VAC is working hard to wrap up the review requests for the Merchant Navy Special Benefit. The Special Benefit was announced in February 2000 to recognize the enormous contribution and sacrifice made by Canadian Merchant Mariners who served in theatres of war, as well as their surviving spouses. The Benefit is in lieu of demobilization benefits provided to armed forces veterans, but not to Merchant Mariners, and the resulting lost opportunities. We sincerely thank the many veterans' organizations who have worked with us to meet the needs of these veterans.