Veterans Affairs

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the rehabilitation services contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS). Witnesses included representatives from Broken Squirrel Wellness, Mindspa Mental Health Centre, and the Veterans Transition Network, as well as a physician and a psychologist testifying as individuals. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of PCVRS in providing rehabilitation services to veterans, with concerns raised about accessibility, consistency, and the impact on veterans' well-being. Committee members heard that veterans are a unique population, and supporting them requires programs that are specialized, culturally competent and accessible. Committee members also heard that the system governing veterans' care should allow access to specialized, culturally competent supports without unnecessary barriers. Mackenzie Scharf from Broken Squirrel Wellness highlighted the responsiveness of PCVRS case managers but also pointed out challenges such as inconsistent processes, lack of clarity, and delays in care. Oliver Thorne, CEO of the Veterans Transition Network, described a frustrating two-year process to register as a service provider with PCVRS, only to be told they couldn't refer clients. He urged the committee to investigate potential conflicts of interest among PCVRS's affiliate providers. Michelle Massunken, clinical director at Mindspa Mental Health Centre, noted improved access to care but emphasized the need for clarity and education about the program's nuances. Dr. Anne Marie Pinard, a physician specializing in chronic pain, expressed concern about a rigid, standardized approach to care and a decline in collaboration with other healthcare providers. Elizabeth Forbes, a trauma psychologist, discussed the clinical implications of rehabilitation timing and the importance of trauma-informed care. David Morrow, a veteran, shared his personal experiences and criticized the outsourcing of veteran care to private companies. He also called for greater veteran involvement in the planning and oversight of veteran services. Several committee members questioned the witnesses about their experiences with PCVRS and the impact on veterans. Concerns were raised about the lack of communication between PCVRS and other healthcare providers, the potential for conflicts of interest, and the need for more flexibility and individualized care. The committee discussed the importance of trust in the veteran-provider relationship and the potential harm caused by forcing veterans to switch providers. The committee agreed to continue its study of the PCVRS contract and consider the recommendations made by the witnesses. The next meeting will include testimony from the Minister of Veterans Affairs and officials from Veterans Affairs Canada.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Veterans Affairs held a meeting to discuss issues related to veteran rehabilitation services and entrepreneurship. The first part of the meeting focused on the rehabilitation services contract awarded to PCVRS. Witnesses included psychologists, researchers, and a registered psychiatric nurse, each offering different perspectives on the effectiveness and challenges of the PCVRS program. Some expressed concerns about the rigidity of the program, lack of local services, and ethical issues, while others praised its timeliness and collaborative approach. Committee members questioned the witnesses to get a better understanding of the different viewpoints. The second part of the meeting shifted to barriers to entrepreneurship among veterans. Witnesses, including veteran entrepreneurs and a program director from the University of Ottawa, highlighted issues such as income caps, lack of access to capital, and the need for veteran-specific mentorship. They emphasized that entrepreneurship can be a valuable way for veterans to regain purpose and contribute to society, but that the system often punishes them for trying. Committee members discussed potential solutions, such as setting aside funds from existing government programs and reducing regulatory burdens. During the meeting, there was a motion to create an independent Canadian Military Honours Review Board. This board would review decisions made about military honors, especially when new evidence suggests a mistake might have been made. The motion was inspired by the case of Jess Larochelle, a veteran who some believe deserved the Victoria Cross for his bravery in Afghanistan. The motion received unanimous support from the committee, showing a commitment to recognizing the heroism of Canadian veterans. The next meeting will continue the study on the rehabilitation services contract awarded to PCVRS.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the challenges and opportunities for veterans starting their own businesses. Witnesses shared their experiences and offered suggestions for improvement. Nicholas Stroesser, founder of Corporal4Life Apparel, talked about the difficulties in finding staff, securing funding, and accessing mentorship. Duncan McSporran from Vimy Forge highlighted the leadership skills veterans possess but noted the lack of a clear support system in Canada compared to the U.S. and the U.K. Heather Vanderveer, owner of Alberta Recoil Inc., pointed out that female veterans and those from non-commissioned backgrounds face additional barriers in accessing funding and support. Stroesser suggested a veteran-owned business job bank and partnerships with national banks to offer low-interest funding. McSporran proposed a centrally managed support program to better connect veterans with training, mentorship, and capital. Vanderveer emphasized the need to formally recognize entrepreneurship as a valid transition pathway and to provide clear guidance on how business income affects benefits. She also called for more accessible funding opportunities for veteran-led organizations, especially those led by women. William Steed, a veteran entrepreneur, mentioned the lack of a central place to find information on how to get involved with DND or Veterans Affairs programs. Joseph Blanchard from VeCATS Inc. proposed establishing a national entrepreneurship ecosystem for veterans, similar to programs for women, Black, and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Arjun Grewal from IMT Group emphasized that a flourishing veteran community is a powerful recruiting tool and suggested incentivizing corporations to support veteran-owned businesses. Committee members discussed the need for better coordination of support services, improved access to funding, and recognition of the unique challenges faced by different groups of veterans. They also explored ways to encourage more veterans to start businesses in Canada and to connect them with procurement opportunities in the defense sector. A motion was passed to further study the challenges with veteran benefits and the impact on entrepreneurship. The committee agreed to hold more meetings to hear from additional witnesses, including the Union of Veterans' Affairs Employees, to gather more information and develop effective recommendations to support veteran entrepreneurship.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the rehabilitation services provided to veterans, focusing on the contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS). The committee heard from Veterans Ombud, Nishika Jardine, who shared that her office had received 100 complaints about PCVRS, but only six indicated unfairness, and none pointed to systemic issues. However, she noted informal complaints about communication problems, delays, and excessive assessments, especially for survivors of the LGBT purge. Jardine also mentioned concerns about the overall rehabilitation program's effectiveness and cost-efficiency. She emphasized the need for veterans to submit formal complaints to enable systemic reviews. Committee members questioned Jardine about the PCVRS program's success, the validity of satisfaction surveys, and whether certain issues like reassessments and bureaucratic overlap were systemic. Jardine clarified that her office focuses on fairness and equitable access to programs, not second-guessing Parliament's decisions. She also highlighted the challenges her office faces in accessing veterans' files for systemic reviews due to privacy concerns. Members also discussed the impact of budget cuts to the Bureau of Pensions Advocates and the need for better communication with veterans. Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight addressed the committee, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation for veterans transitioning to civilian life. She acknowledged that while many veterans are pleased with the PCVRS program, others have raised concerns, and the department is listening. McKnight announced an independent review of the rehabilitation program and PCVRS to enable data-driven decision-making and identify areas for improvement. She clarified that VAC case managers remain the final decision-makers in the rehabilitation process. Committee members questioned the Minister on the success of the PCVRS contract, access to service providers, and the accuracy of information provided by department officials. The committee also discussed the need for better consultation with unions and the impact of budget cuts on veterans' services.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss how well the contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) is working. PCVRS is a company that helps veterans with their health and job training as they transition to civilian life. Committee members wanted to know if veterans are getting the services they need and if the program is well-managed. Witnesses from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Lifemark Health Group, and WCG Services (the companies that make up PCVRS) spoke about the program. Jane Hicks from VAC talked about how the program is supposed to provide coordinated care and help veterans improve their health and well-being. Sonya Lockyer from Lifemark, a veteran herself, emphasized that the program is meant to be different from other services by offering a team-based approach to rehabilitation. Tania Bennett from WCG Services highlighted how PCVRS helps veterans access services quickly. Committee members raised concerns about veterans being forced to use PCVRS providers and the program being overly bureaucratic. Some members felt that veterans' voices weren't being heard and that the committee needed to hear from more veterans directly. VAC representatives said they are working to improve communication and address issues as they arise. A motion was put forward to extend the study and hear from additional witnesses. Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing debate about whether the PCVRS contract is truly benefiting veterans and whether changes need to be made to better serve their needs. The committee is considering further meetings to gather more information and perspectives.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss how to help veterans become entrepreneurs. The committee heard from several witnesses about the challenges veterans face when starting and running businesses. The witnesses suggested ways the government could better support veteran entrepreneurs, such as providing training, access to capital, and procurement opportunities. Bryan Brulotte, a former infantry officer and successful business owner, recommended structured business training for veterans before they leave the military, formalized networking and peer support, better access to government contracts, and more access to capital to help businesses grow. Greg Merrill, from Veterans Elite Drone Training Services Inc., talked about the growing drone industry and how veterans are well-suited for it. He noted that changes to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) funding have limited veterans' access to advanced drone training. Richard Coleman, from the Honour House Society, emphasized the importance of mentorship and connecting veterans with franchise opportunities. Kevin Leboeuf, co-founder of Educated Beards, shared his personal story of starting a business after being diagnosed with PTSD. He highlighted the challenges veterans face in accessing funding and support, and how being labeled as a disabled veteran can be detrimental. Grigori Potapenko, a veteran entrepreneur, focused on the need for capital, talent, and revenue opportunities for veteran-owned businesses. Christopher Hennebery, from the Veterans Artist Collective, discussed the need for more flexible programs that recognize veterans as potential job creators, not just job seekers. Committee members discussed the importance of changing the narrative around veterans from being seen as broken to being seen as leaders and contributors. They also talked about the need for more data on veteran-owned businesses and for better coordination between government agencies and private organizations that support veteran entrepreneurship. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee members indicated that they would consider the witnesses' recommendations as they continue their study on barriers to entrepreneurship among veterans.

The Canadian Parliament's Veterans Affairs Committee met to discuss concerns about the rehabilitation services provided to veterans by Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS). The committee heard from three witnesses: Marc-André Bernard, a psychologist; Shawn Carter, the executive director of Edgewood Health Network Inc.; and Tim Laidler, the executive director of the Veterans Transition Centre. The witnesses shared their experiences and concerns about the PCVRS program, which is a $600 million contract. Marc-André Bernard criticized the PCVRS program for being overly bureaucratic and punitive, stating that it often retraumatizes veterans and makes it difficult for them to access the care they need. He also noted that the program is discouraging for professionals, who are bogged down by administrative tasks. Shawn Carter spoke about the importance of providing trauma-informed care to veterans and ensuring that they are treated with respect and transparency. He highlighted the need for consistency and clear communication in the care process. Tim Laidler raised concerns about the mandatory nature of the PCVRS program and the fear that veterans have of losing their income replacement benefits if they do not comply with the program's requirements. He also criticized the policy that only allows veterans to be retrained to the salary level they had when they left the military. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the issues they raised and discussed potential solutions. There was a general consensus that the PCVRS program needs to be improved to better meet the needs of veterans. Some committee members suggested that the contract with PCVRS should be reviewed or cancelled. Others called for greater flexibility and choice in the services that are available to veterans. The committee acknowledged the need for further investigation and committed to continuing its study of the issue. The next meeting will be on the obstacles to entrepreneurship among veterans.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the challenges veterans face when starting their own businesses. The committee heard from three witnesses: Lisa Cyr, a retired corporal and owner of a cat cafe; Fraser Zerebecki, a veteran and entrepreneur; and Angela Mondou, a veteran and CEO of a defence and AI company. All three witnesses spoke about the difficulties veterans face in accessing funding, navigating complex administrative processes, and dealing with the mental and emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Lisa Cyr shared her personal story of how starting her cat cafe helped her overcome PTSD and create a safe space for other veterans. She highlighted the institutional barriers that make it difficult for veterans to access entrepreneurship assistance programs and financing. She uses her own savings and pension to support the cafe and help veterans, emphasizing the need for flexible and specialized programs tailored to veterans' realities. Fraser Zerebecki proposed the creation of a federal bank dedicated to veterans and veteran entrepreneurship. He suggested offering accessible financing with low-interest rates, grant funding for ventures that benefit the public, and a shared-equity development stream where the government partners with veterans. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening education benefits and making them accessible throughout a veteran's life. Angela Mondou recommended creating a one-stop shop for veteran entrepreneurship with navigation support, a tech accelerator specifically for defence, and facilitating access to capital. She stressed that veterans are a national strategic asset and should be supported like other Canadians, especially in high-growth sectors like defence, security, cyber, and technology. Committee members discussed the need for ongoing support, addressing the disparity in risk tolerance, and expanding DEI initiatives to include veterans.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss ways to help veterans start their own businesses. The committee heard from Richard McNish, co-owner of Dog House Brewing Company, and Jody Mitic, founder of Green Army Coffee, about the challenges they faced as veteran entrepreneurs. Both speakers emphasized that veterans possess valuable skills like leadership and risk management, but current support systems are not designed to help them. They suggested that Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) should recognize entrepreneurship as a valid career path for veterans and offer specific programs to support them. McNish highlighted that VAC's programs are mainly focused on traditional employment, making it harder for veterans to get funding and support for starting businesses. He recommended that VAC create a dedicated entrepreneurship program with funding, mentorship, and clear guidelines on how business income affects benefits. Mitic shared his personal experience of having his income replacement benefits cut off because he was trying to start a business. He argued that this policy discourages veterans from pursuing entrepreneurship. Dustin Gareau from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces, spoke about the lack of funding programs for veteran entrepreneurs, especially reservists. Brandon Dyck from IBEW, discussed how their organization partners with Helmets to Hardhats Canada to provide veterans with access to apprenticeships and training in the electrical industry. They emphasized the importance of peer support and mentorship for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Committee members discussed the need for VAC to improve its understanding of entrepreneurship and provide more flexible support to veterans. They also explored ways to recognize the skills and experience veterans gain in the military and make it easier for them to transition into civilian jobs. There was a consensus that veterans have a lot to offer as entrepreneurs, but the current system needs to be updated to better support them. The committee agreed to consider the recommendations from the witnesses and include them in their report. They also expressed interest in gathering more data on the number of veterans who have participated in programs like Helmets to Hardhats and the challenges they face in accessing capital and other resources.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the challenges veterans face when starting their own businesses. The committee heard from David Morrow, a veteran and entrepreneur, who shared his experiences and offered solutions. He emphasized that veteran entrepreneurs are an underused economic asset and should be treated as such by the government. He suggested tracking veteran-owned businesses, focusing on outcomes rather than intentions in funding programs, and recognizing entrepreneurship as a viable path for veterans. Committee members discussed the differences between Canada and the United States in supporting veteran entrepreneurship, with the U.S. seen as doing a better job. They also talked about access to capital, the transition from military to civilian life, and the need for a culture change to encourage veterans to identify as entrepreneurs.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss ways to help veterans become entrepreneurs. The committee heard from Jocelyn Démétré, president of Hero Lodge, and David Howard, president of the Canadian Legacy Project, about the challenges veterans face when starting businesses. Démétré spoke about the difficulties in obtaining financial assistance for Hero Lodge, a refuge for veterans, while Howard highlighted the need for entrepreneurial training, funding, and support networks. Committee members discussed potential solutions, such as creating a veteran-owned business certification and increasing procurement preferences for veteran-owned businesses. During the second panel, John Proctor from PricewaterhouseCoopers and Caleb Walker from the Veteran Business Network Institute (VBNI) shared their insights. Proctor emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in perception, networks, and skills translation for veterans. He suggested establishing a centralized program, reinstating a national mentorship network, and promoting veteran entrepreneurs. Walker focused on the need for actionable policies, such as setting a procurement target for veteran-owned businesses and incentivizing large defense companies to work with them. Committee members explored various strategies to support veteran entrepreneurship, including providing resources to accelerators, changing purchasing requirements, and showcasing success stories. They also discussed the importance of addressing the cultural shift veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. The committee acknowledged the need for a unified approach and better coordination of existing programs to effectively support veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors. The committee explored the idea of a 3% procurement target for veteran-owned businesses, similar to the indigenous procurement target. Witnesses emphasized the importance of mentorship and networking opportunities for veterans, as well as the need to change the narrative surrounding veterans and highlight their successes. The committee recognized the value of skills and training acquired during military service and the need to better support veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship. Next steps were not explicitly identified, but the committee seemed interested in further exploring the ideas presented by the witnesses and potentially incorporating them into future recommendations or policies. The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing both the practical and cultural challenges veterans face when starting businesses and the need for a coordinated approach to support their success.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss suicide prevention among veterans. Witnesses shared their experiences and suggestions for improvement. The committee heard that the Veterans Affairs system can be difficult to navigate and sometimes causes additional stress for veterans. They also discussed the importance of peer support and mental health services. James Grant, an army veteran, spoke about his struggles with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) after a medical release. He believes the system is broken and violates veterans' rights, contributing to mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. Dr. Allison Crawford from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health discussed the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline and its potential to support veterans. She mentioned that the US has a dedicated veterans crisis line connected to their 988 service, which has seen significant growth. Todd Hisey, founder of The Veteran Hunters Canada, shared his personal mental health journey and how hunting and community support helped him. He raised concerns about veterans being inappropriately offered medical assistance in dying (MAID) by VAC case managers. Dr. Shelly Whitman and Kathryn Reeves from the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, discussed moral injury and its impact on veterans and their families, especially when encountering children in armed conflict. They emphasized the need for more training and support for veterans and their families. Committee members asked questions about the issues raised by the witnesses. They discussed the need for better collaboration between support services, more veteran-specific resources, and improved training for those working with veterans. There was also discussion of the need for more support for veterans' families, including children who may experience generational trauma. The committee thanked the witnesses for their service and contributions to the discussion. The committee will now use the information gathered to create a report with recommendations for the government.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss budget changes and how they affect veterans. Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight explained that the budget includes investments to improve services for veterans, like speeding up disability benefit delivery. She also announced that Gulf War illness is now recognized as part of disability benefit applications, thanking advocates for their work. McKnight clarified that adjustments to the reimbursement rate for medical cannabis are not cuts to other veteran services or benefits. She also addressed proposed changes to the Pension Act, saying they aim to clarify how benefits are calculated, not reduce them. Committee members questioned McKnight about potential cuts to Veterans Affairs and the impact on services. Some expressed concern that veterans are being asked to pay for government mistakes, such as overpayments or underpayments. McKnight insisted there would be no cuts to benefits or services and encouraged veterans with concerns to contact Veterans Affairs. There was also discussion about using artificial intelligence (AI) in processing veterans' claims, with some worried it could lead to more delays and denials. McKnight said AI would be used to help with administrative tasks and free up staff to work directly with veterans. During the second hour, committee members continued to question department officials about the budget and its impact on veterans. They discussed French-language services, long-term care for veterans, and the veterans employment and homelessness strategies. Officials clarified that the $4.2 billion figure in the budget represents long-term savings from adjusting the medical cannabis reimbursement rate, not cuts to programs. They also explained how the department measures client satisfaction and works to improve services for veterans. The committee voted on the supplementary estimates, which included funding for operating expenditures and grants and contributions.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss suicide prevention among veterans. Witnesses shared their experiences and recommendations for improving support for veterans, focusing on the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and accessing services from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Key speakers included Dr. Denise Brend, who emphasized the importance of trauma-informed approaches and addressing institutional betrayal, and Stephen La Salle, who shared his personal struggles navigating the VAC system after a service-related injury. Chloé Deraiche and Bruno Plourde from The Trail - Transition Housing discussed the need for better follow-up care and collaboration between institutions and community organizations. Constable Aaron Dale presented the Military Veterans Wellness Program, which trains first responders to identify and support veterans in crisis. Witnesses highlighted systemic issues such as bureaucratic delays, lack of coordination between federal and provincial services, and the need for more personalized and humane support. They stressed the importance of prevention, early intervention, and addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans, including mental health issues and difficulty accessing timely care. Several committee members expressed frustration with the lack of progress on addressing these issues despite previous studies and recommendations. Recommendations included improving the transition process, streamlining access to services, increasing funding for community organizations, and providing better training for first responders and health care providers. There was also discussion on the need for a veteran-specific option on the national 988 suicide hotline. The committee debated whether to hear from additional witnesses at the next meeting, with some members advocating for concluding the study and moving towards drafting a report with recommendations. Ultimately, the committee agreed to hold a one-hour meeting to hear from the scheduled witnesses, followed by a discussion on drafting instructions for the report. The goal is to balance the need to gather more information with the urgency of taking action to improve support for veterans and prevent suicide. The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing sanctuary trauma, where the very system meant to help veterans becomes a source of stress and harm.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss suicide prevention among veterans. The committee heard from Amanda Anderson, whose husband died in Afghanistan, and Michel Marceau, an Afghanistan veteran. Anderson spoke about the struggles faced by families of veterans, especially after a veteran's death, highlighting the lack of consistent mental health support. She emphasized that current policies require the veteran's active participation, which is impossible after death, and survivors often receive insufficient short-term assistance. Marceau shared his difficulties accessing healthcare after leaving the military, including not having a family doctor and struggling with PTSD and medication side effects. He stressed the importance of camaraderie and finding healthy coping mechanisms, like yoga and martial arts. He also expressed frustration with the red tape and lack of support for veterans transitioning to civilian life. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses about their experiences and potential solutions. Anderson advocated for independent mental health care for families and survivor-specific case managers. Marceau emphasized the need for more comprehensive support beyond medication and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of mental health issues. Committee members also discussed the need to change legislation to allow family members to access mental health care independently of the veteran. They also talked about the importance of proper breathing techniques to manage anger and frustration. Later in the meeting, the committee discussed and passed a motion to study the service delivery and quality of care provided by health organizations to veterans. An amendment was added to invite the Minister of Veterans Affairs to the study. The committee also passed a motion acknowledging mistakes made in the "Presence in Absence" memorial and apologizing to veterans and families affected by the errors.