Question Period Note: OFFICE OF WOMEN AND LGBTQ2 VETERANS

• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) created the Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans in July 2019 to identify and work to address challenges facing these groups of Veterans.
• The Office exemplifies the Government of Canada’s commitment to advance gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
• There is much to be done, but the work of the Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans will continue to help foster improvements.

BACKGROUND – OFFICE OF WOMEN AND LGBTQ2 VETERANS

The Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans was created by Veterans Affairs Canada in July 2019 and officially announced by the Minister of Veterans Affairs in March 2020.

The Office is advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion through:

• Working with Veterans, stakeholders, and other Government of Canada partners to collaboratively identify and work to address challenges facing women and LGBTQ2 Veterans.
• Advancing the Government of Canada’s commitment to integrate Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+).
• Guiding the modernization of Sex and Gender Information Practices at Veterans Affairs Canada.
• Recognizing the unique service-related needs of women and LGBTQ2 Veterans, and working collaboratively to advance research, policy and program development for these Veteran groups.

Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to supporting women and LGBTQ2 Veterans
through stakeholder engagement including:

• Hosting Women Veterans Forums in 2019 and 2020 to discuss specific challenges women face after service.
• Launching a roundtable on LGBTQ2+ Veterans in Fall 2020.

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