The petition
In 1953 I enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. Including duty watches, we worked an average of 45 hours per week for our net pay of $60 per month. In 1982 I resigned and drew a pension of $16,500 per year. Commitment to a higher calling of patriotism kept many of us re-enlisting.
In 1987, given false promises of promotion and a preferred posting, I was asked to re-enrol. A serious shortcoming in the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act (CFSA), about which I was not warned, resulted upon my 1990 retirement in a shortfall in my pension of $10,000 per year compared to others with similar service, and $4,000 less than if I had not re-enrolled.
Months and years of pleading with MP's, Senators and appointees have only garnered me sympathy, and thanks for my service to Canada. The cause of my problems was corrected effective 01 March 2007 so that others do not fall into the same financial trap.
At age 71 I am trying to fight Stage IV colon cancer and I am concerned for the financial well being of my surviving spouse, who will be entitled to a diminished survivor's benefit amounting to a mere 10 to 15 per cent of the pensions of many MP's, Senators and appointees.
Please lend me your support.
- Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor expressed sympathy with my pleas for an increased pension, thanks for my service to Canada and wishes for restoration of my health.
- The Minister of Veterans Affairs did not respond.
- The executive director for the Minister of Veterans Affairs forwarded my letter to Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor.
- Leader of the Government in the Senate Marjory LeBreton informed me she took the liberty of forwarding my letter to the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
- Garth Turner, former Conservative MP for my riding more than once denied having received my correspondence.
- Former Chief of Defence Staff Paul Manson did not respond.
- Peter Stoffer, NDP MP for the riding in which the naval air station where I served for 11 years is situated phoned me once.
- Conservative Senator Michael Meighen’s staff assured me of a reply that was never forthcoming.
- The Royal Canadian Legion informed me that they have no expertise relating to my problem.
- The CF Ombudsman’s staff informed me that their mandate prevented them from investigating any situation occurring prior to 15 June 1998, even though my problem is continuous.
- Gordon O’Connor announced that the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act was amended (I had suggested this to him) so that retired personnel who re-enrol in the CFdo not suffer a financial penalty.
- I have requested that the CF Veterans Ombudsman recommend to Defence Minister Peter MacKay an ex gratia compensation payment. Received a letter from the former assuring me that I will receive a reply, and a card from the latter acknowledging my correspondence.
Ron Bezant
Milton, Ontario
Canada
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