-3-

THE GUARDS HELP PROGRAM

 
The Association set up this referral program several years ago based on the premise that many of our Regimental Family were unaware of various assistance programs to which they may have an entitlement. This is especially true of those who are, for whatever reason, without close family or living alone. We have put out the word, but we have no way of knowing if "the word" is reaching the right people. Because of the 'Privacy' Act, we cannot know the progress of any cases or their outcome. At the recent AGM, Ian Douglas asked for renewed effort on all our parts to ensure that those of our Regimental Family in need of assistance are advised who, or what agency, to contact to get help.

 
The recent election of Percy Price to the Board of Directors as the Director responsible for the Guards Help Program is a first step. Percy has spent the last 29 years in the system, firstly as the Provincial Legion Service Officer for Eastern Ontario and latterly as an adjudicator with Veterans Affairs in Charlottetown. He brings with him a wealth of experience. In a recent interview, Percy stated, "We cannot take over advocacy but we should be providing members with information on new legislation and where to get help. It is not our role to assist clients, but to put them with the person who can assist. We can only act in an advisory capacity."

Veterans Affairs Canada has recently advertised three initiatives.

First: ex-gratis payments of $20,000 for persons who were living in, or within 5 kilometers of, Base Gagetown when the US Army tested Agent Orange in 1966 and 1967. This is not just handed out with the rations -there is an extensive application process. For information call: 1-888-854-1803.

Second: After an in-depth evaluation of the Australian Army's 2003 "Korean Veterans Mortality Study", V AC announced in July, 2007 that, "There may be some limited relationship between Canadian Korea Veterans' death and service. Eligible veterans for the purpose of this policy include those who served from July 5, 1950 to April 31, 1956." Once again, this is not an automatic payment to every Korean Veteran. It is for disabilities related only to "Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease" and/or «Arteriosclerosis". The number to call is 1-866-522-2122, (mention Directive V-12).

 
Third: V AC has recently revised the 'Hearing Loss policy' and altered some of the criteria for disability. If you think you may be entitled, contact a Legion Service Officer or call V AC at 1-866-522-2122.

 
This is the information we have. Percy has advised that the VAC 'call' number is very responsive, informative and positive. You know that Legion Service Officers across Canada, and at Dominion Command, are always willing to help. But- it is up to us all to take the necessary action on behalf of ourselves or our comrades and/or their families. Overleaf (Next file on web site) is a list of numbers for VAC and Legion Service Officers.