Sask. thalidomide victim has 'mixed feelings' about lump sum payment

The federal government announced on Friday that each of Canada's thalidomide victims will be eligible for a lump sum payment of $125,000.

"I have mixed feelings," Alvin Law said about the announcement. Lawwas born in Yorkton, Sask. without arms and now lives in Calgary.

• Thalidomide survivors to receive $125,000 lump sum payment each

In the 1950s and '60s,pregnant women received thalidomide as a treatment to fight morning sickness, but it caused birth defects in their children.

We didn't ask for these challenges and that's what this is really all about- Alvin Law

Law said the hardships will still continue for the aging victims into the future.

"I'm looking at down the road. I'm looking at five years, 10 years, 15 years," Law said. "Frankly, if we put this into one simple answer, we didn't ask for these challenges and that's what this is really all about."

However, Law also said that he was happy to see the six-figure amount and believes it will go a long way.

"We're delighted that they did come through with a sum that will obviously help a lot of the victims that are struggling today," Law said.