|
The Legion Veterans, Service and Seniors (VSS) Committee is mandated with ensuring that still serving Canadian Forces (CF) members, Veterans, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), spouses and dependants receive the full benefit of programs and services delivered through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
The VSS Committee also examines legislation and regulations, consults with government officials, and advocates for change through the Legion resolutions process, Parliamentary and Senate briefings, and other means to conduct timely advocacy. In that regard, it is very important for The Legion to speak with one voice.
Policy advocacy, per se, is also the domain of the Provincial Command Veterans, Service and Seniors Committees who bring forward their recommendations to the Dominion Command VSS Committee. These committees may seek advice of their Command Service Officers who, as experts in the field of service delivery, may be aware of gaps in legislation, regulations or policies.
Letter to The Editor - 03 December 2012
News Release - 30 November 2012
Letter to The Editor - 29 November 2012
News Release - 28 November 2012-
Letter to The Editor- 8 November 2012
-
Letter to The Editor- 8 November 2012
News Release - 2 November 2012
Letter To The Editor- 31 October 2012
Media Advisory - 29 October 2012
News Release - 10 October 2012
Letter to the Editor - 23 May 2012
News Release - 07 May 2012
News Release - 04 May 2012
News Release - 12 April 2012
News Release - 04 April 2012- —October 2012
The Royal Canadian Legion is the only veteran service organization which assists veterans and their families with representation to the Board. We have been assisting veterans since 1926 through our legislative mandate in both the Pension Act and New Veterans Charter. Our 22 professional Service Officers are located across the country and provide free assistance for veterans who are not satisfied with the decisions about their claims for disability benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada.
More.
- —October 2012
VAC has embarked on a five year transformation agenda to cut red tape and improve services to the almost "one million" veteran community. This is a diverse community: age, RCMP, war-time, Regular Force, Reserve Force, families, male, female and all with diverse needs. The complexity of this community cannot be overstated. This is no simple task.
More...
- —April 2012
The Health Council of Canada's newest report "Seniors in need caregivers in distress: What are the home care priorities for seniors in Canada".
The report is based on an examination of the characteristics of older Canadians who are receiving home care. It highlights some of the challenges facing these seniors, their family caregivers, and the home care sector.
One of the key findings is that Canadian seniors with complex health needs receive, at most, a few more hours of home care per week than what is offered to seniors assessed with moderate needs. One consequence is that many family caregivers of these high-needs seniors are stretched beyond their capacity, reporting high levels of stress, depression, and difficulties in continuing to provide care. If not addressed, the needs of caregivers will compound the growing home care challenges facing Canada.
View the Report
- —2010–2011 Annual Report for the Office of the Veterans
Ombudsman, . The report, One Veteran: A Matter of Fairness, provides an overview of
operations and activities from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2011, as well as the priorities for
the coming year.
View the Report
- —December 2011
The report, Veterans' Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of procedural Fairness,
contains the results of the Veterans Ombudsman's examination of letters issued by Veterans
Affairs Canada to inform applicants of its decisions pertaining to their application for
disability pensions or disability awards.
View the Report
- —January 2012
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is changing to better reflect how Canadians choose to live, work, and retire. The Government of Canada is adapting the CPP to ensure it remains fair and sustainable, and that it responds to the evolving needs of Canada's aging population and to changes in the economy and labour market.
More...
- —April 2011
View the statement
- —March 2011
View the statement
- —
Primer on the New Veterans Charter (NVC)
September 2010
(Chapter One—PDF) (Chapter Two—PDF)
(PDF of Presentation—April 22 2010)
(PDF of Presentation—June 10 2010)
- Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada
- Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping
- Canadian Peacekeeping Vétérans Association
- National Aboriginal Veterans Association
- Air Force Association of Canada
- Canadian Naval Air Group
- The Naval Officers Association of Canada
- Last Post Fund
- —Report of the New Veterans Charter Advisory Group—October 2009 (PDF)
- —Proceedings of the Subcommittee on
Veterans Affairs—October 07, 2009 (PDF)
- —
This document describes how client eligibility is derived for Health Care Programs (PDF)
- —
Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs—October 29 2009 (PDF)
- —
*
Unfortunately, Bill C-201 was defeated in Committee and will not be returned to parliament for 3rd reading.
- Bill C-201 / An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity).
The second part of the debate for bill C-201 is scheduled in the House of Commons for May 12, 2009, at 5:30 PM, Ottawa time. The vote will take place on May 13, 2009. The time for the vote has not been determined yet. The proceedings and vote can be viewed live on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).
Once again, you are requested to write/phone all Members’ of Parliament to seek their support of Bill C-201. If the motion is defeated in the House of Commons, the Bill will be withdrawn. It can no longer be denied that Military/RCMP Veterans were unfairly and unjustly treated. 116 Former Colonels and Generals have backed up this claim!
Military/RCMP Personnel are not Public Servants. They must not be forgotten once they take off their uniform. They have gallantly served their country Canada. In their Golden years they deserve to be treated fairly and justly. Also remember their spouses. Note that in the UK, Superannuation contributions are paid entirely by the Government while surviving spouses are now eligible for 66% of benefits paid before death.
- Bill C-201 has moved to a top priority on the List of Private Member's Bills. You are encouraged to contact your Member of Parliament to advocate for passage of this very important Bill.
- As approved by the Legion Dominion President, comrade Wilf Edmond, The Legion supports Bill C-201 (a private member's Bill proposed by MP Peter Stoffer) which would amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the RCMP Superannuation Act to eliminate the deduction of Canada Pension Plan benefits from annuity payable under each of these acts.
—28 November 2008
- View Bill C-201 (PDF)
-
—
The British authorities have recently announced some substantial improvements to disability benefits for modern Veterans. The Dominion President has written to the Minister Veterans Affairs advocating for similar improvements to disability benefits for Canadian Veterans
- —
The next meeting will take place on 28-29 April 2009 in Ottawa. We would appreciate your feedback on potential improvements to the NVC. Please send an e-mail to pallard@legion.ca
- —
Legion President's Presentation to Senate Sub Committee on Veterans Affairs—13 February 2008 (PDF)
- —
Legion Presentation to Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration—11 February 2008 (PDF)
- —
Study on the services and benefits provided to veterans in recognition of their services to Canada (PDF)
- —
Letter to Prime Minister Harper—September 2007 (PDF)
- —
Legion presentation to Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs—05 June 07 (PDF)
|
