Simplify veterans' benefits delivery
Petitioners ask Ministers to cut red tape and speed delivery of VAC benefits and transition services for military veterans. The government responds it is expanding transition centres, digital tools and mental-health and telemedicine supports.
Why we would sign this petition
- Reduces administrative burden and delays, so veterans could access benefits and care faster.
- Simpler, faster transition services would ease reintegration and reduce stress for veterans and families.
- Targeting transition processes focuses help when veterans most need support, improving outcomes.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Implementing major simplification could require substantial funding and administrative resources.
- Faster processes risk reduced checks or incomplete files, potentially affecting fair eligibility decisions.
- The government already describes transition centres and programs, so the petition may duplicate or overlook ongoing reforms.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WHEREAS: The exceptional roles and responsibilities Canada's military members undertake while in service can lead to physical and mental health difficulties; Adjusting to civilian life can be challenging for many of our military veterans and this adjustment can impact their physical and mental health and or wounds from service; and The process for veterans and their family members to obtain Veterans Affairs Canada benefits and services because of illness or injury obtained from service can be complex, drawn-out, confusing, and repetitive. THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence to dramatically cut red-tape, simplify, and expedite the delivery of services and benefits for our military Veterans - especially during the transition to civilian life.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Sean Casey Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is committed to working with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to simplify processes, improve service delivery and strengthen transition services by enhancing shared online tools, increasing data sharing and improving transition support for Veterans and their families. VAC and CAF staff work together at 27 Transition Centres located on CAF Bases and Wings along with five satellite offices located near CAF Bases and Wings across the country. The goal is to ensure CAF members, Veterans and their families are supported, and their needs are being met before, during and after their transition to civilian life. Transition interviews are available to all releasing Regular and Reserve Force CAF members, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members, and their families. Implemented in 2015, Enhanced Transition Services (ETS) is a joint CAF/VAC process to support medically releasing CAF members and their families during the transition process. ETS provides coordinated and integrated support from CAF and VAC, including joint case consultation and coordinated case planning to ensure continuity of care for CAF members and their families during the transition process. In 2024, the new Military to Civilian Transition process was implemented to address a gap experienced by non-medically releasing members. It provides a standardized, personalized and professional transition process for non-medically releasing members and their families. Recognizing the need for immediate mental health support, VAC implemented the Mental Health Benefit on April 1, 2022. This benefit automatically qualifies CAF Veterans who apply for a disability benefit for mental health conditions with Mental Health Benefits coverage. Veterans can receive coverage for up to two years of treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders, or trauma-and-stressor-related disorders. As Veterans transition to civilian life, finding a family doctor can be challenging. VAC launched the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service on January 3, 2022, which provides access to online medical visits to recently transitioned Veterans and their families living in Canada. Registered Veterans and their family members can connect to a Canadian-licensed doctor online in minutes, at any time of the day, 365 days a year. Budget 2024 outlined an additional $9.3 million investment over five years, starting in 2024-25, to extend and expand the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service pilot for another three years. This initiative will provide up to two years of telemedicine services to recent Veterans and expand coverage to family members. VAC remains committed to making the application process for disability benefits clearer and less of a burden for Veterans, regardless of how they choose to apply (online or on paper). Veterans can obtain assistance in preparing their VAC applications from VAC Field Operations staff at each of the 38 Area Offices, or from staff at the 27 Transition Centres. Veterans are encouraged to request an appointment online, through My VAC Account or by calling VAC’s toll free number at 1-866-522-2122. Veterans can also visit a Service Canada Office or Royal Canadian Legion Branch for assistance. Response by the Minister of National Defence Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David J. McGuinty The Government of Canada is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. National Defence provides critical services to all members of the Regular Force transitioning out of the military. Tailored processes are offered to CAF personnel and their families founded upon the following seven domains of well-being: purpose, finances, health, social integration, life skills, housing and physical environment, and cultural and social environment. National Defence, in close collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), operates 27 CAF Transition Centres at bases and wings across the country. These centres are supported by nine CAF Transition Units that deliver professional, personalized, and standardized casualty support and transition services for CAF members and their families. Supports are expanding to include members of the Primary Reserve Force, the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, and the Canadian Rangers. To increase accessibility, several digital tools have also been developed and implemented to support transitioning members and their families. For example, Career Transition Services (CTS) serves CAF members and Veterans to connect them with career transition and education training experts over phone, live chat, or video calling. Additionally, the Digital Transition Centre also provides CAF members with the power to understand, plan, and execute transition-related activities. It allows members to book virtual or in-person appointments with CAF and VAC staff at their closest CAF Transition Centre to undertake transition training and education, register for transition-focused events, receive assistance translating military skills, determine civilian equivalencies, and access the My Transition Guide and My Transition App to better prepare for their transition journey. Beyond transition services, National Defence also supports three key programs that support ill and injured members, Veterans, and their families: The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program provides peer support to CAF members, Veterans, and their families who are affected by an Operational Stress injury. The Helping Our Peers by Providing Empathy (HOPE) program supports members and military families who have lost a loved one. With continuous peer support and education, the program helps bereaved individuals by providing coping strategies during the process of grief that is unique to the military profession. The Soldier On program provides resources and opportunities for ill and injured CAF members and Veterans to enjoy sports and recreation in a supportive environment that encourages them to become active for life. National Defence recognizes that we have a duty to take care of our people who put service before self, which is why we continue to prioritize the long-term health and wellness of our military members.