Ministerial Statement on the Passing of Cliff Chadderton

OTTAWA, Dec. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today mourned the loss of Cliff Chadderton, former chief executive officer of the War Amps, past chair of the National Council of Veterans Associations (NCVA) and founder of the War Amps Child Amputee Program (CHAMP).

"Cliff Chadderton's passing is deeply sad for all Canadians," said Minister Fantino. "We have lost not only a friend of the Veterans' community, but a strong advocate for those who have served and sacrificed—and a truly great Canadian."

Cliff Chadderton was a Second World War Veteran who fought with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles on D-Day and at the Scheldt, and who served his community with excellence through the War Amps and the National Council of Veterans Associations (NCVA).

As chair of the NCVA, Mr. Chadderton played an important role in helping Canada's Merchant Navy Veterans and their surviving spouses obtain compensation for war-related service. He raised awareness about Canada's Hong Kong Veterans and the slave labour they endured during the Second World War, and was deeply involved in advocating for compensation for surviving prisoners of war and widows. He was also a tireless voice for the Aboriginal Veterans community and for peacekeepers. His work in capturing and chronicling Canada's military service through documentaries serves as an important historical account of our wartime activity.

In recognition of his decades of work on behalf of Veterans, their families and those with disabilities, including children, he was successively promoted within the Order of Canada, ultimately achieving the level of Companion in 1999. He received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, among many other honours and awards.

"Through his leadership, compassion and determination, Cliff lifted up those in need of hope, served as a mentor to fellow amputees of all ages and set an example for Canadians everywhere," declared Minister Fantino. "He touched a countless number of lives, both directly and indirectly, through his belief that all Veterans and disabled persons must be treated with respect and given every opportunity to contribute and demonstrate their talents and skills."

"His longstanding devotion to Veterans and amputees, and his unwavering commitment to dignity and fairness, leave behind a legacy in which his family and friends can take enormous pride," added the Minister. "I offer them my sincere condolences in this very difficult time, and join with Canadians everywhere in remembering the many contributions he made to Canada."

He will be remembered for his extraordinary service to Canada.

For more information on Cliff Chadderton, watch the Heroes Remember video interview of his own account on joining the Canadian Armed Forces.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada