Legion happy with announced
Veterans Independence Program changes

Ottawa – The Royal Canadian Legion says it is happy with the changes announced yesterday to the Veterans Independence Program (VIP).

“We are happy with the announced changes today,” says Patricia (Pat) Varga, the Dominion President of the 330,000 member organization. “We are encouraged that Veterans Affairs Canada will reduce the red tape involved in the system to reduce the cost of administering the program. Any reduction of red tape helps.

We hope that VAC will look at the five resolutions concerning the VIP that should pass at our next Dominion Convention in June in Halifax’” she adds.

Varga refers to the complexity of the eligibility requirements which are very detailed. Recent changes to the program have made these requirements more difficult for the staff, the veteran, the spouse and the survivor to understand.

“We are looking for further improvements to the system which simplifies access to this important program,” she concludes.

Patricia Varga is the Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. A black and white picture of the Dominion President is available at www.legion.ca/PVarga.jpg .

For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760.

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