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Gallantry Awards

Issuing Authority
Director General, Policy
Effective Date
Document ID
1484

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Care has been taken to ensure these policies accurately reflect the acts and regulations. Should any inconsistencies be found, the acts and regulations will prevail.

This policy replaces the following PPM policy: Article 5(2) Section 2 - Additional Duties Gallantry Awards.

Table of Contents

PurposePolicyGallantry AwardsReferences

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide information on the payment of annuities and gratuities associated with awards in respect of gallantry by any member of the armed services of Canada.

Policy

Gallantry Awards

  1. As an additional duty under subsection 5(2) of the Pension Act, the Minister of Veterans Affairs pays any gratuities and annuities awarded in respect of gallantry by any member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Members of the British Forces who enlisted prior to March 31, 1949 while domiciled in Canada or Newfoundland may receive gratuities and annuities as long as they are not in receipt of such awards from the British Government.
  2. Responsibility for the payment of awards to Veterans of World War I remains with the Government of the United Kingdom.
  3. The Canadian government extended the payment of monetary benefits to Veterans who had earned awards for gallantry while holding commissioned rank in the CAF.
    1. A gratuity may be paid to a Veteran who held commissioned rank in the CAF when he was granted one of the designated awards for gallantry and was retired without pension after August 24, 1972.
    2. If the Veteran is in receipt of a pension for disability under the Pension Act, or an allowance under the War Veterans Allowance Act, or an annual allowance under the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, he or she is entitled to an annuity of $50.00 from the commencement date of his or her pension or allowance or August 24, 1972, whichever is the later date.
  4. Not more than $50.00 a year may be paid in addition to an award of pension, regardless of whether more than one gallantry award has been awarded.
  5. These awards are normally granted on application although it has been the practice of the Department to initiate such an award when it is noticed that a Veteran is entitled to the award and has not applied for it.
  6. Gratuities are paid to the Veterans only. The payment ceases the first of the month following the Veteran’s death.

References

Pension Act, subsection 5(2)

Gallantry Awards Order

War Veterans Allowance Act

Canadian Forces Superannuation Act

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