that exposes them to conditions where there is elevated risk;
- coverage would include training for the deployment, travel to and from the SDO or SDA, and authorized leave from designated deployments after September 11, 2001; and
- disability pension and health coverage would be available for any disability a member suffers that is related to their SDA or SDO service.
Bill C-31 must still receive the approval of Parliament. Salute! will keep you posted on its status.
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