Regulatory Stock Review Plan 2024-2026

Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to ensuring that the programs and services that it administers are effective and efficient. Because VAC programs are authorized under legislation, VAC conducts periodic reviews of its regulations to ensure their continued relevance and that they remain up-to-date. In tandem with regular audits and evaluations, VAC’s regulatory programs are assessed on a regular basis to ensure they continue to meet the needs of Veterans and their families.

The stock review plan displayed below shows regulations to be reviewed between 2024 to 2026 and beyond. The plan will be updated annually to reflect progress made and to schedule future reviews.

Part 1: Planned Reviews

Veterans Well-Being Regulations

• Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance - 2024-2025

  Regulation	Veterans Well-being Regulations, SOR/2006-50, Part 2
  Enabling Act(s)	VETERANS WELL-BEING ACT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACT CANADIAN FORCES MEMBERS AND VETERANS RE-ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPENSATION ACT
  Rationale	The Veterans Well-being Regulations will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
  Narrative	The Veterans Well-being regulations encompasses 10 different programs under the responsibility of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada. The review of these regulations will be conducted in phases to align with other initiatives such as audit or evaluation of the program to which it pertains. The purpose of the Veterans Well-being Act is to recognize and fulfil the obligation of the people and Government of Canada to show just and due appreciation to Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans for their service to Canada. This obligation includes providing services, assistance and compensation to members and Veterans who have been injured or have died as a result of military service and extends to their spouses or common-law partners or survivors and orphans. The programs under the Veterans Well-being Act are designed to promote well-being and help Veterans adjust to life at home, in their community or at work. Depending on the circumstances and needs, health professionals and other service providers can help Veterans adapt to their service related illness or injury. The following section of the regulations will be reviewed in 2024: Part 2 - Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Assistance and Financial Benefits
  Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program	The Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program provides comprehensive rehabilitation services and vocational assistance to enable individuals to successfully transition to civilian life by restoring their ability to function in the home, community and workplace. This program includes the following services: Medical Rehabilitation - services aimed at stabilizing or restoring an eligible person’s basic physical and/or psychological functions may be authorized. These services may include: medical treatments, psychiatric treatment, prosthetics and aids, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, massage therapy and medications. Psycho-social Rehabilitation - services aimed at restoring an eligible person to a state of independent functioning, as well as facilitating their social adjustment may be authorized. These services may include, but are not limited to: psychological counseling, life skills, and counseling. Vocational Rehabilitation – services to assist an eligible person with rehabilitative needs to identify and achieve appropriate civilian employment, building on their skills, experience and education given their state of health. Services can include such things as vocational counseling and evaluation, support for training and related costs and job search assistance. Vocational Assistance - where an eligible person has no rehabilitative needs, assistance, such as training, career counselling and job-search support may be provided to achieve an appropriate occupational goal. Vocational assistance is intended to recognize that the Rehabilitation Program will include people that do not have health problems to the extent that they pose serious barriers, but who may need training or other vocational assistance to pursue appropriate employment.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	April 2019
  Targeted Start for Review	Ongoing
  For Further Information	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Veterans Well-being Regulations (justice.gc.ca)
  Stakeholder Feedback	Many of the department’s regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to input from stakeholders including Veterans organizations, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, Ministerial Advisory Committees, and Veterans and their families. Other considerations in reviewing regulations may be based on issues arising from legal challenges and internal review processes such as audit and evaluation findings. A variety of methods may also be used to solicit input from stakeholders through the use of communication tools that support meaningful and inclusive consultation and engagement, with consideration given to any limitations on accessibility for stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples. Where, as part of the review process, issues are identified which impact Veterans and their families, public consultation may occur with stakeholders to solicit additional input through available communication channels such as “Let’s Talk Veterans Let's Talk Veterans (letstalkveterans.ca). In addition, as part of the regular process, proposed regulatory changes are posted for public consultation in the Canada Gazette Part 1. All of these processes contribute to the ongoing review and maintenance of the Department’s regulations.
  Departmental or agency contact	For information please send your inquiries to the following: Regulations-reglements@veterans.gc.ca All emails sent to this inbox will be acknowledged to confirm receipt.

• Income Replacement Benefit - 2024-2025

  Regulation	Veterans Well-being Regulations, SOR/2006-50 Part 2, Sections 17-29 Income Replacement Benefit
  Enabling Act(s)	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Department of Veterans Affairs Act (justice.gc.ca)
  Rationale	The Veterans Well-being Regulations will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
  Narrative	The Veterans Well-being regulations encompasses 10 different programs under the responsibility of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada. The review of these regulations will be conducted in phases to align with other initiatives such as audit or evaluation of the program to which it pertains. The purpose of the Veterans Well-being Act is to recognize and fulfil the obligation of the people and Government of Canada to show just and due appreciation to Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans for their service to Canada. This obligation includes providing services, assistance and compensation to members and Veterans who have been injured or have died as a result of military service and extends to their spouses or common-law partners or survivors and orphans. The programs under the Veterans Well-being Act are designed to promote well-being and help Veterans adjust to life at home, in their community or at work. Depending on the circumstances and needs, health professionals and other service providers can help Veterans adapt to their service related illness or injury. The regulations relating to the Income Replacement Benefit will be reviewed in 2024-2025. The Income Replacement Benefit is designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is payable to eligible Veterans while they are participating in the Rehabilitation and Vocational Assistance Program and it may be payable for life, if the Veteran is determined to have a Diminished Earnings Capacity.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	April 2019
  Targeted Start for Review	Ongoing
  For Further Information	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Veterans Well-being Regulations (justice.gc.ca)
  Stakeholder Feedback	Many of the department’s regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to input from stakeholders including Veterans organizations, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, Ministerial Advisory Committees, and Veterans and their families. Other considerations in reviewing regulations may be based on issues arising from legal challenges and internal review processes such as audit and evaluation findings. A variety of methods may also be used to solicit input from stakeholders through the use of communication tools that support meaningful and inclusive consultation and engagement, with consideration given to any limitations on accessibility for stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples. Where, as part of the review process, issues are identified which impact Veterans and their families, public consultation may occur with stakeholders to solicit additional input through available communication channels such as “Let’s Talk Veterans Let's Talk Veterans (letstalkveterans.ca). In addition, as part of the regular process, proposed regulatory changes are posted for public consultation in the Canada Gazette Part 1. All of these processes contribute to the ongoing review and maintenance of the Department’s regulations.
  Departmental or agency contact	For information please send your inquiries to the following: Regulations-reglements@veterans.gc.ca All emails sent to this inbox will be acknowledged to confirm receipt.

• Canadian Forces Income Support - 2024-2025

  Regulation	Veterans Well-being Regulations, SOR/2006-50 Part 2, Sections 30-46 Canadian Forces Income Support
  Enabling Act(s)	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Department of Veterans Affairs Act (justice.gc.ca)
  Rationale	The Veterans Well-being Regulations will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
  Narrative	The Veterans Well-being regulations encompasses 10 different programs under the responsibility of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada. The review of these regulations will be conducted in phases to align with other initiatives such as audit or evaluation of the program to which it pertains. The purpose of the Veterans Well-being Act is to recognize and fulfil the obligation of the people and Government of Canada to show just and due appreciation to Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans for their service to Canada. This obligation includes providing services, assistance and compensation to members and Veterans who have been injured or have died as a result of military service and extends to their spouses or common-law partners or survivors and orphans. The programs under the Veterans Well-being Act are designed to promote well-being and help Veterans adjust to life at home, in their community or at work. Depending on the circumstances and needs, health professionals and other service providers can help Veterans adapt to their service related illness or injury. Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS) is a tax-free monthly benefit available to help low income CAF Veterans, survivors, and dependent children. CFIS is available to Veterans who have completed the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program and are no longer eligible for the Income Replacement Benefit but have not yet successfully transitioned to civilian employment above a certain income level. Survivors may receive the benefit if the Veteran was in receipt of CFIS at the time of death.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	April 2019
  Targeted Start for Review	Ongoing
  For Further Information	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Veterans Well-being Regulations (justice.gc.ca)
  Stakeholder Feedback	Many of the department’s regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to input from stakeholders including Veterans organizations, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, Ministerial Advisory Committees, and Veterans and their families. Other considerations in reviewing regulations may be based on issues arising from legal challenges and internal review processes such as audit and evaluation findings. A variety of methods may also be used to solicit input from stakeholders through the use of communication tools that support meaningful and inclusive consultation and engagement, with consideration given to any limitations on accessibility for stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples. Where, as part of the review process, issues are identified which impact Veterans and their families, public consultation may occur with stakeholders to solicit additional input through available communication channels such as “Let’s Talk Veterans Let's Talk Veterans (letstalkveterans.ca). In addition, as part of the regular process, proposed regulatory changes are posted for public consultation in the Canada Gazette Part 1. All of these processes contribute to the ongoing review and maintenance of the Department’s regulations.
  Departmental or agency contact	For information please send your inquiries to the following: Regulations-reglements@veterans.gc.ca All emails sent to this inbox will be acknowledged to confirm receipt.

• Pain and Suffering Compensation, Sections 51, 52 - 2025-2026

  Regulation	Veterans Well-being Regulations, SOR/2006-50
  Enabling Act	Veterans Well-being Act (Veterans Well-being Act, S.C. 2005, c. 21)
  Rationale	The Veterans Well-being Regulations, sections 51 and 52 will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving policy objectives and priorities for members, Veterans and their families.
  Narrative	The Veterans Well-being Act is an Act to provide services, assistance and compensation to or in respect of Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans and to make amendments to certain Acts. The Veterans Well-being Regulations include: Provisions that support and provide clarity to benefits created in the Veterans Well-being Act; Requirements for what an application shall contain; and Evidentiary requirements and presumptions to be used when adjudicating claims. Pain and Suffering Compensation is a benefit under the Veterans Well-being Act that recognizes the non-economic effects of service-related disability. Sections 51 and 52 of the Veterans Well-being Regulations pertain to the Pain and Suffering Compensation. They describe how a member or Veteran is presumed to have been in the medical condition found on their enrolment medical examination unless there is evidence that the condition was diagnosed within three months after enrolment, or evidence that establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that the condition existed prior to enrolment. In conducting the Regulatory Stock Review for the Veterans Well-being Regulations consideration will be given to its continued relevance. As part of the Regulatory review the content and terminology / language will apply modernized Government of Canada drafting standards and be inclusive of Gender Based Analysis writing standards.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	These Regulations were last amended on April 1, 2024 (amendment to Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance).
  Targeted Start for Review	2025
  Stakeholder Feedback	Many of the department’s regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to input from stakeholders including Veterans organizations, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, Ministerial Advisory Committees, and Veterans and their families. Other considerations in reviewing regulations may be based on issues arising from legal challenges and internal review processes such as audit and evaluation findings. A variety of methods may also be used to solicit input from stakeholders through the use of communication tools that support meaningful and inclusive consultation and engagement, with consideration given to any limitations on accessibility for stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples. Where, as part of the review process, issues are identified which impact Veterans and their families, public consultation will occur with stakeholders to solicit additional input through available social media channels such as “Let’s Talk Veterans”. In addition, as part of regular process, any proposed regulatory changes are posted for public consultation in the Canada Gazette Part 1. All of these processes contribute to the ongoing review and maintenance of the Department’s regulations.
  For Further Information	Award Regulations (justice.gc.ca) Pension Act (justice.gc.ca)
  Departmental Contact	For information please send your inquiries to the following: Regulations-reglements@veterans.gc.ca All emails sent to this inbox will be acknowledged to confirm receipt.

• Review of Decisions, Parts 1, 1.1, 2 and 3.1 - 2025-2026

  Regulation	Veterans Well-being Regulations, SOR/2006-50
  Enabling Act(s)	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Department of Veterans Affairs Act (justice.gc.ca)
  Rationale	The Veterans Well-being Regulations will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
  Narrative	The purpose of the Veterans Well-being Act is to recognize and fulfil the obligation of the people and Government of Canada to show just and due appreciation to Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans for their service to Canada. This obligation includes providing services, assistance and compensation to members and Veterans who have been injured or have died as a result of military service and extends to their spouses or common-law partners or survivors and orphans. The programs under the Veterans Well-being Act are designed to promote well-being and help Veterans adjust to life at home, in their community or at work. In accordance with the regulations, administrative decisions made concerning the following benefits and services provided under the Veterans Well-being Act are subject to two levels of departmental review: Part 1 - Career Transition Services; Part 1.1 - Education and Training Benefit; Part 2 - Rehabilitation Services and the Vocational Assistance Program, the Income Replacement Benefit and the Canadian Forces Income Support Benefit; and Part 3.1 - Caregiver Recognition Benefit. This review of the regulations will address sections 4.2(2), 5.11(2), 14(2), 26(2), 35(2), 46, 46.7(2), 65.6, 68, 69, and 71.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	April 2019
  Targeted Start for Review	Ongoing
  For Further Information	Veterans Well-being Act (justice.gc.ca) Veterans Well-being Regulations (justice.gc.ca)
  Stakeholder Feedback	Many of the department’s regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis in response to input from stakeholders including Veterans organizations, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, Ministerial Advisory Committees, and Veterans and their families. Other considerations in reviewing regulations may be based on issues arising from legal challenges and internal review processes such as audit and evaluation findings. A variety of methods may also be used to solicit input from stakeholders through the use of communication tools that support meaningful and inclusive consultation and engagement, with consideration given to any limitations on accessibility for stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples. Where, as part of the review process, issues are identified which impact Veterans and their families, public consultation may occur with stakeholders to solicit additional input through available communication channels such as “Let’s Talk Veterans Let's Talk Veterans (letstalkveterans.ca). In addition, as part of the regular process, proposed regulatory changes are posted for public consultation in the Canada Gazette Part 1. All of these processes contribute to the ongoing review and maintenance of the Department’s regulations.
  Departmental or agency contact	For information please send your inquiries to the following: Regulations-reglements@veterans.gc.ca All emails sent to this inbox will be acknowledged to confirm receipt.

• Eligibility for Health Care Programs, Sections 3 and 15-18 - 2025-2026
• Rates Payable for Treatment Benefits, Section 5 - 2025-2026
• Mental Health Benefit, Section 14 - 2025-2026

Part 2: Recent Regulatory Amendments

As posted in the Forward Regulatory Plan 2023,  on April 1, 2024, Section 7 of the Veterans Well-being Regulations (the Regulations) was repealed to correspond with the repeal of Section 9 of the Veterans Well-being Act (VWA) on April 1, 2024, pursuant to the Budget Implementation Act (2018).

Part 3: Completed Reviews

2023/2024

• Veterans Well-being Regulations
  • Part 1.1 Education and Training Benefit

    Regulation	Veterans Well-being Regulations, SOR/2006-50 Education and Training Benefit, Section 1.1
    Enabling Act	Veterans Well-being Act
    Rationale	The Veterans Well-being Regulations, Section 1.1 Education and Training Benefit, will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
    Date of last Review OR Amendment	Education and Training Benefit – last amended 2019
    Stakeholder Feedback	Veterans Affairs Canada engaged programs and areas within the department with respect to the administration of the regulations. No need for change to the regulations was identified and no input was received from the public.
    Outcomes	Reviewed and confirmed. No regulatory changes recommended at this time.
    Departmental or agency contact	Nathan Dempster Manager, Rehabilitation and Employment Policy Policy and Research Division Veterans Affairs Canada Email: Nathan.dempster@veterans.gc.ca

• Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Regulations

  Regulation	Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Regulations
  Enabling Act	Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Act. S.C. 1920, c. 54 Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Act (justice.gc.ca)
  Rationale and Approach for the Review	The Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Regulations were reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving legislation, policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	The Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Regulations were reviewed in March 2024. The Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Act received Royal Assent on July 1, 1920 and was last amended in 2000. The Returned Soldiers’ Insurance Regulations have not been amended.
  Stakeholder Feedback	Veterans Affairs Canada engaged programs and areas within the department with respect to the administration of the regulations. No need for change to the regulations was identified and no input was received from the public.
  Outcomes	The review of the Returned Soldiers Insurance Regulations confirmed the continued relevance and effectiveness of the regulations and no recommendations for amendments were made.
  Departmental or agency contact	Mary Banman Manager, Financial Benefits Unit Policy and Research Division Veterans Affairs Canada Email: Mary.Banman@veterans.gc.ca

• Veterans Insurance Regulations

  Regulation	Veterans Insurance Regulations
  Enabling Act	Veterans Insurance Act, R.S.C. 1970, c. V-3 Veterans Insurance Act (justice.gc.ca)
  Rationale and Approach for the Review	The Veterans Insurance Regulations were reviewed to assess their effectiveness and continued relevance and to ensure alignment with ongoing and evolving legislation, policy objectives and priorities for Veterans and their families.
  Date of last Review OR Amendment	Veterans Affairs Canada completed a review of the Veterans Insurance Regulations in March 2024. The Veterans Insurance Act was last amended in 2000. The Veterans Insurance Regulations came into force on August 15, 1944 and have not been amended since that time.
  Stakeholder Feedback	Veterans Affairs Canada engaged programs areas within the department with respect to the administration of the regulations. No need for change to the regulations was identified and no input was received from the public.
  Outcomes	The review of the Veterans Insurance Regulations confirmed the continued relevance and effectiveness of the regulations, no recommendations for amendment were made.
  Departmental or agency contact	Mary Banman Manager, Financial Benefits Unit Policy and Research Division Veterans Affairs Canada Email: Mary.Banman@veterans.gc.ca

Part 4: Regulatory Reviews To Be Scheduled

• Veterans Allowance Regulations
• Assistance Fund Regulations
• Veterans Well-being Regulations
  • Critical Injury Benefit
  • Pain and Suffering Benefit
  • Additional Pain and Suffering 
  • Caregiver Recognition Benefit
  • Death, Disability and Detention
• Children of Deceased Veterans Education Assistance Regulations
• Pension and Allowance Adjustment Regulations
• Veterans Health Care Regulations
  • Treatment Benefits
  • Treatment Allowance
  • Health Related Travel
  • Veterans Independence Program
  • Long Term Care
• Veterans Burial Regulations
• Veterans Estate Regulations
• Prescribed Persons and Organization Regulations
• Veterans Review and Appeal Board Regulations
• Veterans Treatment Regulations

Part 4: Reviews Not Required

Research Funding Program

Orders In Council - Search

• Veteran Family Well Being Fund
• Centre of Excellence PTSD and related Mental Health Conditions
• Veterans Emergency Fund

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal Order 

Civilian Government Employee (War) Compensation Order (PDF)

Commemoration Order of 1965 (PDF)

Deceased or Former Member Dependents Payment Orders 

Gallantry Awards Order 

Infant or Persons of Unsound Mind Payment Order

Memorial Cross Order WW I

Memorial Cross Order WW II

Ministerial Orders Designating Special Duty Areas and Special Duty Operations (PDF)

Order Governing the Granting of the Memorial Cross

Order designating Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as Head Office of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board

Order in Council appointing the Minister of Veterans Affairs as Canadian agency of the Imperial War Graves Commission (PDF)

Order in Council concerning care and maintenance of Canadian Battle Fields Memorials (PDF)

Order in Council transferring responsibility for the Canadian Battle Fields Memorial Commission, and war graves in Canada, to the Minister of Veterans Affairs (PDF)

Order in Council Transferring the administration of wartime medals and badges to the Minister of Veterans Affairs (PDF)

Order in Council concerning Esquimalt Cemetery

Pensioners Training Regulations (justice.gc.ca)

Pre-Confederation Commemoration Order of 1988 (PDF)

Special Duty Area Pension Order

Testing of Unregistered US Military Herbicides Including Agent Orange - Ex Gratia payment Order

Departmental or agency contact

Mary Banman
Manager, Financial Benefits Unit
Policy and Research Division
Veterans Affairs Canada

Email: regulation-reglements@veterans.gc.ca