North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney, NDP critic for veterans affairs, has tabled private member’s bill C-221 to eliminate the century-old marriage after 60 clause, which made spouses who married veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP personnel after the age of 60 ineligible to receive survivor pensions.
According to a media release, in her introductory statement, Blaney stated the bill would ensure veterans “who find love when they are older will know that their spouse will be taken care of just like any other married couple.”
The Armed Forces Pensioners’/Annuitants’ Association of Canada (AFP/AAC), the National Council of Veteran Associations and Royal Canadian Legion have called for the removal of the clause, the release stated.
“Veterans are going without today to put a little aside for their spouse after they are gone,” stated Blaney. “This ridiculous clause is pushing our veterans into poverty.”
Blaney has spoken on the issue in the standing committee on veterans affairs, in question period, and recently introduced a petition in the House of Commons calling for an end to the clause.
“Veterans who find love in their later years should not be punished for it, nor should their partners, the majority of whom are women,” stated Blaney. “It’s sexist and archaic, and must be eliminated.”
