Do you think I did not read Bill C-55? Are you saying I said something else? It is $1,609. In order for a veteran to be entitled to that money, he has to be 100% disabled, in other words, without an arm or a leg. A veteran who is 50% disabled will get only half of that amount. And that is $800, is it not? In order to receive the $1,000, you have to be entitled to receive the $1,609. So you would get a monthly allowance of $1,609 in addition to an extra $1,000 for life. That sounds pretty good. But to be entitled to that $1,000 a month for the rest of your life, you have to be receiving the $1,609. You have to be 100% disabled. How many soldiers returning from Afghanistan will be 100% disabled and therefore entitled to receive that $1,609?
What's more, you have to meet other conditions as well to get that $1,000. I know because I applied for it. You must be unable to walk, be in a wheelchair or be unable to attend to your own affairs, such as getting dressed. That is my situation. You have not seen me without my clothes on, it is not a pretty sight. And I was not even eligible to access the entire amount, even though I should be. I am actually much more disabled than I appear. If I did not have my clothes on, it would probably frighten you to see everything I have to wear underneath.
It sounds great when the government makes this kind of announcement. They talk about $1,609 and $1,000 for life. People who read about that in La Presse or see it on TV will think that the government is supporting veterans. A veteran who spent 33 years in the Canadian Forces—and who happens to be my cousin—told me today he thought the $40,000 was for every veteran. That is not the case. It is an additional benefit for those who are eligible and will mean more money for them. I have always said that any extra money a veteran is given would be welcome, but the government must not go around claiming it is handing over enormous sums, either. All the better for those who will be able to access that money. They will have the security that the $1,609 and $1,000 for life will provide, but it is not quite as easy as picking up a cheque. This room could fit all the veterans who will be eligible to receive that money. I know one thing, I have been getting a pension for 58 years.