It was the death of a Canadian corporal last fall that triggered the move to expand benefits for Canadian reservists to match those provided to full-time Canadian Forces members, Defence Minister Jason Kenney confirmed Friday.
Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot to death while guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa last October.
"I think that really brought to our attention the gap that existed and has always existed in the benefits for vets so when that happened I think it sent us a message that we had to fix this right away," said Kenney on Friday, confirming what CTV’s Richard Madan reported on Thursday.
"We shouldn't have to make an exception. That support should have been automatic, it should have been part of the policy and it will now and forever (be) when people like him make that sacrifice."
Veterans Affairs Minister Erin O'Toole said the move is about showing all Canada's service men and women that they are supported should they become hurt or killed in the line of duty. Reservists are trained soldiers who are called to action on home soil during floods, major storms, search-and-rescue operations and other emergencies.
But unlike regular Canadian Forces members, when a reservist is hurt or killed in Canada, military benefits are in short supply.
O'Toole said the government is working on changing that.
"If they're injured in their service for Canada, Canada will be there for them. We've got their six as we say in the air force," O'Toole said.
That's a different tone than the government has taken in the past -- a change in direction that opponents say has everything to do with the coming election and the Conservatives' efforts to repair strained relations with veterans before campaigning begins.
"It's only when there is a scandal and real political pressure where they do something," said Liberal MP Geoff Regan.
Sean Bruyea, an advocate for veterans' benefits, agreed. And he said the changes still fall short of what is needed to level the playing field.
"Never before have veterans' issues been on the radar. They had to do something, and unfortunately, it’s the bare minimum," Bruyea said.
As CTV News reported Thursday, the change means the minimum benefit to cover lost earnings for reservists almost doubles from $24,300 to more than $42,000 a year. The military estimates about 200 part-time reservists will benefit when the change goes into effect next month and will cost about $24 million over the next five years.
The changes are being welcomed by many of those who serve in the part-time ranks, and those who have fought for years for better treatment of reservist veterans.
For Ottawa-based reservist, Cpl. Jean Mathieu Poulin, it's a huge boost to morale:
"My confidence level has definitely increased because if I do sustain an injury on the job, I know I'll be treated the same," Poulin said.
Scott Maxwell, executive director of Wounded Warriors Canada, said the change is about recognizing all veterans -- even though the government is sometimes slow to act.
"We're OK with that so long as they are listening and they are willing to act," he said.
Veterans ombudsman Guy Parent agreed. He said Canadians owe a debt to those who serve in uniform, regardless of whether they serve full-time or in the reserves.
"It doesn't matter whether you are a reserve, regular force, where you serve or how you serve," said Parent. "The debt should be repaid and I think today we made a step closer towards meeting that commitment."
The changes are the latest in a series of rollouts by the Harper Conservatives to repair their relationship with veterans groups ahead of an election. Earlier this week, the government promised to boost pensions for injured soldiers.
With a report from CTV’s Richard Madan in Ottawa
