Manitoba thalidomide survivor 'elated' over annual pensions
"I'm glad. I'm elated," said Paul Murphy, a thalidomide survivor in Selkirk, Man., after hearing the federal government's announcement Friday that he and other survivors will receive annual pensions, in addition to lump sum payments announced earlier this year.
Thalidomide, a drug that was used to treat morning sickness in women during the '50s and '60s, caused severe physical birth defects in babies.
Health Minister Rona Ambrose said Friday that most eligible survivors will receive annual tax-free payments of either $75,000 or $100,000.
A third level of pension payments is set at $25,000 for those requiring less support.
Murphy, 52, said it's been a long time coming.
"I was involved in 1990 when we tried to get his type of compensation going. We received a little bit of money at that time," he said.
"But the fact is the task force did a remarkable job in less than two years. Starting with this government negotiating, working with them and negotiating with them on behalf of thalidomide survivors in Canada to achieve what they got. It's monumental."
Extra medical assistance fund
The government also announced an annual fund for survivors who require "specialized surgery, home or vehicle adaptations." The extraordinary medical assistance fund is worth $500,000.
"They'll be able to go to this fund and make applications. So it's not just that there'll be annual tax-free money. But there's also going to be the ability to get assistance for those things that may not be covered," Murphy said.
Murphy was reluctant to put a number on how many years he and other survivors have been waiting for help.
"The fact of the matter is we got it. Individuals can now start to feel comfortable about their future. They know they have an amount of money coming in every year that can support them and help them," he said.
"I'm thankful to Minister Ambrose and the folks from the NDP and the Liberals for helping push this along. It's been a long time."
