For information on VAC’s terminology, please refer to the Organization and Resources pages on the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
Accessibility progress tool – This tool, used by the Application Management Directorate, refers to automated and manual methods to track applications in scope; complete accessibility assessments; and check EN 301 549 compliance status of each application as improvements are made over time.
Audit and Evaluation Division – This division has a dual role of providing both audits and evaluations for the Department. Audit provides independent and objective assurance as well as advisory services designed to improve operations within the Department. Evaluation judges the merit, worth or value of programs or services, based on the neutral collection and analysis of evidence. Evaluation informs decision making, improvements, innovation and accountability.
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial – Located in northern France, this memorial stands as an important symbol of remembrance and a lasting tribute to all Newfoundlanders who served during the First World War. A great bronze caribou – the emblem of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment – forms the heart of the memorial.
Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA) – BPA provides free advice, assistance and representation for individuals dissatisfied with decisions rendered by VAC with respect to their claims for entitlement to disability benefits, or any assessment awarded for their claimed conditions. The Bureau's advocates are dedicated exclusively to assisting clients in the redress process.
Canadian National Vimy Memorial – This memorial honours all Canadians who served during the First World War. It bears the names of those who died in France with no known grave and is located at the site of Canada’s victory during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in northern France.
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services (CFOCS) – This branch is responsible for supporting VAC to meet Government of Canada requirements in areas such as financial stewardship, corporate reporting and key accountabilities. The branch also provides internal corporate services including human resources, finance, information technology, information management, security and administration, procurement and contracting, integrated planning, and access to information and privacy activities.
Client Service Delivery Network (CSDN) – This is an aging integrated system that supports VAC employees in delivering Departmental benefits and services.
Commemoration and Public Affairs – This branch is responsible for commemorating the achievements and sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. It also engages meaningfully with stakeholders and provides accessible, timely, accurate, clear, and objective communications services and products to Veterans, their families, VAC employees and Canadians in both official languages.
Commemorative Partnership Program (CPP) – This program funds organizations who undertake remembrance initiatives that honour those who served Canada and keep the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.
Corporate Secretariat – This division supports the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Departmental senior management by coordinating Ministerial briefings, monitoring and supporting the Departmental governance committees, Parliamentary and Cabinet activities, as well as managing Ministerial correspondence and the Client Relations Unit.
European Operations – This division acts as a leader, steward and catalyst for remembrance overseas. The Division’s mandate is to represent Veterans Affairs Canada in Europe on all matters that affect the commemoration of Canada’s war dead and the contribution of Canadian Forces in times of peace and war.
European Standard (EN 301 549) – EN 301 549 is the European Standard for Digital Accessibility that the Government of Canada is adopting for ICT. The industry standard for web accessibility is W3C WCAG (World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). EN 301 549 includes WCAG plus accessibility standards for all other digital products, including mobile phones, electronic documents, software, and hardware.
Funeral and Burial Program – This is a program administered by the Last Post Fund on behalf of VAC that provides funeral, burial and grave marking benefits to eligible Canadian and Allied Veterans.
GCcase – This is an integrated system that supports VAC employees in delivering Departmental benefits and services.
Last Post Fund (LPF) – LPF is a non-profit organization that works to ensure that no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial, as well as a military gravestone, due to insufficient funds at the time of death.
Let’s Talk Veterans (LTV) – LTV is an online accessible consultation and engagement platform launched in 2021 to give Canadians, Veterans and their families the opportunity to provide direct feedback to VAC.
My VAC Account – This tool is a public-facing client portal that enables Veterans to apply for benefits, send secure messages, and track applications online with VAC.
Office of the Veterans’ Ombud (OVO) – This Office ensures that Veterans and their families are treated fairly and have access to the programs and services that contribute to their wellbeing. They also study and recommend ways to make these programs better.
Service Delivery (SD) – This branch is responsible for delivering benefits and services and for providing social and economic support that respond to the needs of Veterans, our other clients and their families.
Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance – This branch is responsible for ensuring that VAC programs and policies remain relevant and meet the current and future needs of our clients. This branch also developing strategic partnerships in support of program and policy development.
Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) – The Board provides an independent avenue of review and appeal for disability decisions made by VAC. If a client decides to appeal a disability benefits decision from VAC, they can choose to have a BPA lawyer present their case.
Veteran-centric – Veterans are at the centre of everything we do: our philosophies, our ideas, our operations. To be Veteran-centric means we are proactive, responsive and compassionate to the needs of Veterans and their families, and ensuring they have all the benefits and services for which they are eligible. We will continue to streamline our processes to make them easier to follow.