Question Period Note: SEAMLESS TRANSITION

• I am working in partnership with the Department of National Defence to reduce complexity, overhaul service delivery, and enhance the wellbeing of Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families before, during and after their transition to life after service.

• This means harmonized services, clear guidance, timely access to benefits and services, and coordinated case management between both departments during transition.

• The goal is to help transitioning members find their new normal and to help them through this process, however long it might take, with the dignity, respect and support they so fully deserve.

BACKGROUND - SEAMLESS TRANSITION FOR VETERANS

Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to working with the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure that the transition, from Canadian Armed Forces service to life after service, is as streamlined and seamless as possible. We have focused our efforts towards three important outcomes. These include overhauling service delivery, reducing the complexity of the transition processes, and enhancing the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families.

Overhaul Service Delivery
• A single point of contact with available transition assistance (guided support) through the Transition Centre
• Expanded digital tools
• Increased awareness
Reduce Complexity
• A simplified application process
• Improved information sharing
• Improved continuity of care
Enhance Well-Being
• Early intervention with mandatory wellness screening assessment
• Support for education and training
• Increased employment opportunities
• Improved links to military service and community

In order to achieve these outcomes, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces have many initiatives underway that will improve the transition process as well as the associated programs and services. Some of our achievements to date include:

Transition Centres
• Launched the Borden Transition Centre Trial, a joint initiative to develop a professional, personalized and standardized approach to transition
Education and Training
• Launched Enhanced Transition Training a mandatory course to prepare Canadian Armed Forces members for transition
• Drafted learning objectives for My Transition 101, the first module of a full suite of training and education programs around transition
Employment
• Created the Military To National Occupation Equivalency Tool (MNET)
• Created “Veteran” friendly tabs for employment options on the National Job Bank
Health Support Initiatives
• Information sharing - access to Canadian Armed Forces Health Information System for Veterans Affairs Canada staff which will help to reduce adjudication backlogs
• Alignment of Benefits – joint working group established
Digitization and Online Tools
• Implementation of VAC screening tool to identify risks and unmet needs before, during and after transition
• Launch of My Transition Services App
Communications
• Launched an integrated transition website as a one stop shop for all transition related needs
• Launched a Seamless Transition Roadmap as a web resource to communicate initiatives and milestones
Policy and Other Key Initiatives
• The Veteran Family Program expanded access through the Military Family Resource Centres to enhanced information and referral services for medically released Veterans and their families
• Issuing of the Veteran Service Card as a tangible symbol of recognition for former Canadian Armed Forces members and encourages an enduring affiliation with the Canadian Armed Forces.

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