QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Veterans Affairs
Transition to Civilian Life
February 15, 2024
The inquiry also states that Lionel Desmond was unable to join a transitional program into civilian life until he was formally released from the Canadian Armed Forces. This delayed access to resources that he needed in order to be healthy and successful in civilian life.
Minister, why does Veterans Affairs Canada require an official release from the Canadian Armed Forces before starting the process of helping veterans transition back into civilian life? Why not be proactive?
Could you tell us when in the next few weeks we might have answers to these questions?
Thank you again. It is a very important question.
We have to recognize that when it comes to the work being done right now when it comes to Canadian Armed Forces members who are exiting the forces, we certainly want to make sure that transition when they become veterans in civilian life is done as seamlessly as possible. That is why I’m working with Minister Blair in order to make sure we can make that as seamless as possible.
We certainly followed the inquiry very closely as it was going on. Some changes have been made with respect to Veterans Affairs. I will give you an example: When individuals are asking for mental health services, we want to make sure they have timely access to service and won’t have to go through the evaluation process, if you will. If someone is asking, they will receive the services.
Over the past two years, 16,000 veterans have applied for those types of services, and we’ve been able to make sure they have had them as quickly as possible.
