2
ARMED FORCES PENSIONERS
’
/ANNUITANTS
’
ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
SUPREME COURT
DECISION LEAVES
PLAINTIFFS
FRUSTRATED AND
ABANDONED
Continued from page 1
Vice-chair recognized for
volunteerism and
commitment to veterans
In recognition of his volunteerism
and service to Canada, LCol(Ret’d)
Daniel O’Connor, newly appointed
vice-chair of the Armed Force Pension-
ers’/Annuitants’ Association of Canada,
has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II
Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The medal honouring the Queen’s
60-year reign, is being awarded to Cana-
dians who have made significant contri-
butions to their communities and country.
Along with his numerous contribu-
tions to AFP/AAC and work fighting for
the rights of Canadian Force pensioners
and their spouses, LCol O’Connor has
been a long-time volunteer with the Last
Post Fund.
The Last Post Fund (LPF) operates
the funeral and burial program of
Veterans Affairs Canada and is managed
by volunteers at both the provincial and
national levels through a small dedicated
paid staff. The LPF has ensured that no
eligible veteran is deprived of a dignified
funeral, burial and headstone for lack of
financial resources. To date, some
150,000 needy veterans have received
financial assistance under this program.
LCol O’Connor has served as a director
of the Quebec Branch of the Last Post Fund
for 14 years, was branch president for two
years, vice-president of Eastern Canada,
and is currently the national president.
LCol O’Connor is the third member
of the AFP/AAC executive to receive the
medal. Helen Rapp-Brown, Sharon Ha-
layko and Chuck McCabe have both also
received a Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee
Medal for their volunteer work.
Thank you for all your work
for AFP/AAC LCol O’Connor, and
congratulations!
The plaintiffs appealed, and in
April 2010, the Ontario Court of Ap-
peal reserved judgment in the case —
largely upholding the trial judge’s de-
cision. After meeting with their legal
counsels, all but one of the original 17
plaintiffs, including the AFP, agreed to
appeal the finding by Justice Panet to
the Supreme Court of Canada.
Unfortunately, the Supreme Court
has ruled in favour of the government,
and as the highest court in the country,
it brings the law suit to an end.
It is not, however, the end for the
Armed Force Pensioners’/Annuitants’
Association of Canada, whose dedica-
tion to fight for the rights of Canadian
Forces retirees and their survivors
remains steadfast and is emphatically
needed now more than ever.
A recent survey of members (see
article in this issue of the newsletter)
outlined a strong mandate to moving
forward. As such, the association will
continue to work representing CF
retirees and spouses, and protecting
their rights. To learn more, visit
.
Discounts for Train
and Air Travel
Did you know that VIA Rail Canada
offers a 20 per cent discount on the best
available fares, in all classes of service, be-
tween any VIAstations in Canada for qual-
ifying Canadian Regular and Reserve
Force personnel and CF veterans and re-
tirees? You must provide a qualifying
photo ID and present it at the time you pick
up your ticket. For the list of acceptable
forms of identification, you can call 1 888
VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or visit
When you order your
ticket(s) you give the attendant, or enter
online, the CF personal travel fare discount
code, which is 12070.
WestJet also provides discounts by
waiving all baggage fees for military per-
sonnel travelling for business or pleasure,
in uniform or civilian clothing, anywhere
WestJet flies. Former CF members (veter-
ans and retirees) also qualify, but again
must provide proper ID to show proof of
affiliation. You can visit
to access the list of accepted identification.
