Ottawa ON
Canada
The Veterans Ombudsman’s 2016-2017 Annual Report was tabled today in the House of Commons by the Minister of Veterans Affairs. The Report covers all activities of the Veterans Ombudsman from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 demonstrating the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman’s influence in effecting change and informing policy for Veterans and their families. Not only does it encapsulate 2016-2017 achievements, it is also a bridge to what lies ahead in 2017-2018.
“The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman’s evidence-informed work has resulted in action on many of its recommendations and increased fairness for Veterans and their families,” said Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent.
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Seamus O’Regan and Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent
Veterans from across the country reached out to the Veterans Ombudsman and his team for assistance in 2016-2017. In the almost 1812 files addressed during the year, the main issues related to accessing benefits under the New Veterans Charter, the Pension Act and Veterans’ Health Care Regulations, and also related to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board and the Bureau of Pension Advocates.
In 2016-2017, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman released the following Reviews and Reports:
- Supporting Ill and Injured RCMP Members and Their Families: A Review
- Fair Compensation to Veterans and Their Survivors for Pain and Suffering
- Aon Hewitt report - Risk Assessment: Benchmark of Benefits for Disabled Veterans under the New Veterans Charter
“I look forward to working with the Veterans’ community, my Advisory Council and my team in the coming year to move the bar forward once again for Veterans and their families,” said Mr. Parent.