Trudeau cuts injured soldiers' pay off

[Gone_Fishin]

Compensation cut for elite soldiers if injuries last more than 180 days


The federal government quietly rolled out a new policy that terminates compensation for some injured soldiers. Mercedes Stephenson reports.


CTVNews.ca Staff

Published Wednesday, November 8, 2017 10:19 PM EST

Elite soldiers involved in Canada’s most dangerous and secretive military operations could now lose a special monthly allowance if they are sick or injured for more than 180 days, CTV News has learned.

The Department of National Defence quietly rolled out the policy in September.

The new rules mean that personnel with the Canadian Special Operations Forces -- many of whom work on top-secret missions across the globe -- will lose the special compensation if illness or injury restricts their duties for more than 180 days.

Paratroopers, submarine crews, pilots and air crews, rescue technicians and ships’ crews are also among the affected.
Sources tell CTV News the Department of National Defence is now enforcing the policy, and pay is being clawed back with little warning.

But those most affected by the controversial policy can't speak publicly because their identities remain secret. Some have told CTV’s Mercedes Stephenson that they're frustrated and don't understand why they are taking a financial hit over temporary injuries.

snip

Critics say the policy could place undue stress on soldiers, who may feel pressured to hide their injuries or rush back to work before they are better.

Conservative defence critic James Bezan called the move hypocritical as the Liberal government says it’s prioritizing mental health.

“They are again saying one thing and doing another that undermines not only the Canadian Armed Forces, but the health of our soldiers,” Bezan said.

The new policy could translate to a loss of more than $23,000 in pay over six months for a JTF-2 assaulter.

Chris Dupee, a veteran who has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, says he understands the government’s position.

“I get both sides. I understand the economics of taking away the allowance if you're not deployable I get all that,” he said.
But he also knows that losing the monthly allowance is a hard blow to military families.

“That's a big chunk taken out of your family income that you've grown used to,” Dupee said.

Dupee worries that soldiers who require time to recover may be counting down the days they have left to get back on the job, even if they’re not ready.

“That's a clock that's ticking. That's something that's going to be constantly embedded into that individual's mind, right? And that's going to be a huge stress,” he said.

Former Special Forces Commander Steve Day said the policy will have serious consequences on the forces.

“It will become a morale issue and without a doubt it will affect retention,” Day said.

“We may unfortunately start seeing soldiers and sailors, air men and air women, hiding their injuries if they know that potentially some of their financial compensation is at risk.”

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/compensati ... -1.3669908

[Queen K]

First limiting wreaths and having to take it back.

Now this?

And just before Rememberance Day? Seriously?

[Urbane]

:135: First limiting wreaths and having to take it back.

Now this?

And just before Rememberance Day? Seriously?

Exactly. Bad call.

[Verum]

While I'm not defending the actions of the government the title of this thread is very misleading and I suspect intentionally so. The government and not just Trudeau has implemented and is enforcing a policy which will cut "a special monthly allowance", but not cut injured soldiers' pay off entirely as one might believe after reading the title. Again, I am not in the least defending or criticising the government or Department of National Defence for this action. I would be interested in finding out what the savings were intended to fund, it may be a better use of the funds, or it may be another military white elephant.

[Queen K]

I got that, but the timing of it, just before Rememberance Day.

And yes, could the OP Please edit the title of the thread? Verum is right, the headline misleads.

[Ken7]

While I'm not defending the actions of the government the title of this thread is very misleading and I suspect intentionally so. The government and not just Trudeau has implemented and is enforcing a policy which will cut "a special monthly allowance", but not cut injured soldiers' pay off entirely as one might believe after reading the title. Again, I am not in the least defending or criticising the government or Department of National Defence for this action. I would be interested in finding out what the savings were intended to fund, it may be a better use of the funds, or it may be another military white elephant.

Just a effort to balance his budget and get people off the topic of foreign investments that avoid Canadian Taxes. That would be my thoughts.

Maybe they need to cut wages of MPS and Senators to balance the budget and that may free up money to care for those who put their lives on the line for this Country which used to be great!

[Ka-El]

*removed*

[Bsuds]

*removed*

[Verum]

Just a effort to balance his budget and get people off the topic of foreign investments that avoid Canadian Taxes. That would be my thoughts.

Maybe they need to cut wages of MPS and Senators to balance the budget and that may free up money to care for those who put their lives on the line for this Country which used to be great!

This Country still is great, and far more than our military makes it so. Unlike lesser places, we do not need to be made great again, since we never lost it

[The Green Barbarian]

disgusting!!!

[The Green Barbarian]

This Country still is great, and far more than our military makes it so. Unlike lesser places, we do not need to be made great again, since we never lost it

Interesting. I've been told by all of the Trudeau-loving Leftists here that we were all supposed to be ashamed of Canada while Harper was the leader and now totally proud of Canada because we are paying terrorists millions of taxpayer dollars and bending over for Euro-trash at the UN. Were we always supposed to be proud? Sounds good to me. I sure am.

[Omnitheo]

off topic

[GordonH]

Governments ask for these people's service, then when that service is up or they are injured. Thank-you for your service, now get the hell out of sight & shut the up. Shameful
Everyone needs to demand better for those who are willing to serve our Country here and aboard.

[Rwede]

Trudeau once again shows his disdain for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for their country.

Trudeau is pure filth.

[Verum]

Trudeau once again shows his disdain for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for their country.

Trudeau is pure filth.

Can you show where Trudeau supported this change in Department of National Defence policy?