Minister's New Year's Message

From The Honourable George S. Baker, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Veterans Affairs and
Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

Last August, I was very proud to be appointed Minister of Veterans Affairs by the Prime Minister of Canada. I knew Veterans Affairs as an organization that looks after a special group of particularly deserving clients - Canada's veterans and their dependants. I also was aware of some of the excellent work being conducted by the department, so I looked forward to my new responsibilities.

I decided then that my first priority would be to resolve the long-standing Merchant Navy compensation issue. With the consensus of a number of interested veterans' organizations, including the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, the Merchant Navy Coalition for Equality, the Merchant Navy Veterans' Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the National Council of Veteran Associations, we hope to bring these issues to a successful conclusion soon.

Over the past year, we took a number of steps to improve our operations. We recognized the need to make our health care delivery better because of the advanced age of many of our clients, many of whom are now more than 80. This led to the start of a Client-Centred Service Approach focusing on an aging clientele whose needs are rapidly changing.

While our traditional client base is diminishing -- currently our clients number 205,000 -- we have quite a number of new clients from present Canadian Forces members, whose health care needs are quite different. And so we have worked closely with the Department of National Defense to address these needs. Last year, a joint DND/VAC Centre was opened to provide information, referral and case monitoring for injured Canadian Forces members and their families.

The Department has also established partnerships with other organizations to increase the efficiencies of both. For instance, we are now working with nine other federal departments to buy health care services and products through bulk purchasing to reduce costs. As well, Veterans Affairs Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion have begun a project to help veterans and seniors who want to learn more about the Internet. This can give them world-wide access to health information and resources. Recognizing that caregivers require help themselves, we have developed a program to provide that help. We've also developed an inventory of resources for caregivers and departmental staff have conducted a series of public educational caregiving symposiums to share information with all Canadians.

Last year, veterans' delegations went to France to commemorate the 55th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and to Italy for the 55th anniversary of the Italian Campaign. This year, we will take some Canadian veterans to The Netherlands and the Far East. We will also continue our education and public awareness programs in schools, on the Internet and in events marking national Veterans' Week to make sure Canadians do not forget the crucial role of our veterans in building our nation.

Veterans Affairs is recognized internationally for its innovation and expertise in health care and gerontology. As Minister, I know I can speak for all our staff members when I say we are pleased to share our knowledge with other organizations. And we are proud to provide benefits and programs that rank among the best in the world. At the dawn of a new century and a new millennium, it is my fondest desire that you and your family will experience good health, happiness, peace and contentment.