Question Period Note: STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENCE - CANADIAN ARMED FORCES HEALTH CARE AND TRANSITION SERVICES

• I would like to thank the members of the NDDN for looking at these important issues and providing recommendations to my department and CAF/DND.

• Veterans Affairs Canada will work with the CAF/DND to review and respond to the recommendations.

• Veterans Affairs Canada reaches out to Veterans to promote its programs through a variety of ways.

• Releasing members and Veterans can find information and support as part of their transition process beginning with a transition interview prior to release and training such as My Transition Seminars and My Transition 101 online training.

• During the Military to Civilian Transition process, transitioning members are supported by Canadian Armed Forces’ Transition Advisors, Military Family Services’ Family Transition Advisors and Veterans Affairs Canada staff who jointly provide assistance and transition planning. In addition, Enhanced Transition Services provides integrated transition planning for those who are medically releasing and need additional supports.

BACKGROUND- NDDN REPORT

• On October 6, 2022, the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) adopted a motion to examine health care and transition services in the CAF.

• The committee held four meetings on this study between April 28 and June 2, 2023. During these meetings, 21 witnesses appeared and five written briefs were received. It also adopted a motion to consider evidence received by ACVA during its study on the “Experience of Women Veterans”.

In December 2023, the committee tabled their report of a study of the Canadian Armed Forces Health Care and Transition Services. The report can be read here - Canadian Armed Forces Health Care and Transition Services (ourcommons.ca) (https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/441/NDDN/Reports/RP12673550/nddnrp06/nddnrp06-e.pdf)

• The NDDN report concludes that there is a need for more collaboration between Government of Canada Departments, increased research and communication. The report makes a total of 33 recommendations, nine of which are either led or co-led by VAC.

• VAC is working with CAF on the proposed Government Response to the nine recommendations that are either led or co-lead by VAC.

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