The CF Report

Compelling Truths

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada unveiled plans to embark on the most wide-ranging reform of veterans' programs since the Second World War. Work on a modern-day Veterans Charter has the potential to help thousands of releasing Canadian Forces (CF) veterans and their families who need support to re-enter civilian life. In this issue, we'd like to share with you some of the compelling evidence that is driving this commitment.

Opportunity with Security: the VAC-CFAC Report

In March 2004, a special council of advisors formed by Veterans Affairs Canada released a discussion paper that urged the federal government to provide Canada's new generation of veterans with a suite of programs and services that better addresses their unique needs.

Evidence gathered by this council, called the Veterans Affairs Canada - Canadian Forces Advisory Council (VAC-CFAC), indicated that "despite numerous and ongoing improvements to the existing range of services and benefits available to these veterans and their families, the time had come to propose comprehensive reform."

In order to help CF veterans and their families to become re-established in civilian life, the VAC-CFAC recommended that the government:

• completely overhaul the way that CF veterans are compensated for injury;
• develop a robust program of transition services;
• enhance support to veterans' families and children;
• pursue more comprehensive approaches to health care and rehabilitation; and
• help veterans to find civilian employment.

Our Department takes this responsibility very seriously and we have formed the Service and Program Modernization Task Force to approach the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed.

Photo Caption: "Now we must again stand together in support of Canadian Forces members, veterans, and their families, who have earned our respect and care." - VAC-CFAC Report
Courtesy of MCpl. Frenk Hudec, 2004

Our CF Client Family

Veterans Affairs now provides services and benefits to approximately 38,000 Canadian Forces members and veterans. Based on findings from a report called the Review of Veterans' Care Needs released by our Department in March 2000, we know that:

• the average age of releasing members who come to us for support is 39 years;
• 75% of CF clients are married and 40% have dependent children;
• about 21% of CF clients have not finished high school; and
• about 15% of CF clients do not find employment after leaving the Forces.

Our CF clients also tell us they have more long-term health problems than the general population. For example:

• 83% find that pain interferes with their daily living activities;
• more than 50% report back problems and 49% report that they suffer from arthritis or rheumatism;
• high blood pressure is a problem for many clients;
• about one in four CF clients have symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and
• another 28% report symptoms of major depression.

Hear Their Stories....

In the VAC-CFAC discussion paper, the following situations based on real experiences illustrate the difficulties facing CF veterans, serving members and their families.

Chan is 38 and a member of the Canadian Forces. In 1993, he suffered a serious back injury that makes it hard for him to walk, lift anything (including his two small children) or sleep well. Chan wonders if he should leave the Forces. If he does, he will suffer a loss of income that may place great hardship on his family.

Lee, 34, is a still-serving member. He has six overseas tours of duty during which he has witnessed terrible things that have left emotional scars. Lee receives a disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He thinks about suicide and cannot be relied upon to financially support his family. Concerned about the well-being of their two small children, his wife has moved off the base, is searching for work, and often feels overwhelmed. Under current law, there is only limited help we can provide Lee and his family.

Jean-Paul is a 55-year-old Canadian Forces veteran who had both legs injured during a military parachuting accident. He receives a 100% disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada. Jean-Paul was also recently diagnosed with diabetes. Because his diabetes is not related to his pensioned condition, he needs more help than we can provide under current legislation and regulations. A new Veterans Charter would make it easier for him to access the services and benefits he needs to move on with his life.

Want to learn more?

To learn more about VAC's vision for a modern-day Veterans Charter and read the VAC-CFAC Discussion Paper and Reference Paper, visit the Clients section of our Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca and click on Canadian Forces Activities.