Compensation offer deadline set

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First Nations Veterans wanting to apply for the compensation package being offered by Veterans Affairs have until Feb. 15, 2003 to get their applications in to the department.

Under the package, announced in June, eligible applicants could receive up to $20,000 in compensation. With a total of $39 million earmarked for the compensation package, the amount each applicant would receive is dependent on how many people apply for the compensation.

Any First Nations veteran swith at least 30 days of active service in the Canadian Armed Forces during the First or Second World War, or the Korean War are eligible for the compensation, if they settled on reserves after the wars and were eligible for demobilization benefits.

The surviving spouses of eligible veterans can also apply for the compensation and, if the veteran or surviving spouse died after Feb. 1, 2000, their estates can also apply.

Before a cheque will be issued, eligible applicants must sign a form releasing the federal government of any present or future legal action relating to veteran compensation.

For more information about the compensation package, or to arrange to get an application form, call 1-800-818-3286. Hearing impaired applicants can call 1-800-465-7735. Or you can write to: Veterans Affairs, First Nations Veterans Project, P.O. Box 7700, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 8M9.