Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Veterans deserve special constitutional rights like aboriginals, lawyer argues

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Dec, 2014 04:03 PM

    VANCOUVER — A lawyer representing six soldiers disabled while fighting for Canada in Afghanistan says veterans deserve special treatment under the constitution in the same way aboriginals are given unique rights.

    Don Sorochan (Su-rock-can) told a panel of B.C. Appeal Court judges that soldiers are the only citizens in Canada who can be ordered by the government to enter a situation where it's anticipated they may die.

    Sorochan was responding to an attempt by the federal government to block the certification of a class-action lawsuit for soldiers injured after April 2006, an application already given the green light by the B.C. Supreme Court.

    The current and former Canadian Forces members argue changes to the compensation regime are inadequate for supporting their families and substantially reduced from what is granted to other veterans.

    The New Veterans Charter was established by an all-party vote in Parliament, changes Sorochan says that the politicians at the time believed would be beneficial for veterans.

    The Attorney General of Canada wants the legal action tossed out and its lawyers have argued that the government's special duty of care only applies as a legal principle in the context of aboriginals.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Public drug plans for seniors need overhauling, public policy reports say

    Public drug plans for seniors need overhauling, public policy reports say
    TORONTO — Against a backdrop of Canada's rapidly aging population, two reports are calling for a revamping of government drug insurance plans for seniors, but the solutions they serve up are strikingly different.

    Public drug plans for seniors need overhauling, public policy reports say

    Five people sickened by carbon monoxide in Vancouver

    Five people sickened by carbon monoxide in Vancouver
    Two adults and three children in Vancouver have been taken to hospital with signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Five people sickened by carbon monoxide in Vancouver

    Man arrested in Quebec after alleged Facebook threats against media czar Peladeau

    Man arrested in Quebec after alleged Facebook threats against media czar Peladeau
    CHAMBLY, Que. — Quebec provincial police have arrested a man in connection with alleged threats against media magnate Pierre Karl Peladeau last Sunday on Facebook.

    Man arrested in Quebec after alleged Facebook threats against media czar Peladeau

    Afghan who killed AP photographer and wounded journalist should not die: Gannon

    Afghan who killed AP photographer and wounded journalist should not die: Gannon
    TORONTO — She may not be ready to forgive, but Kathy Gannon says she doesn't want the Afghan gunman who severely wounded her and murdered her photographer put to death.

    Afghan who killed AP photographer and wounded journalist should not die: Gannon

    Bettman:Loss of Jean Beliveau leaves 'immeasurable void'

    Bettman:Loss of Jean Beliveau leaves 'immeasurable void'
    The sport of hockey was "elevated forever" by Jean Beliveau's "character, dignity and class," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday as Canadians mourned the iconic player's death at the age of 83.

    Bettman:Loss of Jean Beliveau leaves 'immeasurable void'

    Infectious disease experts question Lyme disease bill before Senate

    Infectious disease experts question Lyme disease bill before Senate
    TORONTO — An organization representing Canada's infectious diseases specialists plans to raise objections to a private member's bill on Lyme disease at Senate committee hearing today.

    Infectious disease experts question Lyme disease bill before Senate