Question Period Note: REHABILITATION SERVICES AND VOCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROCUREMENT

• An new Rehabilitation and Vocational Assistance Program contract was awarded in June 2021.

• The contract will provide an improved, innovative and nationally consistent service delivery for Veterans and their families.

• The contract was needed to replace the existing service that is due to expire in December 2022.

• Through this service, Case Managers will have more time to provide direct support to Veterans and their families and build strong connections of care, increasing the positive impact on their lives.

• Our top priority is for Veterans to have a smooth transition to the new national provider.

BACKGROUND — REHABILITATION SERVICES AND VOCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROCUREMENT

The vision of Veterans Affairs Canada’s Rehabilitation Program is for participants to achieve optimal levels of health, functioning, and participation through evidence informed approaches. The program aims to improve the well-being of Veterans and their families by reducing barriers to re-establishment in their post-service life. The Program provides Veteran-centered rehabilitation services and benefits through a rehabilitation-focused case management approach.

There are three components in the Rehabilitation Program; medical, psycho-social and vocational. Currently, vocational rehabilitation is provided by one national contractor, while medical and psycho-social services are offered through multiple service providers in the community.

The new contract will create a single service provider enhancing the Veteran experience and improving their well-being. Our top priority is to ensure that Veterans have a smooth transition to the new provider starting in November 2022 until the end of the implementation period, June 2023.

Throughout the procurement process VAC facilitated multiple consultations with industry, internal subject matter experts including front-line delivery staff, union representatives and external stakeholders.

These consultations have continued throughout the implementation of the contract and have been expanded to include Rehabilitation Program participants who identify as Indigenous, racialized groups, LGBTQ2+ and persons with a disability, to ensure our service delivery is inclusive and equitable.

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