Nova Scotia-based volunteer Peter Kerr went above and beyond to enact meaningful change for veterans in the province.
In January 2008, the Federal Superannuates National Association (now the National Association of Federal Retirees) and the Nova Scotia and Nunavut Command of the Royal Canadian Legion delivered a presentation to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. The subject of the presentation was the need to end the practice of including disability pension monies as part of a veteran’s income when these disabled individuals apply for financially assisted housing programs within the province.
At this Committee meeting, a motion was put forth and unanimously approved by all parties that this practice would end. The issue highlights how slow-moving policy change can be and reminds us that advocacy wins are often long-term projects; while the decision was made in 2008, it took until 2021 for this work to finally be completed.
“This would easily have fallen through the cracks and not happened at all if not for Peter Kerr’s consistent follow-up as a Federal Retirees representative and with the backing and support of the Nova Scotia Seniors Advisory Council. It took 13 years, several ministers, deputy heads and organizational changes to finally have someone look at this with a view of ‘no more, let’s get this done,’” said Michelle Langille, Federal Retirees advocacy program officer for Nova Scotia.
When asked why he championed this cause for so long, Kerr replied, "if you don't have a lot of money, $100 a month is significant and can provide a measure of relief and comfort to the veteran and their family. This is a recognition that their service for their country is appreciated."
"Those in social housing tend to be on the margins, not wealthy," added Kerr, who sits on the Seniors Advisory Council of Nova Scotia as a representative of the National Association of Federal Retirees. "To have an extra $100 of disposable income is a bonus."
Federal Retirees CEO Anthony Pizzino congratulated Kerr for his long-time advocacy work on this important file. “This is a perfect example of meaningful change as a direct result of our volunteers’ advocacy efforts.”
Interested in getting involved in Federal Retirees advocacy? Join the Reach 338 team today or reach out to our advocacy team for more information at advocacyteam@federalretirees.ca!
About Advocacy Spotlight
Advocacy Spotlight showcases successful initiatives and projects put forward by our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
The National Association of Federal Retirees has a proud history of advocacy on behalf of our members and all retirees. In collaboration with our volunteers and supporters from coast-to-coast, we continue this tradition of strong, smart advocacy campaigns focused on improvements to the financial security, health and well-being of our members and all Canadians.
Our success is not only measured in policy changes and legislation, it grows with every meaningful discussion with parliamentarians, and with every email and letter written. Together, we are achieving and surpassing our strategic advocacy goals and targets every day.