I am honoured to present the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Departmental Plan for the 2020–21 fiscal year. This plan provides information on the work of the Department and outlines plans and priorities for this fiscal year. VAC has a special obligation to those who served and continue to serve this country. With this in mind, the Department is committed to delivering a higher standard of service and care to Veterans and their families.
New programs and a culture of compassion implemented in recent years have resulted in more Veterans reaching out to receive the help and support they rightly deserve. As such, our greatest priority in 2020–21 is to improve service excellence and address the backlog of disability claims.
Working closely with the Department of National Defence, we will continue to improve the transition experience for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans, RCMP, and their families. These efforts, in particular in the cases of vulnerable Veterans, will involve engagement with community groups, private enterprises and stakeholders.
Another key priority for VAC is promoting remembrance of those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. This year, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Recognizing all Veterans and engaging Canadians of all ages and walks of life in remembrance is important.
There is a great deal to do in the coming year and I have confidence that the Department is up to the task and will continue to provide the Care, Compassion and Respect Veterans and their families deserve.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, PC, MP
Minister of Veterans Affairs and
Associate Minister of National Defence