Mr. Speaker, in 1992, the veterans of the merchant marine were given the same status as the veterans of the armed forces. They were thus entitled to the same pensions and compensation. However, this substantial progress was not made retroactive. Accordingly, the veterans of the merchant marine are being discriminated against.
Furthermore, the status of veteran was given to sailors in the merchant marine but denied civilians who served during the second world war, but only in sectors not considered combat zones. As enemy submarines struck in waters around the world, these sailors feel they faced the same risks as all Canadian sailors.
The Bloc Quebecois considers unjust the treatment afforded the former members of the merchant marine who filled a vital role, all the more meritorious because it was dangerous.
We therefore ask that they be accorded the same status and the same benefits as their comrades who fought in the armed forces, and retroactively.