Question Period Note: OFFICE OF WOMEN AND LGBTQ2 VETERANS

• Veterans Affairs Canada created the Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans in July 2019 to identify and 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 foster equality.

BACKGROUND — OFFICE OF WOMEN AND LGBTQ2 VETERANS

The Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans was created by Veterans Affairs Canada in July 2019.

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 systemic challenges facing women and LGBTQ2 Veterans.

• Advancing Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).

• Supporting 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 inclusive of these Veteran groups.

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

• Hosted Women Veterans Forums in 2019 and Virtual Women Veterans Series in 2020 to discuss specific challenges women face after service.

• Hosted a virtual roundtable on LGBTQ2+ Veterans in Fall 2020.

WHEN PRESSED:

Q1 – Will Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) be hosting a Women Veteran Forum this
year?

Response
The early stages of planning for a 2022 Forum are underway. This Forum will continue to elevate the lived experiences of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans, bringing together the voices of Veterans, subject matter expertise, researchers and stakeholders to discuss specific challenges these groups face after service.

Q2 – How is VAC working interdepartmentally with other government departments to address systemic challenges facing women and LGBTQ2 Veterans?
Response
The Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans is an active collaborator with Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Department of National Defence to improve the social, health, and economic outcomes of women and LGBTQ2 Veteran communities.

Q3 – Is VAC aware of the challenges facing LGBTQ2 Veterans seeking services?
Response
VAC has been working towards implementing more inclusive services for LGBTQ2 Veterans and their families through modernizing our information practices around Sex and Gender with the aim to recognize the gender of gender diverse Veterans in VAC systems and services. The Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans has also worked to ensure staff have access to training on LGBTQ2+ Cultural Competency, LGBTQ2 Veteran Histories (including the documentary “the Fruit Machine”), and Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).
 
Q4 – How does VAC currently manage gender markers when delivering services to Veterans?
Response
VAC has ensured that Sex and Gender are not displayed on identity documents in line with the Treasury Board Secretariat Policy Direction on Modernizing Sex and Gender. VAC is also working to implement the recommendations of Gender Inclusive Services to ensure that gender diverse Veterans are treated with respect.

Q5 – What is VAC doing to better understand the experiences of marginalized groups, including Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans?
Response
VAC is committed to gaining a greater understanding of the experiences of marginalized Veterans. As such, the Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans is supporting departmental efforts to develop a disaggregated data action plan, as well as helping to shape the departmental Women Veterans Research Plan. VAC has also established positive working relationships with community organizations and stakeholders that represent Women and LGBTQ2+ Veterans including Rainbow Veterans of Canada, Servicewomen’s Salute, and The Purge Fund.