Area war veterans are breathing easier this week after Monday's announcement that federal legislation will be introduced to extend benefits to Allied veterans of the World War Two and the Korean War, as well as their families.

An Allied veteran is one who served with the forces of any nation allied with Canada during the First World War, Second World War or the Korean War.

The benefits for these individuals were eliminated in 1995 by then finance minister Paul Martin.

"I've worked 14 years to hear (this announcement)," says Bill Edge, an 86-yearold veteran of the British army who landed at Normandy and fought through to Germany. "It's a big weight off my back and I'm glad it's finally out in the open."

Mr. Edge's fight to have the benefits reinstated was aided by fellow Orangeville resident Michael Hill, who says it was "an issue I believe in.

"It was an absolute travesty that the benefits were removed in 1995. I don't want to make this sound like a partisan issue, but it was wrong that Mr. Martin was trying to save money on the backs of our veterans."

Under the proposed legislation, allied veterans who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years will have access to War Veterans Allowance and associated assistance and health benefits. Family members may also receive benefits. These changes, when enacted, will allow payment of benefits retroactive to October 14, 2008, the day of the last federal election.

"We want to extend these benefits as soon as possible," said veteran affairs minister Greg Thompson, who introduced the legislation in the House of Commons on Monday. "That's why eligible Allied Veterans and their family members may receive payment for benefits back to October 14, 2008."

While the minority Conservative government cannot guarantee the legislation's passage, there has been no word, so far, of the three opposition parties opposing it. Several members of the NDP caucus have come out in favour of the legislation.

Canadian-born veterans currently receive, among other things, health care benefits, long term care facilities and a Veterans Independence Program (VIP). The health care benefit includes medical, surgical and dental care. Disability pensioners can get treatment benefits, such as prescription drugs that are for their pensioned conditions.

The long term care facilities provide veterans with a senior's facility at no cost to them. The VIP helps veterans live longer and healthier in their own homes and communities as long as possible. It provides the funding that allows veterans to stay in their homes and pay to have services, such as house and lawn work, provided for them.

Under the new legislation, allied veterans will also be eligible for the VIP benefit.