Mr. Speaker, at 8.45 a.m., December 6, 1917, at the height of World War I, the Belgian relief vessel Imo collided with the French munitions carrier Mont Blanc in the narrowest part of Halifax harbour.
Out of a population of less than 50,000 people, over 1,600 died and 9,000 were injured, including 200 blinded by flying glass.
Today there are only nine pensionable survivors still living.
The federal government promised to support the survivors, but their benefits have dwindled over the years to the point where they no longer reflect the cost of living.
I want them and their families to know that I will be lobbying the Minister of Veterans Affairs to ensure they receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
I will work not for only this group but for all the merchant mariners who are owed benefits for their service and contribution to our country.