Question Period Note: SITUATION IN UKRAINE

• Like many Canadians, Veterans have expressed grave concern about the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

• Veterans Affairs Canada provides services and benefits to Veterans who are injured or become ill while serving with the Canadian Armed Forces.

• Anyone who is injured or becomes ill as a result of circumstances unrelated to Canadian military service is not eligible for benefits.

• Veterans and their families who are having difficulty coping with the ongoing situation can call the VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708 (TDD/TYY: 1-800-567-5803) to speak to a mental health professional. This service is free, confidential and available 24/7.

SITUATION IN UKRAINE

In February 2022, Ukraine invited foreign nationals to join its military in response to the Russian invasion. Since this time, citizens of a number of countries, including Canada, have reportedly travelled to Ukraine to be part of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine.

Canada’s Foreign Enlistment Act prohibits Canadians from enlisting in the military or navy of a foreign state at war with a friendly state. This means that in a conflict where Canada is neutral, Canadians cannot join the armed forces of a hostile party.

Global Affairs Canada continues to advise all Canadians against travel to Ukraine and Russia. As Global Affairs Canada’s ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited, Canadians cannot depend on the Government of Canada to assist Canadians in leaving Ukraine.

Anyone who is injured or becomes ill as a result of circumstances unrelated to service with the Canadian Armed Forces is not eligible for Veterans Affairs Canada benefits. This includes the current situation in Ukraine.

The Government of Canada has not provided services and benefits to Canadians who served in past conflicts where Canada was not a participant (i.e. Vietnam War, Spanish Civil War and American Civil War). Five Eyes Veterans Affairs’ partners have confirmed they are not providing benefits to citizens, including Veterans, who join the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine.

Any impacts on Veteran benefits and services will be assessed on a case by case basis as Veterans who travel to Ukraine come forward.

WHEN PRESSED:

Q1 – What will the Department do for Veterans and other Canadians who travel to
Ukraine to participate in the conflict, but become injured?

The health and well-being of our Veterans is a priority. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides services and benefits to Veterans who become ill or injured while serving with the Canadian Armed Forces. Anyone who is injured or becomes ill as a result of circumstances unrelated to Canadian military services is not eligible for benefits.
It is important to note that the Government of Canada is advising Canadians against all travel to Ukraine, including travel for humanitarian reasons as well as to take part in the conflict.

Q2 – Will VAC remove benefits from Veterans who travel to Ukraine to participate in the conflict?
It is important to keep in mind that the Government of Canada is advising Canadians against all travel to Ukraine, including travel for humanitarian reasons as well as to take part in the conflict.
Each Veteran situation is different, and will be assessed on a case by case basis to determine potential impacts.