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Veterans and Veterans Legislation in Canada: An Historical Overview*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Ellen M. Gee  and
A. Margeny Boyce
Ellen M. Gee
Affiliation:
Simon Fraser University
A. Margeny Boyce
Affiliation:
Office of the Minister of State for Seniors, Ottawa
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Abstract

This article provides a descriptive account of the history of Canadian veterans and veterans legislation focussing upon five time periods: pre–1918; 1918–1939; 1939–1950; 1950–1980; and the present time. Emphasis is placed on issues and legislation relating to aging and elderly persons, with particular concentration on pensions and health. It is shoivn that veterans legislation and veterans issues have played a facilitating role in the development of Canadian health and social services, and argued that a social historical perspective on aging provides for an enhanced understanding of current age-related institutions, services and policies.

Résumé

Cet article retrace judicieusement l'histoire des vétérans canadiens et des lois gouvernant les anciens combattants, en insistant sur cinq périodes de temps: avant 1918; 1918–1939; 1939–1950; 1950–1980; et le présent. Le vieillissement ainsi que les problèmes et les lois qui touchent les personnes âgées sont mis en relief et une importance particulière est accordée aux pensions et à la santé. Manifestement, les lois et les problèmes des vétérans ont joué un rôle important dans le développement des services de la santé et des affaires sociales au Canada. De plus, on suggère qu'une perspective historique sociale sur le vieillissement pourrait aider à mieux comprendre les institutions, les services et les politiques actuelles reliées à l'âge.

Keywords

veteransveterans legislation-Canadaveterans legislation-history
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 7 , Issue 3 , Fall/Automne 1988 , pp. 204 - 217
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1988

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References

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