VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA ASSISTANCE SERVICE

The VAC Assistance Service is a voluntary and confidential counselling service
delivered through a nation-wide team of counsellors and accessed initially
through a toll-free line. The service, which provides access to professional
counselling 24 hours a day; 7 days per week, is delivered on VAC=s behalf by
Health Canada. The VAC Assistance Service is similar to the Canadian Forces
Member Assistance Program (CFMAP).

The purpose of the VAC Assistance Service is to assist individuals in overcoming
problems that can affect their lives such as:

• marital and family problems;
• transitional problems;
• emotional and psychological problems;
• substance abuse;
• financial difficulties; and
• Other types of personal problems (i.e. Interpersonal conflicts, legal
  difficulties, gambling).

The following are eligible:

• Former members of the Canadian Forces who have served at any time
  since the commencement of World War I;
• Canadian Merchant Mariner of World War I, World War II or the Korean
  War as defined in the Pension Act;
• Former members of the RCMP; and
• Families of the above mentioned persons.

Staff answering the phones are trained and experienced counsellors who
identify initial needs and make appropriate referrals to professional accredited
counsellors located near the client, for short-term counselling (up to 8 sessions
per presenting issue).

The toll free number is 1-800-268-7708.

More information on the VAC Assistance Service may be obtained at the following Web site link: Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

Aboriginal Outreach Project

Created by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), the Aboriginal Outreach Project develops
new ways for the department to connect with Aboriginal communities, consults with
stakeholders on Aboriginal issues, and increases awareness of VAC’s programs and
services among Aboriginal Veterans who may be eligible for them.

The Aboriginal Outreach Project:

• Promotes VAC’s programs, services and benefits to Aboriginal Veterans
  and their families.
• Ensures that all eligible Aboriginal Veterans and their families have access to
  our programs, services and benefits.
• Offers Aboriginal Veterans a way to bring forth concerns and questions about our programs, services and benefits and addresses those concerns in a timely manner.
• Remembers and celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal Veterans.
• Provides a liaison between Aboriginal Veterans’organizations and other government agencies that have common issues concerning Aboriginal Veterans and their families.

Aboriginal Outreach Project Activities:

• Liaison Office – Coordinates efforts between government organizations and key stakeholder groups in order to better serve Aboriginal Veterans.
• Information Sessions – Help Aboriginal Veterans, Aboriginal organizations and other relevant stakeholders keep abreast of developments in our programs, services, and benefits.
• Consultation Sessions – Allow Aboriginal Elders and community leaders to promote their ideas and solutions on ways we can better serve their needs.

The Aboriginal Outreach Officer is available to help Aboriginal Veterans, their family members or organizations with our programs, services and benefits. Please call toll-free at 1-866-522-2122 for more information.