Legion Says The Federal Government Must Make
Improvements To The Veterans Review And Appeal Board
In Fairness To Veterans

Ottawa – The Veterans Ombudsman’s report, Veterans’ Right to Fair Adjudication, was released today. It regarded the judicial review of decisions made by the Veterans Review and Appeal Board and highlights the need to restore trust and fairness to the adjudication process on behalf of all veterans and their families.

The report is based on an analysis of judgments issued by the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal on applications for review of decisions made by the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. 

“In 60 percent of the 140 decisions reviewed by the Federal Court, the court ruled that the Board failed to ensure fairness,” says Patricia (Pat) Varga, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion.  “The failure to allow the latitude granted to it by the provisions of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act, to give the benefit of the doubt, undermines the rights of veterans and the credibility of the Board,” she adds.

“The Board has a critical role to play to ensure that all Veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to. The Government has an obligation to our veterans and their families to ensure that they have access to a fair and transparent adjudication process,” she continues.  “They have been injured in service to our country and they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.”

 The recommendations proposed by the Veterans Ombudsman provide an implementation plan to make needed changes to ensure a fair and transparent process for our veterans and their families and restore trust in the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. The Royal Canadian Legion and its more than 330,000 members urge the Federal Government to implement the proposed recommendations. 

View the Report Veterans' Right to Fair Adjudication

For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760.

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