June 19, 1944 (19th Parliament, 5th Session)

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver Centre):

When this subsection was drafted it was the intention that in special cases, such as widows'
Department of Veterans' Affairs

allowances, which are governed by special appropriations by parliament, the minister would have certain powers as a result of that action by this house. But the hon. member for Vancouver South pointed out, I think very properly, that this might lead to possible abuses; that the minister would be given powers to which really he was not entitled, because the pension commission is an independent body and I think should remain so. I do not believe any minister of pensions should have the power to award pensions; I say so very sincerely and very directly. So that after listening to the suggestions of the hon. member for Vancouver South, and after talking it over with my departmental officials, we are going to move to have that subsection deleted from the bill.