Ottawa ON
Canada
Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent released today Supporting Ill and Injured RCMP Members and their Families: A Review. This comprehensive review was prepared in consultation with the RCMP and compiles the current services and benefits administered by both the RCMP and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to ill and injured RCMP members and their families, as well as additional benefits offered by the Government of Canada, such as Public Service Priority Hiring and the Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefit.
“The RCMP appreciates the work the Veterans Ombudsman has done on behalf of our members and their families in compiling the benefits available to those who may suffer illness, injury or death while serving and protecting Canadians,” said RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson.
The RCMP has a workforce of 28,400 employees. In addition to domestic operations, members are involved in international peace and capacity-building operations. “Working conditions for RCMP members can be extremely challenging, and often dangerous,” said Mr. Parent. “This can result in physical and psychological injuries, illness or death.”
Over the next five years, the number of serving and discharged VAC RCMP clients is expected to increase by 20 percent, and the number of RCMP members’ survivors is expected to almost double. “Because the number of serving and discharged VAC RCMP clients is growing,” said the Veterans Ombudsman “it is important to understand the current support available.