Apology for penny cheque accepted

The parents of a Hamilton soldier who took his own life in 2011 — are responding to an apology from the federal government — after they were mailed a one cent cheque as release pay.

Justin’s estate has long since been finalized. Justin’s mom Denise said she did not want any more financial compensation. She mentioned that they are still struggling with the loss of their son.

Denise said. “I wish to thank Mr. Nicholson for his formal apology and I explained how our wounds had been reopened since we received the cheque. He acknowledged how insensitive it was and agreed to look into this. He wanted to see if others have also had this experience in the past and ensure that this oversight does not get repeated.   I told him that I did not believe that this was an intentional act, nor was it aimed at us. However, I would like to know that something positive would come from it and that another family does not have to go through this.”

MP Wayne Marston did say that Mrs. Stark does have a commitment for the defence minister and also the defence minister will be following up with the tribunals to see if Justin Stark’s death was a workplace related incident.