Valentines for Vets (2020)

International Women’s Day

From the early days of Canada’s Nursing Sisters serving during the South African War and First World War, Canadian women have been serving in Canada’s military with pride for more than a century. Their impressive achievements still echo today and inspire those who continue the pursuit for gender equality. #becauseofyou #IWD2020 http://ow.ly/avIo50yEGBu

The new Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced the Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The idea for the Office stems from discussions held during the first ever annual Women’s Veterans Forum held in Charlottetown last year. Since then, the Department has had numerous conversations with Veterans and stakeholders to identify barriers specific to women and LGBTQ2 Veterans and their families. We know from these discussions that the specific needs of women and LGBTQ2 Veterans have not been properly addressed, and that more needs to be done to understand and support these individuals. Veterans have diverse lived experiences and different service-related needs. The office aims to identify these needs and work with Veteran communities, partners and other federal departments and agencies to help ensure fair access to treatment and services based on these needs. We are committed to ongoing dialogue with various stakeholder groups to share, learn and work collaboratively to address barriers for Veterans, regardless of their biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or other identity factors. We will continue to help influence research, develop ideas and solutions to challenges, and promote strong collaboration among Veterans and stakeholder groups. Women and LGBTQ2 service members have represented Canada in uniform for more than a century. This office will help the Department fulfill its responsibility to provide all Veterans the care and support they deserve. There is much to be done, but the work of the new office and discussions with women and LGBTQ2 Veterans will help to positively shape the future of our Department. The second Women Veterans Forum will be held during the spring of 2020 and details will be released shortly.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated each year on 21 June. Indigenous people in Canada have reason to be proud of their long tradition of military service and today, we celebrate their unique heritage and diverse cultures across the country. Learn more: Indigenous Veterans

Government of Canada recognizes the pre- and post-Second World War experiences of Métis Veterans

Métis across Canada valiantly participated in military service, and their courage and contributions are a source of honour to their families, their communities, and to all Canadians.

Update on the new Education and Training Benefit

Veteran’s Service Card

Minister O’Regan talks about the new Veteran’s Service Card launched September 11, 2018

Pension for Life - The life cycle timeline to 2019

Another question that we’ve been getting is the timeline.

Mental Health Week

Budget 2017

The Government of Canada tabled Budget 2017. Our goal has been to ensure a greater level of financial security for Veterans and their families.

Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day 2017

Tuesday March 21st was Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day 2017

International Women's Day 2017

Wednesday, March 8th 2017 was International Women's Day

Black History Month 2017

February is Black History Month.