Trail, B.C.,
January 16, 1945

Mrs. Jean Latham,
Suite 7, Victoria Blk.,
Moose Jaw, Sask.

Dear Mrs. Latham:

On the authority of the information you have given us we have listed your husband as “Lost on Active Service” on your records. Until your death or re-marriage you will be carried as the widow of an employee, which means that hospital and medical coverage will be available to you as long as the present contracts are in force, and when you are resident in the medical area; that is in the immediate vicinity of Trail or Kimberley.

If you care to continue receiving Cominco we will be glad to keep sending it on receiving word from you. With regard to the group assurance to which you refer in your letter we are sorry to learn that you appear to have been under a misapprehension. The group assurance is not operative in the case of our employees on active service.

May we quote from the Company’s circular which was given to your husband at the time of his enlistment.

GROUP ASSURANCE: It is not considered necessary, wise, or fair to continue carrying Group Assurance for those employees enlisting, for the following reasons:

(a) Men in the forces are insured by the Government in such a manner that their widows and children will receive greater benefits than would be received from our Group Assurance policies.

(b) If the enlisted men were continued also on the Group Assurance plans, the insurance company would have to increase their premium for all policies in the group whether enlisted or not, and this increase might easily double the present premiums for all, which would be unfair and unnecessary since the enlisted man is entitled to the greater benefits above-mentioned.

(c) Upon his return to work, an enlisted employee’s Group Assurance will be reinstated as though there was no break, provided he is eligible for reinstatement under all other provisions of this circular.

In conclusion may I express our regret for your loss. Mr. Latham was a loyal and conscientious employee and will be much missed by his fellow workmen.

Yours truly,
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
[signature]
Supervisor.

c.c. R.W. Diamond.