Government settles with cadets in deadly 1974 grenade blast
OTTAWA — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan formally apologized Thursday to the survivors of a deadly cadet camp explosion more than 42 years ago, as he announced the terms of a settlement between them and the federal government.
But Sajjan stopped short when asked whether the government will increase the levels of support and compensation for cadets who suffer long-term injuries or illness in uniform today.
That is despite concerns raised by some survivors and the Canadian Forces ombudsman, who says little has changed in terms of helping ill and injured cadets since 1974.
“The programs that are in place for the leadership, for the training, and also to look after them, have evolved in many ways,” Sajjan said in announcing the settlement.