Statement by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence

Just because I don't buy the " feel sorry for me syndrome " and " I am entitled to a million dollars" group of constant complainers on here. Please enjoy life, it's short, find peace and let the hate go. I take satisfaction that the majority of CSAT forum users have common sense and recognize that this is a good deal and instead of complaining sit back and watch the clowns debate and make plans up which will have absolutely no bearing on this case. This has turned into Facebook on steroids and has chased the posters who had common sense away. Really, take a hard look in the mirror

just a ? is it possibly the goc wants the fee lower because they they will b stuck with the lega fees, as they should,
it just came to me when i read this post, i know it sounds nuts but could it

I DONT NEED ANYONE COMING ON THE OFFENCE TOWARDS ME, JUST WONDERING OR SHOULD I SAY, JUST SAYING

Optics and to control the media cycle that is sure to follow i'm guessing.

Ramjet and RSM Buckel up ya sound like another avatar we know......

I want my two dollars!

why did they wait until the last min to challenge it ....

love the way you think ramjet

Hey men ......this is better than a group of well intentioned veterans ...without legal training fighting and hoping for relief.......Now we have both!

Can I have a pair of those Rose colored Glasses lol

The GOC wants it lowered than will offer to cover the legal fees as a sign of its commitment to Canada's veterans and to close this chapter.

Good find Vall2012. I think i'll pick up a bag of popcorn and watch the fireworks tomorrow.

Yes , deal approved, legal fees have no bearing

Question of the Day

The Legals Fees:
1. MC wants it;
2. We don't want to pay it;
3. GOC appeal It;

So, who is going to end up paying ?

Vall2012

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Feb 13, 2013 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- "Our Government has enormous respect for the men and women who have sacrificed in service of their country. Government officials have concluded discussions with the class' legal team to come to an agreement in principle in the class action of Dennis Manuge v. Her Majesty the Queen regarding the offset of Pension Act disability benefits from the Service Income Security Insurance LTD Plan (SISIP). The current estimated value of the settlement is approximately $887.8 million.

Obviously, in settling the case, we expect that as much of that settlement as possible reaches its intended beneficiaries, the veterans themselves. The Crown informed the judge that the Government of Canada will oppose the amount of legal fees ($66.6M) being sought by class members as excessive and unreasonable. Class counsel are entitled to recover reasonable legal fees for their work; however, the legal fees sought, which equates to a top hourly rate of $13,487.50, are so far beyond what can be characterized as reasonable as to be grossly excessive.

The Crown has filed submissions oppose the amount of legal fees that are being sought by class counsel on the basis that they are excessive. The issue of legal fees for class counsel was not part of the settlement agreement and will be decided separately by the Court. Our government continues to reflect and improve upon its programs dedicated to supporting Canada's ill and injured military personnel and veterans, and to provide the care that our personnel and their families deserve."

Just pick this on the wire

Vall2012

Source: DND