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

    Quebec finds additional $600 milllion in cost-cutting on road to balanced budget

    Quebec finds additional $600 milllion in cost-cutting on road to balanced budget
    Quebec is imposing an additional $600 million in tax increases and other revenue-generating measures in its zero-deficit drive.

    Quebec finds additional $600 milllion in cost-cutting on road to balanced budget

    Ex-Quebec doctor charged with killing his two children to remain free

    Ex-Quebec doctor charged with killing his two children to remain free
    MONTREAL — A former Quebec doctor charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his two children will remain a free man pending his new trial.

    Ex-Quebec doctor charged with killing his two children to remain free

    Beloved Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau dead at age 83

    Beloved Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau dead at age 83
    A supremely skilled centre for 18 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, the 83-year-old Beliveau was also a gracious spokesman for the team and the sport.

    Beloved Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau dead at age 83

    City of St. John's, N.L., collects donations door-to-door to help food bank

    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A major shortage of food bank donations has inspired the City of St. John's in Newfoundland to collect contributions door to door.

    City of St. John's, N.L., collects donations door-to-door to help food bank

    Former Winnipeg mayoral candidate to run for Liberals in NDP-held seat

    Former Winnipeg mayoral candidate to run for Liberals in NDP-held seat
    WINNIPEG — An aboriginal candidate who won praise for his mayoral campaign in Winnipeg wants to become a Liberal member of Parliament.

    Former Winnipeg mayoral candidate to run for Liberals in NDP-held seat

    Bank of Canada maintains interest rate as low oil prices offset healing economy

    Bank of Canada maintains interest rate as low oil prices offset healing economy
    OTTAWA — Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz is keeping the trend-setting interest rate at one per cent, even as Canada's recent economic performance has the look of a "broadening recovery."

    Bank of Canada maintains interest rate as low oil prices offset healing economy