Open Abbotsford VAC office

AI summary

Petitioners ask government to open a Veterans Affairs office in Abbotsford and add staff to reduce benefit wait times. The government responds that VAC provides phone, secure messaging, virtual services and Service Canada support locally.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS Veterans residing in the Fraser Valley region, must currently travel significant distances to access in-person services from Veterans Affairs Canada offices located in either Surrey or Kelowna; The absence of a local office results in delays and limited access to services for a large and growing veteran population in the Fraser Valley; Veterans continue to experience delays in the processing of disability benefits and reassessments, contributing to hardship and uncertainty; THEREFORE We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to to establish a Veterans Affairs office in the Abbotsford area and increase staffing to improve access to services and reduce wait times for veterans' benefits and reassessments.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Signed by Mr. Sean Casey Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to providing accessible and responsive support to all Veterans, regardless of their location. Veterans and their families can connect with Veterans Affairs Canada staff during core service hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, in all time zones by calling 1-866-522-2122. In addition, secure messaging is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through My VAC Account, allowing Veterans to communicate with the department at their convenience. To further improve access, Veterans Affairs Canada offers virtual services through videoconference appointments using Microsoft Teams, which can be scheduled by contacting the toll-free number. These virtual appointments enable Veterans and their families to receive personalized support without the need to travel. Home appointments may also be arranged in certain circumstances for clients receiving guided support or case management. Veterans can also visit Service Canada locations across the country, including in the Fraser Valley region in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Service Canada staff can provide information on Veterans Affairs Canada programs and benefits, assist clients in registering for My VAC Account, and help them apply for services. Veterans Affairs Canada’s services are designed so that Veterans can apply for programs and benefits and receive support without needing to visit a Veterans Affairs Canada office in person. Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes the concerns raised in the petition and remains focused on ensuring Veterans and their families can access the services they need in a timely and convenient manner.