The Government of Canada is appealing a decision by the Ontario Superior Court in which the Government has been ordered to pay interest on monies it administered on behalf of mentally infirm veterans prior to 1990. Since 1990, the Government has paid interest on these funds. The class action was brought forward by a relative of the plaintiff, Mr. Joseph Authorson, on behalf of veterans who live, or have lived, in a VAC hospital or contract care facility due to their medical condition. Many of these veterans are now deceased. The plaintiffs are asking for compensation for those living today and for the descendants of the deceased.

The Government is challenging the class action lawsuit because it does not believe this decision, if allowed to stand, serves the best interests of veterans or the people of Canada. The Department administered these monies on behalf of veterans who were unable to manage their own funds and had no family to help them. In addition to administering these funds, which were surplus to their needs, VAC provided all expenses associated with their daily housing, food and medical needs. For more information, contact 1-800-774-7476.