Family hopes a positive will come from bureaucratic error

The family of Corporal Justin Stark says that receiving a cheque for one penny re-opened the wound of losing their son to suicide more than two years ago. But now they are hoping that something positive can come from the mistake.

Justin Stark took his own life in October of 2011, in his barracks at the James Street Armoury. And for years, his family has fought to have his death recognized as work related — something that has not yet happened. But recenetly, they got this in the mail — one cheque for 1 penny. Listed as release pay from the Canadian Armed Forces, the cheque came from public works and was an obvous mistake.

Justin served 7 months in Afghanistan starting in May of 2010. He was 22-years old when he died in October. Now during question period Tuesday, MP Wayne Marston brought this to the floor — something to which Defence Minister Rob Nicholson said was a ‘bureaucratic screw-up’ and something that he would work to remedy.

Justin Stark’s family is not speaking publically but we did speak with family friend who is acting on their behalf. He says that the pain of the Stark family has given way to positive change in their eyes for veterans and their families. And Justin’s mother Denise did have a statement that was relayed by Keven Ellis. “I have been shocked by the outpouring of support by so many across this country. I am glad to know that this has been taken seriously. Unfortunately, the rest of my family and I have had to endure more pain and agony. If this can make a difference for another soldier’s family, then it will be worth it.
We need to make something positive out of this. We need to be more sensitive to the needs of soldiers and their families. And that’s from the words of a mother who is really in a lot of pain.”

There’s a question as to how much benefit pay the family may get if his death is declared ‘work related’. But they saw what they really want is for his to be recognized as somebody who served his country.

And we’re told that Defence Minister Nicholson will contact the family Thursday.