The mandate of the Ombudsman, found in the Order in Council P.C. 2007-530, shall be:

  • to review and address complaints by clients [of Veterans Affairs Canada] and their representatives arising from the application of the provisions of the Veterans Bill of Rights;
  • to identify and review emerging and systemic issues related to programs and services provided or administered by the Department or by third parties on the Department's behalf that impact negatively on clients;
  • to review and address complaints by clients [of Veterans Affairs Canada] and their representatives related to programs and services provided or administered by the Department or by third parties on the Department's behalf, including individual decisions related to the programs and services for which there is no right of appeal to the (Veterans Review and Appeal) Board;
  • to review systemic issues related to the (Veterans Review and Appeal) Board; and
  • to facilitate access by stakeholders to programs and services by providing them with information and referrals.