Veterans Ombud Releases Report: Full and Fair Payment of Pain and Suffering Compensation
March 22, 2024, Ottawa, ON – Veterans Ombud Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine released a report today on the unfairness inherent in Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) benefit. The PSC benefit compensates Veterans for disabilities related to their service. How VAC pays the PSC benefit directly affects what happens to Veterans’ compensation when they die.
— 30 —
Disability Benefit Adjudication Process
This guide explains the steps Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) takes after you apply for Disability Benefits.
1. Claim Preparation VAC ensures your application includes all information required to make a decision. They order your service health records and may contact you for further information. When VAC has the required information, your application is placed into a queue for decision-makers.
Veterans Ombud in Yellowknife to meet with the Veterans Community
FEBRUARY 15, 2024, OTTAWA, ON – Veterans Ombud Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine will be in the Northwest Territories the week of February 19 to meet with its Veterans community. The visit includes a town hall in Yellowknife on February 20, as well as meetings with a broad range of stakeholders.
— 30 —
Update: Resolution of Disability Pension Reductions due to Merlo Davidson Settlement Compensation - February 6, 2024
Update: Resolution of Disability Pension Reductions due to Merlo Davidson Settlement Compensation
What to do when you disagree with a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) decision
When you disagree with a VAC decision you have the right to request a review.
1. You have the right to get a decision in writing.
If you did not get a decision letter, ask VAC for one.
2. Read your letter carefully, it will help guide your next steps. The decision letter will tell you
who can review the decision:
Office of the Veterans Ombud Shines Light on its Outstanding Recommendations to Veterans Affairs Canada
December 7, 2023, Ottawa, ON – Today, the Office of the Veterans Ombud (OVO) released its publication Spotlight 2023: Progress Update on OVO Recommendations to VAC. As of March 31, 2023, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has fully or partially implemented 70 percent or 55 of the OVO’s 79 recommendations – a slight improvement over last year.
The recommendations made by the OVO address systemic gaps and barriers to fair access by Veterans and their families for VAC services and benefits.
— 30 —
2023 Veterans Ombud Commendations Announced
NOVEMBER 28, 2023, OTTAWA, ON – The Veterans Ombud Commendation recognizes and honours the exceptional dedication, hard work and selfless motivation of an individual or group's contribution to Canada's Veterans and their families. This afternoon, Veterans Ombud Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine awarded eight Commendations for 2023:
— 30 —
Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
National Organization or Group
In the 32 years of its existence, the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) consistently worked with sister Veteran organizations and VAC on behalf of all Veterans, by helping to develop innovative initiatives like the Veterans Bill of Rights, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, the VAC telephone assistance line, the Office of the Veterans' Ombudsman, and declaration of 9th of August as National Peacekeepers’ Day. CPVA’s most recent project, in 2023, celebrates the 75th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping through commemorative and educational events and through production of an online, bilingual publication, PK75, celebrating Canada’s historic contributions to peacekeeping through the eyes of more than 125 Canadian peacekeepers. CPVA’s steady and active leadership has displayed its capacity to reach far beyond its own membership to influence events and activities affecting all Canadian Veterans.
Pepper Pod
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
National Organization or Group
The term “Pepper Podding” refers to the military maneuver intended to cover one’s partner while advancing on the enemy. Pepper Pod is a non-profit based in Chelsea, Quebec with the goal of supporting women veterans, soon-to be veterans and spouses of veterans. Founded by Canada’s first woman infantry officer Hon LCol (retired) Sandra Perron, the organization aims to create a soft and safe space for women to come together and find support tailored specifically for women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP. The group is best known for their Lifeshop weekend retreats across the country. Due to the success of the Lifeshop program, Pepper Pod has received widespread positive feedback within the veteran community.