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Bulletin Board |
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Military And RCMP Veterans Against Pension Reduction At Age 65 |
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Profile Of Mr Peter Stoffer, MP (NDP)
(National Coverage Given To This Campaign In Globe And Mail)
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Dated: 18 January 2010 Supporters Military/RCMP Veterans' Campaign Against Pension Reduction At Age 65 
17 Jan 2010 edition of the Toronto Globe And Mail contained a very detailed profile on Mr Peter Stoffer,
MP (NDP) Sackville/Eastern Shore, NS, our Campaign's spokesperson in the House Of Commons. Committee member
Mel Pittman was interviewed by the reporter who asked for information concerning Bill C-201 and it's recent demise. This
article can be accessed on the internet through the following link:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/peter-stoffers-kingdom-for-a-national-tartan-day/article1433105/
Though the article does contain some minor discrepancies, it is the national coverage that's really important.
On another note; Mr Grant McLean, a retired LCol who resides in Alberta, advises that he won a civil court case against the
Provincial Government of Alberta in 2009 over a pension dispute during which time he attained a lot of experience in public
relations and dealing with the media. As a supporter of this Campaign he has offered up his experience in this respect and he
request that all supporters of this Campaign who reside in Alberta make contact with him through the following e-mail address:
( G.Grant.McLean@gmail.com ).
Roger Boutin Public Relations Coord M. R. (Mel) Pittman Web Master Military-RCMP Veteran's Campaign Against Pension Clawback At Age 65 URL: http://users.eastlink.ca/~clawback1/ ` |
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Former Member Of The RCAF Criticizes Campaign In Letter To The Editor, Hfx Chronicle Herald |
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Dated: 18 January 2010
Yet another self-righteous retiree has come out against the Military And RCMP Veterans Campaign Against The
Reduction Of Pension Benefits At Age 65.
A letter in the Sunday edition of the Halifax Chronicle Herald, 10 Jan 2010, submitted by Ralph Pick of Truro, NS,
advocates that we, (Canada's Veterans) Got what we paid for. Obviously; he hasn't given any thought to
the 31 billion in surplus pension funds that the former Liberal government utilized to pay down the national debt some
years ago. Where does he think those funds came from.
In order for the government to have accumulated such a vast surplus in federal pension assets, they obviously charged
all federal pension plan contributors more then was actually required to fund the various plans in the first place; including
the CFSA and the RCMP/SA.
I find it intolerable that a few misguided Veterans who just happen to disagree with aim of this Campaign have elected to
go public and ridicule their fellow Veterans. Have they forgotten the meaning of the word: Camaraderie? I
guess those people were really never true members of the Service Family to begin with.
Oh Yes; we will suck it up, but we will also soldier on fighting this unfair reduction of our pension benefits upon attaining
age 65 and I wonder if we do succeed; will the abstainers refuse the increase in their respective pension benefits
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Web Master |
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Paper By Former Apprentice Soldier (Retired Senior Officer) Denounce CFSA/RCMPSA "Clawback" Issue |
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Dated: 30 November 2009
There is a Paper titled: The Rise and Fall of Bill C-201; circulating that was prepared by Mr Robert (Bob) Elliott,
of Kelowna, BC, a former Canadian Army apprentice soldier (retired senior officer), in which he denounced the efforts of Mr Peter
Stoffer, MP (NDP) and the supporters of the Military And RCMP Veterans' Campaign Against Pension Benefit Reduction At
Age 65. This so-called Paper does nothing more then outline the writer's politically motivated, unfounded opinion,
concerning the provisions of Bill C-201. Throughout the document in question the writer expounds upon the NDP's support for the
Clawback, thereby revealing his true political colors; plus, his general lack of concern for his fellow veterans. I don't question
his right to oppose the provisions of Bill C-201, but I do take exception to his inferring that supporters of the Campaign are
fools.
Right from the start, the organizers of this Campaign and Mr Stoffer, knew that it was going to be an uphill battle with the
Government of the day, however; not in our wildest dreams, did we ever expect to have to debate the issue with fellow veterans.
Yes, of course; some were going to disagree with the issue, that is to be expected, but to go public in an attempt to counter our
argument when all we are attempting to do is help those Veterans who are much less fortunate then what Mr Elliott obviously is.
Such action by a fellow veteran (and a senior officer to boot) is deemed inappropriate and is just what the Government of the day
was looking for. It undoubtedly, makes Laurie Hawn. MP (C), Edmonton Center, feel that he has at least one fellow Veteran who
agrees with him concerning Bill C-201.
Web Master |
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NDP Leader, Jack Layton Comments On Bill C-201's Demise In Committee |
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Dated: 25 November 2009 Thank you for your previous message of support for New Democrat Peter Stoffer's legislation, Bill C-201, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity). While you may have already received this news, I want to ensure everyone who has contacted me is made aware of the recent developments with C-201. Regrettably, Bill C-201 was defeated when Conservative and Liberal MPs joined to completely gut the legislation during a review by the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. The attached letter by NDP Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer explains the status of Bill C-201. Once again, our proud veterans are forced to wage another campaign to stop the clawbacks of their disability and service pensions. While you can always count on the backing of New Democrat MPs, both the Conservatives and Liberals need to account for their lack of support. In government, each Party wasted opportunities to return proper care and respect to Canadian military personnel who served our country well. It is clear that voting for Conservatives and Liberals does not mean more help for veterans. Again, thank you for your message. Feel free to pass along this email to anyone who may be interested. All the best. Sincerely, Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth) Leader, Canada's New Democrats E-mail: LaytoJ@parl.gc.ca |
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Mr Scott Andrews, MP, Liberal, Avalon, NL Voted For Bill C-201 In VAC |
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On behalf of the 300,000, plus, Military and RCMP Veterans throughout Canada and abroad who support the "Military And RCMP Veterans'
Campaign Against Pension Benefit Reduction At Age 65", we extend our sincere appreciation to Mr Scott Andrews, MP, Liberal, Avalon,
NL for voting in favour of Bill C-201 in VAC on 17 Nov 2009.
Though he was faced with the situation whereby his two Liberal Party colleagues in VAC abstained from voting; he none the less, followed
his conscience and voted "Yea". His display of intestinal fortitude is second only to his outstanding sense of responsibility as was displayed by him
choosing to stand behind Canada's Veterans. For that, we Thank Him!
M. R. (Mel) Pittman Web Master Dated: 24 Nov 09 |
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| Bill C-201 Dies At The Hands Of Two Liberal MPs | ||
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22 November 2009
Supporters Military/RCMP Veterans' Campaign Against Pension Reduction At Age 65
During the 17 November 2009 session of The Veterans' Affairs Committee which reviewed Bill C-201, the Bill met it's demise
at the Committee level, having been defeated in by a show of hands vote. The official minutes of the meeting reveal that the
following MPs were in attendance and voted accordingly:
Conservative Members:
Supporter should note that the abstention from voting by the two hypocritical Liberal MPs actually caused the demise of
Bill C-201. Had they supported the original Liberal Party position on the Bill during First and Second Reading, it would have
passed in Committee and been subsequently referred back to the House Of Commons for a Third and Final vote. Supporters
of this Campaign are asked to express their dissatisfaction with the two Liberal members in question.
The third Liberal on the Committee, Scott Andrews, Avalon, St John's, NL is to be congratulated for supporting the Bill
while his two associates sat silently, abstaining from voting.
Though the political side of this Campaign is now put on hold for the time being, don't despair; Mr Stoffer will be re-visiting the
Clawback Issue following the next federal election at which time we will once again argue the unfairness of the reduction
of the Military and RCMP service pensions upon attaining age 65; hopefully, in front of a new government.
Roger Boutin Public Relations Coord M. R. (Mel) Pittman Web Master Military-RCMP Veteran's Campaign Against Pension Clawback At Age 65 |
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Bill C-201 Passes Second Reading |
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16 May 2009
Supporters Military/RCMP Veterans' Campaign Against Pension Reduction At Age 65
Bill C-201 passed Second Reading in the House Of Commons on the 13 May 2009 with a 10 vote margin in favour of the Bill;
Yeas receiving 139 votes and Nays - 129. The Bill will now be submitted to the Parliamentary Committee for Veterans Affairs
for detailed study in Sep 09.
On the 12 May 2009, Mr Laurie Hawn, MP (PC) Edmonton centre, AB, (Parliamentary Secretary to the MND) put on a
shameful performance. He basically inferred that Veterans were misrepresenting the facts as they do not lose any money upon
attaining age 65. He also implied that the thousands of supporters who signed the online petition were being misled; insinuating
that Veterans can not think for themselves.
Supporters are encouraged to e-mail Mr Hawn, a retired major, (CF Pilot) prior to 20 May 2009, expressing their dissatisfaction
with his recent public berating of Veterans in the House Of Commons during the debate on Bill C-201. His e-mail address is as
follows: ( HawnL@parl.gc.ca ) . It is suggested that applicable respondents outline
their individual financial losses incurred at age 65. Click here to view Mr Hawn's comments.
Mr Hawn purposely set out to be critical of his fellow Veterans; unbecoming for a former senior officer and gentleman of the CF.
It is incomprehensible why a Veteran of his status would commit political suicide for a meagre short term benefit.
Supporters of this Campaign are beholding to Mr Peter Stoffer, MP (NDP) Sackville/Eastern Shore, NS for his untiring efforts
in support of Veterans. Please forward your sincere appreciation to him via e-mail
( Stoff@parl.gc.ca ).
Bill C-201 passed by the 10 vote margin because all members of the three Opposition Parties and Independants in the House at
the time of the vote supported the Bill, while all 129 Conservatives in the House followed the Party line and voted against it.
Names of those Members Of Parliament who voted against Bill C-201 can be viewed at the Nay Sayers link on the
left.
Roger Boutin Public Relations Coord M. R. (Mel) Pittman Web Master |
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Letter Of Support For Bill C-201 From Jack Layton |
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10 March 2009
Thank you for your email on the re-introduction of New Democrat Peter Stoffer`s legislation, Bill C-201,
in support of fairness for veterans. I want you to know that I and my Caucus team stand united with Peter
on his efforts to correct this injustice on behalf of our Veterans. Successful passage of Bill C-201 will end
the clawback from the pensions of our military personnel and RCMP personnel at age 65.
On November 21, 2008, as New Democrat Veterans Affairs critic, Peter moved for leave to introduce
Bill C-201, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity). Bill C-201 is scheduled for Second Reading
and debate later this month.
New Democrats believe that it is a shame that our proud veterans have had to fight successive governments
to stop the clawbacks from their disability and service pensions. Sadly, the Conservative government failed to
live up to its obligations and implement the New Democrat's Veterans First Motion, passed by a majority vote
in Parliament in the fall of 2006. Please see attached release.
It's very easy for politicians to say we support our troops, but the reality is we need to continue with our support
long after the uniform comes off. Clawing back their pensions at age 65 is simply wrong. It is time to reverse that
decision. This bill will do it.
The federal NDP will not drop this matter or other issues of concern to veterans. We will continue to support
Peter's efforts to bring an end to the clawback. And, we will continue to press the Harper government to live up
to its obligations and implement key reforms for programs and services for veterans and their families--adequate
pay and pensions, proper equipment and decent housing are among these priorities.
We encourage those who want the same to hold both the Conservatives and Liberals to account. In government,
each party wasted opportunities for returning proper care and respect to those brave Canadians who serve in our
country's military. As we have seen, more votes for the Conservatives and Liberals will mean less help for
veterans.
Again, I appreciate your feedback as it is important to me in my role as federal NDP Leader. Feel free to pass
along my message. All the best.
Sincerely, Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth) Leader, Canada's New Democrats |
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Up-Date From Mr Peter Stoffer, (MP NDP) Concerning The Re-Introduction Of Private Member's Bill C-201 A Bill To End The Clawback |
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The following up-date from the office of Mr Peter Stoffer, MP (NDP Sackville/Eastern Shore, NS, is posted for the
information of supporters of the Military and RCMP pensioners campaign against the reduction of our superannuation
upon attaining age 65.
On the 21 November 2008 Mr Peter Stoffer (NDP) Member Of Parliament for Sackville/Eastern Shore, NS moved for
leave to introduce Bill C-201, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity).
He said: Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my hon. friends and people of the riding of Sackville - Eastern Shore for re-electing
me for the fifth time to represent them in the House of Commons.
On behalf of Roger Boutin, Mel Pittman and John Labelle, it is a great honour to introduce this legislation which would end
the clawback from the pensions of our military personnel and RCMP personnel at age 65. We all in this House support the
roops but the reality is that we need to learn to support them long after the uniform comes off and clawing back their pensions
at age 65 is simply wrong. It is time to reverse that decision. This bill will do it.
Bill C-201 can be viewed through the link on the left of this page.
Web Master |
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| Campaign Petition Established | ||
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29 September 2007:
A petition in support of the Military And RCMP Veterans Campaign Against Pension Clawback At Age 65
has been established at the following URL:
(Supporters can click on the above URL link to access the petition site.)
Supporters of this ongoing campaign are encouraged to visit the site and add their name to the petition. Our aim is
to at least acquire one million names for presentation to the Government Of Canada before the next election.
Please provide this information with the widest of circulation. Thank you for your support. Web Master |
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