A decades old battle by a Canadian military veteran to get compensation for exposure to Agent Orange and other defoliants highlights the need for a public inquiry into the Canadian military’s use of defoliants, according to the veterans affairs critic of the Official Opposition NDP party, Peter Stoffer.
Eighty-three-year-old veteran Basil McAllister, whose exposure to defoliants at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in the province of New Brunswick, has caused prostate and bone cancer among others, was first refused when he was in his sixties.
“We’re advising all Canadians…that may be affected…to file a claim with…Veterans Affairs, and quote the ‘Basil McAllister’ decision.” – MP Peter Stoffer
In the last 10 years he has appealed decisions by the Veterans Affairs department, both with the ministry, and through the courts. Acting as his own legal counsel because of lack of money.
After yet another court decision in his favour, the Veterans Affairs department decided to stop the legal fight, and will grant his pension soon.
To find out more, RCI’s Wojtek Gwiazda spoke to NDP Member of Parliament Peter Stoffer. He along with Basil McAllister held a press conference on Tuesday (December 16).
Listen
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.