As the new Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Associate Minister of National Defence, it is an honour to be trusted with the important mission of serving Canada’s Veteran communities. I am happy to share the 2022–23 Departmental Results Report with you, which highlights how the Department has been serving Canadian Veterans and their families.
Reducing processing times for Veterans remains our top priority. In the 2022–23 fiscal year, we saw a 43% reduction in the backlog. We will continue these efforts to ensure we meet the expectations of our Veterans.
Over 90% of departmental budget spent in the 2022–23 fiscal year was paid to Veterans, their families, and other program recipients. The Department provided many supports and services which are outlined in the following pages. Over the last fiscal year, we:
- worked with partners to develop the Veteran Homelessness Program which will deliver $72.9 million in funding to support Veterans at risk of homelessness
- provided financial support to 728 Veterans and their families on 882 occasions through the Veteran Emergency Fund (VEF)
- introduced the new Military to Civilian Transition services providing increased transition support for non-medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families
- introduced the new Mental Health Benefits (MHB) initiative
- increased maximum rates payable for the War Veterans Allowance (WVA) and the Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS) benefit by 10% so eligible Veterans can receive additional tax-free support
- engaged with internal and external stakeholders to develop a draft National Veterans Employment Strategy on behalf of the Government, which will be published in the 2023–24 fiscal year
In 2022–23, we were able to welcome Veterans back to our offices for in-person appointments and to again offer home appointments. We also continued to modernize our Department and developed a plan to support virtual health professional services for Veterans.
We continue to pay tribute to thousands of Canadians who have worn the uniform for Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. Internationally, we marked the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. In Canada, we marked the 25th anniversary of Operation RECUPERATION and 25th anniversary of the Red River Flood. There were over 62 VAC-led and VAC-supported ceremonies and events overseas and 158 VAC-led and supported events at home.
We are also providing $15 million in financial support for Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver. The Games inspire recovery through sport, bringing together wounded, injured and sick military personnel or Veterans.
It is our privilege to continue to serve Canada’s Veteran communities.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, PC, MP
Minister of Veterans Affairs and
Associate Minister of National Defence