November 2024

News

Canada Post labour disruption update

Canada Post employees began strike action on November 15, resulting in a stoppage of most mail delivery across the country.

Veterans Affairs Canada cheques for December will still be mailed out and are expected to be delivered between December 18-19.

However, if the work stoppage continues beyond these dates, the delivery date of payments or other communication by mail may be delayed. If you have direct deposit set up, you will continue to receive payments as usual.

To avoid any delay for your December cheque, you can switch to direct deposit at any time. To sign up for direct deposit before your December cheque is mailed, the deadline is December 5.

If you are registered for My VAC Account, you can sign-up for direct deposit now. To make the change to direct deposit by the December deadline, please update your information online and call our toll-free line at 1-866-522-2122 to confirm that the change has been made.

Please be aware of potential scams. Veterans Affairs Canada will never ask for your banking or personal information via text, email or phone call. Do not share any personal information via text messages or emails or click on links found within. If you receive suspicious communication or have any questions, please call VAC at 1-866-522-2122.

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Supports rolling out for Veterans experiencing homelessness across Canada

This month, Ministers Petitpas Taylor and Fraser announced more than $18 million in federal funding for a number of Veteran Homelessness Program projects across Canada.

This funding will assist End Homelessness St. John’s in its efforts to finding stable housing for Veterans, while also providing essential support services to ensure their well-being. It will also help VRS Communities and the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia, to offer rent supplements and other financial assistance to Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Also in British Columbia, the Veterans Transition Network and John Howard Society of Victoria will benefit from this funding and will keep supporting Veterans by focusing on mental health, stabilizing employment, offering case management services to help develop skills, and more.

In Ottawa, Veterans’ House Canada and the Ottawa Innercity Ministries will continue to provide counselling, rent assistance, and other supports for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Launched last year, the Veteran Homelessness Program is providing up to $79.1 million in funding to organizations across the country, with a mission to help end chronic homelessness and ensure that Veterans and their families have the support they need, where, and when they need it. Stay tuned for local announcements in the months to come.

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Looking back on Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day

Each year, Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day offer Canadians the opportunity to reflect on and honour the service and sacrifice of those in uniform, as well as their families.

This year’s Veterans’ Week theme, “Canadian Armed Forces around the World”, highlighted Canada’s long history in promoting and defending peace and security around the globe. Through educational materials, social media, and storytelling, Canadians were able to learn about Canada’s involvement in various missions and conflicts, from the great wars of the first half of the 20^th century to more recent operations in places like Rwanda, Afghanistan, Cyprus, the Congo and many more.

Canadians also had the chance to honour and pay tribute to all who have served. Check out some of our photos.

November isn’t the only time for reflection, we encourage all Canadians to participate in acts of remembrance and recognition year round.

Visit our website to learn more.

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Investing up to $11.4 million to support Veteran-serving organizations across the country

Minister Petitpas Taylor was in Moncton on November 4 to announce up to $11.4 million for organizations that support the well-being of Canada’s Veterans, as well as their families.

The announcement took place at Sistema New Brunswick with Veterans, service members, and their families in attendance. Part of this funding ($500,000) will support a new project led by Sistema New Brunswick at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.

Read the official release for more detail.

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Programs and services

Rehabilitation program: services tailored to your needs

The Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs published its report, Invisible No More. The Experience of Canadian Women Veterans. One of the recommendations within the report was that Veterans Affairs make access to the Rehabilitation Program more flexible so that all elements of the program can be accessed at the same time if needed.

As part of the Government’s response to this study, Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to ensuring Veterans know that the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program is flexible in that respect and offers services tailored to Veterans’ individual needs, no matter how many elements these include.

The Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program can help you improve your overall health and adjust to life at home, in your community, and at work. We encourage you to apply if your service-related health problems are making it harder to adapt to life after service.

If you qualify for the program, you will receive:

• the one-on-one support of a VAC Case Manager and Rehabilitation Service Specialist;
• a rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs; and
• access to a team of health professionals who provide interdisciplinary rehabilitation care.

You can participate in the Rehabilitation Program as soon as your application is approved. Visit Rehabilitation services to learn more about this program and how to apply.

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Veterans’ Well-being Community Health Needs Assessment report available

The Veterans’ Well-being Community Health Needs Assessment—carried out between January 2023 and March 2024—is complete and the results have been published. The goal of this assessment was to capture an overall picture of the health and well-being of Canadian Veterans to:

• highlight Veterans’ health and well-being needs;
• reduce inequality in creating policies and delivering services; and
• support the planning and allocation of health resources for Veterans.

Thanks to the many Veterans and organizations who took part. Using various methods for the research, our team has a better understanding of the health and well-being strengths and needs of Canadian Veterans. Visit the website to learn more or download the report. You will also find various summaries and a resource list for Veterans organizations.

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Finding HOPE through grief: Stories of strength and healing

The HOPE (Helping Our Peers by Providing Empathy) program offers Peer Support to active or retired CAF members and military families facing grief.

HOPE peer helpers recently launched a powerful 6-episode video series in which they share their personal experiences of loss and healing. They remind us that while grief can feel isolating, Finding HOPE through grief is possible.

HOPE’s strength lies in its unique approach: peer support. HOPE’s volunteers bring empathy and understanding that means a great deal to service members and their families. By addressing the unique parts of military life, these peer helpers provide a bridge of support that traditional civilian services often cannot offer.

Supported by the Canadian Armed Forces, HOPE has created a community that brings comfort and reassurance to those impacted by grief, reminding them that no one has to face loss alone. These videos offer more than just stories; they are powerful reminders of the strength that comes from shared experience and knowing others are walking a similar path. To find connection, strength, and solidarity, you can watch the series.

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Peer support services for individuals affected by military sexual trauma

Formal and informal peer-support groups are available to help you connect with others who have been affected by military sexual trauma. Our Peer Support Program provides a safe space for you to share experiences and feel supported and less alone in your journey. Participants must be 18 or older to take part.

These groups are hosted virtually in both English and French and are open to:

• active members of the Canadian Armed Forces;
• Veterans; and
• current and former employees of the Department of National Defence.

These programs are offered by the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in partnership with VAC. To ensure a safe and supportive environment, all participants review the process with a peer support staff member before joining the group.

For more information or to join a upcoming group, please email the SMSRC or call the 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648. You can follow the SMSRC on Facebook, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn for more information and registration dates.

If you experienced sexual misconduct or military sexual trauma, you can get immediate support by calling SMSRC’s 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648. You may also qualify for VAC benefits and services.

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Spotlight on women Veterans

2024 Women Veterans Forum: acting on what we learned

At the annual Women Veterans Forum in March 2024, women Veterans and stakeholders shared powerful stories and ideas on how we can improve women Veterans’ experiences relating to VAC services and supports. These discussions are included in a report titled: Veterans Affairs Canada Women Veterans Forum discussion and actions.

The report includes actions that we have committed to in three phases. Themes throughout the report include:

• the importance of proper recognition and visibility of diverse women Veterans;
• greater transparency from VAC on changes made to programs, benefits and services and challenges affecting women Veterans; and
• the need for better collaboration between government and community-based Veteran organizations.

We intend to continue communicating progress on outlined action items for change with event attendees and the broader Veteran community. Read the full report.

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Women Veterans health tip with Dr. Cyd Courchesne (Chief Medical Officer, Veterans Affairs Canada)

Research shows that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults. This includes improving physical and mental health. Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers while reducing stress and increasing positive, relaxed feelings.

Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness. People who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when considering age, gender and physical health.

At the 2024 Women Veterans Forum, a panel focused on Service after Service shared perspectives on how volunteering provides a sense of purpose, can teach valuable skills and provides an opportunity to nurture new and existing relationships. Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. It also builds a stronger sense of community. Seek out volunteering opportunities in your community for a healthier life.

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Erica Zadow: Finding identity post service (Invictus Games)

When Military Police officer Corporal (Retired) Erica Zadow pulled on her protective vest, she felt invincible.

“I think it’s easy when you’re a police officer to hide behind the vest. You feel bulletproof when you’re in it—but you’re not,” the 34-year-old said.

An “army brat” following in her military parents’ footsteps, Zadow had aspirations of a long and storied career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Becoming a police officer in the military was a path she had long dreamed of taking.

Read Erica’s story.

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Engagement

The way forward from the National Stakeholder Summit

Over 200 participants gathered in Montreal in March 2024 for VAC’s National Stakeholder Summit where they connected and planned for change. Discussion and feedback were captured in a report titled: Veterans Affairs Canada National Stakeholder Summit Discussion and Actions.

Action items we have committed to over three phases span a variety of topics, including recognition, homelessness, transition, research, families, Indigenous Veterans support, access to benefits and services, education and awareness, and the National Veterans’ Employment Strategy.

Themes in the report include:

• turning research knowledge into improved supports and policies;
• the importance of balancing recognition for war-time with modern-day service;
• the need for VAC and the CAF to work more closely in improving the transition to life after service; and
• placing more importance on the needs of equity-deserving Veterans (women, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+) when developing new programs, policies and research.

We intend to continue communicating progress on outlined action items for change with event attendees and the broader Veteran community. Read the full report.

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Commemoration

Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

Earlier this month, Canadians across the country organized, participated in and attended commemorative events during Veterans’ Week and on Remembrance Day.

Behind the scenes, countless volunteers helped organize those events and ceremonies in their communities.

Does this sound like someone you know? Nominate them for the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. This award recognizes individuals who provide outstanding volunteer service contributing to the care and well-being of Veterans as well as their families, or to remembering the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

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Funding helps to commemorate No. 2 Construction Battalion

On November 7 in Toronto, Minister Petitpas Taylor, announced a $500,000 investment to support local projects commemorating members of No 2 Construction Battalion. As part of the announcement, the Minister was joined by Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, as well as descendants of the 15 men who enlisted with the Battalion in Toronto, and community members to unveil a plaque that honours the Battalion’s service to Canada.

No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed on 5 July 1916 in Pictou, Nova Scotia, during the First World War. It was a segregated non-combatant unit, the first and only all-Black battalion in Canadian military history.

Members of No. 2 Construction Battalion deserve to be recognized and acknowledged for the sacrifices they made for Canada. To do that, funding is available through our Commemorative Partnership Program. Apply for funds now to help organize commemorative activities, create educational materials or build / restore community war memorials that commemorate the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion.

Organizations can submit applications for funding until 30 January 2025, for projects taking place in 2025-26. Funding for these projects is provided by the Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces to address one of the recommendations outlined by the National Apology Advisory Committee.

Visit our website to learn about program guidelines and how to apply.

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Commemoration calendar

December

December 1: The first Canadian Armed Forces members arrived in the war-torn country of Afghanistan (2001)

December 4: Elements of the 1st Canadian Corps liberated Ravenna, Italy (1944)

December 8-25: Japan invaded Hong Kong which was held by Commonwealth troops including Canadians (1941)

December 12: CAF members responded to the Arrow Air Flight 1285R disaster in Newfoundland (1985)

December 13: Victorious Canadian soldiers crossed the Rhine for occupation duties in Germany following the end of the First World War (1918)

December 18: Soldiers of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry arrived in Pusan during the Korean War (1950)

December 20-28: Canada’s 1st Infantry Division infantry took Ortona, Italy, after a week of urban fighting (1943)

December 24: RCN Minesweeper HMCS Clayoquot was torpedoed off the coast of Nova Scotia by U-806 (1944)

December 26: The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion arrived in Belgium to participate in the Battle of the Ardennes (1944)

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