Vision for a Modern-Day Veterans Charter

The proposed New Veterans Charter is the result of the continuing effort by Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence (DND) to work together to provide CF members with an improved quality of life.

Introduced immediately following the Second World War, the existing Veterans Charter developed programs and services for war service veterans. Over the years, these programs have evolved to meet their changing requirements. However, for today's younger Canadian Forces (CF) veterans, the existing services and benefits offered by the Department do not adequately meet their unique needs.

Over the years, Veterans Affairs Canada has been a world leader in providing care and support to war service veterans. The Government of Canada's decision to introduce a New Veterans Charter will not change any of the benefits war service veterans currently receive and rely upon. However, an additional benefit of these upcoming changes will see existing clients qualifying for some of the new programs.

The New Veterans Charter legislation (Bill C-45) (external link) became law on May 13^th 2005. Over the next several months, consultations with stakeholders will continue as regulations and program policies are written. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), through the efforts of several working groups, is preparing the Department to deliver the new services and programs.

VAC will begin implementing the programs of the New Veterans Charter as early as April 2006. Monthly disability pensions already in pay at implementation will not be affected or altered by the new system.

For more information, call VAC toll-free: 1-866-522-2122.