By Greg Fry/Chad Klassen

Kamloops veteran ‘very disappointed’ in Supreme Court ruling

Dec 4, 2017 | 2:35 PM

KAMLOOPS — A former Canadian peacekeeper living in the Kamloops area has expressed his utter disappointment in a B.C. Court of Appeal ruling that went against a group of six veterans Monday.

The so-called Equitas lawsuit alleges that the veterans have been unfairly treated because of a major overhaul in 2006 to the way the government compensates those injured in the line of service.

The changes included replacing lifelong disability pensions with a lump-sum payment, career training and income support. It’s a package the veterans say adds up to less than the previous pension system.

“I’m very disappointed with the ruling today. Number one, this decision should’ve come down months ago,” said Scott Casey. “Personally, my feeling on it is that there was some politcal lobbying there, to make sure that it didn’t advance quickly. I can’t say as to the outcome it was the same factor, but for it to come out in December is I think irresponsible of the B.C. Supreme Court.”

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He said it’s “irresponsible” considering the decision comes on the heels of Remembrance Day and with Christmas just a few weeks away.

“For this kind of ruling to come down is just bad news. The veterans climate right now is very angry,” fumed Casey.

So, what does he think will happen next?

“I think the next step, and this is just speculation, is that the Equitas case is going to move to the Supreme Court of Canada. Take it right to the top and go from there.”