QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of National Defence
Veterans' Spouses--Survivor Benefits
November 1, 2023
Minister Blair, it’s good to see you again. For as long as I’ve been a veteran, and long before that, there has been a policy at Veterans Affairs Canada that a spouse of a veteran married after 60 years of age cannot be eligible for the survivor benefits after the veteran’s death that a spouse married before age 60 is entitled to.
Your government has long acknowledged this injustice and ignores the longevity of these relationships today, often marked by loving caregiving for the veteran in their later years. This misogynistic policy has been called the “gold digger’s rule” and relates to veterans of both the RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Minister Blair, will you encourage the government to rectify this harmful and archaic rule?
Thank you very much, senator. In anticipation of that, I asked for notes but they’re far too long, and I don’t have near enough time to read them to you.
First, I want to acknowledge that provision of that act. I also wish to point out that the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs tabled a report, and a response was provided by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, which we have supported with respect to that. I believe that there’s a program now run by Veterans Affairs Canada which has committed $150 million over five years to support veterans and their spouses who were married over the age of 60.
I recognize the concern. Frankly, my wife and I just celebrated our forty-sixth anniversary, so I do believe in marriage after 60. I know the circumstances that you speak of here. We want to ensure that all of our veterans are treated appropriately and fairly. I’m aware of the concern that you’ve expressed about that provision and I believe that we are committed to continuing to work with Veterans Affairs. By the way, I know it is the responsibility of National Defence. We administer the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, which contains that provision. We’re working with Veterans Affairs to make sure that everyone is treated appropriately.
Thank you, Minister Blair. As you know, many spouses, both male and female, face difficult financial distress, even homelessness, because of this rule. I hope you will take a personal commitment to make sure that this is properly addressed by your government and by Veterans Affairs.
