The facts, man, nothing but the facts

A letter of mine in the Toronto Star today:

Unmarried soldiers haven't been forgotten

Jun 06, 2007 04:30 AM

No death benefit for single soldier

June 4

This story about the $250,000 (now $255,000) death benefit available to married soldiers gives only part of the picture. All Canadian Forces members have the Supplementary Death Benefit (two years' salary), which goes to whomever they designate. In addition, members can purchase group life insurance.

If Cpl. Matthew Dinning had nominated either parent as a beneficiary, that person would get about $90,000 tax-free from the Supplementary Death Benefit, plus the life insurance if he had enrolled.

Mark Collins, Ottawa

For some strange reason the final paragraph of the letter was not printed:

I find it odd that Mr Campion-Smith did not mention these other benefits that result from the death of a CF member.