Developing a CF Profile

VAC is currently conducting a number of research activities to develop a profile of its Canadian Forces (CF) clients. This included a series of focus groups which were recently completed. The aim of these activities is to identify the current and future needs of VAC's CF clients and to identify any gaps in benefits and services and/or barriers to ensure they receive the care and support they need.

Meeting VAC CF Clients' Needs . . . Face to Face

The Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) have collaborated in a number of new initiatives in recent years, and in keeping with this partnership, VAC is currently conducting a number of research activities to develop a profile of its Canadian Forces (CF) clients. The aim of these activities is to identify the current and future needs of VAC's CF clients and to identify any gaps in benefits and services to ensure they receive the care and support they need.

But who are VAC CF clients? VAC defines this group of clients as those who served or are still serving in the Canadian Forces (Regular Force and Reserves) and are VAC clients by virtue of their receipt of, or entitlement to, a pension related to their service with the Canadian Forces; and Special Duty Area (SDA) pensioners.

The focus groups comprised CF members selected at random from VAC's database of currently pensioned or entitled clients who were invited to participate if they chose to do so. They also included CF clients' spouses or their representatives.

The 10- to-12-person group sessions were conducted by Sage Research although the initial contact with participants was made by a VAC District Office employee. The sessions provided an opportunity for participants to express their opinions, expectations, attitudes and perceptions about a specific subject. Information gathered during these sessions is confidential to VAC and anonymity is assured.

"These information-gathering activities are essential to ensure that our programs address the needs of our Canadian Forces clients - now and in the future," says Brian Ferguson, Assistant Deputy Minister, Veterans Services, Veterans Affairs Canada.

There was a series of 12 focus groups. The first session was held in Halifax on March 11, 1999 and the remainder took place in Saint John, Québec, Ottawa, Calgary and Victoria through to the end of March.

The results and key findings of the focus group sessions will be posted at a later date.

For more information, please contact Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, PEI at information@vac-acc.gc.ca.