Welcome New Veterans Charter

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces the New Veterans Charter in Ottawa, April 6.

The Canadian Forces (CF) community started to receive updated Veterans’ benefits April 1, 2006. The Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act offers financial benefits, rehabilitation programs and improved health benefits for those injured in the line of duty. The goal of the New Veterans Charter (NVC), as it’s known, is to make the road from military service to “civvy street” that much easier to navigate.

Veterans, representatives of Canada’s Veterans’ organizations, service men and women, and others met in Ottawa, April 6 to launch the new legislation. The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, who visited Canadian Forces (CF) troops in Afghanistan, said at the launch event, “This Charter will offer comprehensive levels of support to those men and women who are injured or disabled while serving Canada.” Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson agreed. He pointed out that the new benefits are protected by legislation, meaning they will always be there for the people who need them. “The new Charter represents another chapter in Canada’s long-standing commitment to take care of those who take care of us at home and around the world,” Thompson said.

Members of the 722 Communications Squadron (Saint John) presented the face of today’s CF members and CF Veterans at the event. Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier thanked them and all service men and women for their commitment to their country. “The New Veterans Charter has been conceived to answer the needs of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen of today. It is a comprehensive package created from lessons learned.”