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Section IV – Other Items of Interest

Why We Honour Them

In 2008, Canada will mark three important anniversaries in its military history: the 90^th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War; the 65^th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic; and the 55^th anniversary of the Korean cease fire.

These events serve as reminders that Canada's development as an independent nation with a unique identity stems in great measure from the magnitude of its wartime exploits, such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The tremendous legacy left by the success and accomplishments of our servicemen and women has led to the recognition of Canada in the community of nations.

During the 20^th and 21^th centuries, Canadians responded to their country's call for service during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the war in Afghanistan, and a variety of peace enforcement, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world (most of which have proved to be as hazardous as war service) around the world.

Prior to the First World War, there was no government department or agency responsible for Canada's Veterans. With the commemoration of the 90^th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we are reminded of the immense human toll of the First World War. From a total population of eight million, Canada sent almost 620,000 men and women to war. Of these, 66,655 gave their lives while another 172,950 were wounded. In recognition of their sacrifices, the Government of Canada established Veteran's rehabilitation programs which were combined into one department at the end of the war.

During the Second World War, Canada's population of 11 million produced a fighting force of over one million men and women. Canada's Navy was the third largest of the allied forces, while its Air Force was the fourth largest. More than 45,000 members of the Canadian Navy, Army, Air Force and Merchant Navy would make the ultimate sacrifice, while 55,000 returned home wounded.

Of particular significance was the Battle of the Atlantic. It was the longest running battle of the Second World War and had the highest casualty rate – one out of every eight Canadians who participated was either killed or wounded.

When the war ended, virtually all Veterans faced the challenge of demobilization and a return to civilian life. Recognizing that a large scale rehabilitation program would again be required, the Veterans Charter was established to provide returning Veterans with various benefits and assistance.

Under a United Nations mandate, 27,000 Canadian Forces personnel defended freedom through their service in the Korean War. Between June, 1950 and the cease fire in July, 1953, Canadian casualties numbered over 1,500 including 516 who lost their lives. Korean War Veterans were also provided with benefits and services under the Veterans Charter.

Since 1947, Canadians have actively contributed to 72 international operations of all kinds; most, but not all of which were conducted under the mandate of the United Nations. These operations have taken a toll in terms of the physical and mental well-being of those involved. Currently, more than 2,900 Canadian soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel are deployed overseas on operational missions. On any given day, about 8,000 Canadian Forces members are preparing for, engaged in or returning from an overseas mission.

In recognition of modern-day needs, the New Veterans Charter (Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act) came into effect in April 2006. It represents the most sweeping change to Veterans' benefits and services since the Second World War. It builds on the services and benefits that were already in place to help traditional war service Veterans live with dignity and independence, and offers Canadian Forces Veterans and their families access to services and programs that are tailor-made for them.

Partnerships

Veterans Affairs worked in close partnership with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces in the development of the New Veterans Charter and continues to work with them on the continued delivery of these programs and services. Consulting on a regular basis with Veterans' organizations, central agencies, various federal departments and other levels of government is also key to ensuring that our actions reflect the changing needs of our diverse clientele. For example, we consult with the Royal Canadian Legion, the National Council of Veterans Associations in Canada, the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada, the Canadian Association for Veterans of United Nations on Peacekeeping and the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association on issues such as the New Veterans Charter, development of our Strategic Plan, the creation of a Veterans Bill of Rights and the establishment of a Veterans Ombudsman. In another example, Service Officers of the Royal Canadian Legion represent clients before the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

One of the Department's significant partnerships is the Federal Healthcare Partnership (FHP). This is a voluntary alliance of six federal government organizations responsible for ensuring delivery of healthcare services to more than 1.1 million clients in Canada. The client base includes:

• eligible Veterans;
• Canadian Forces members;
• RCMP members;
• First Nations and Inuit people;
• inmates of federal institutions; and
• certain classes of migrants.

The FHP is supported by a Secretariat which reports to VAC's Associate Deputy Minister and is funded through VAC. The two primary goals of the FHP are achieving economies of scale while enhancing the provision of care and providing strategic leadership on health-related issues. These goals are met through collaborative work undertaken by the partners in a number of areas, including audiology, dental care, Federal/Provincial/Territorial representation, health human resources, health information management, medical equipment recycling, mental health, pharmacy, and vision care.

Partnerships are critical to the delivery of Remembrance programming. We work with the Canadian Forces, Canadian Heritage and other governmental organizations at the community, national and international level to ensure that the message of Remembrance reaches a broad audience. To continue sharing the duty and honour of Remembrance, we also work with non-governmental organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, Scouts Canada, youth organizations and other partners at the community, national and international level.

Appendices

Appendix A: Acronyms

AEC	Audit and Evaluation Committee
BPA	Bureau of Pensions Advocates
CF	Canadian Forces
DEB	Departmental Executive Board
DND	Department of National Defence
IT	Information Technology
OAG	Office of the Auditor General
PCP	Partnership Contribution Program
RCMP	Royal Canadian Mounted Police
SMC	Senior Management Committee
VAC	Veterans Affairs Canada
VRAB	Veterans Review and Appeal Board

Appendix B: Web Sites

The following Web sites will provide more detailed information on material provided in this report. If further information is required, contact may be made through our general enquiries lines listed on the last page of this report.

Audit and Evaluation Reports:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports/deptaudrep

Canada Remembers:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/

Clients:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/

DND-VAC Centre for the Support of Injured Members, Injured Veterans and their Families:
www.dnd.ca/hr/thecentre/engraph/home_e.asp

Human Resources Five-Year Strategic Plan:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports

Mental Health:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=mhealth

National Client Satisfaction Survey:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports/ncss05

New Veterans Charter:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=Forces/nvc

Office of the Veterans Ombudsman:
www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca

On-line Services:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=e_services

Providers and Professionals:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/providers

Regulations:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/Legislation

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=rcmp

Ste. Anne's Hospital:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=steannes

Strategic Plan (Veterans Affairs Canada):
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports

Strategic Plan (Veterans Review and Appeal Board):
www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca/VRAB-TACRA_Documents.htm

Sustainable Development Strategy:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports

Veterans Affairs Canada:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/

Veterans Review and Appeal Board:
www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca

Youth and Educators:
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/youth/

Appendix C: Contact Information

If you wish to make a general enquiry about Veterans Affairs Canada, its programs or services, please call 1-866-522-2122. If you wish to make a general enquiry about Veterans Review and Appeal Board, please call 1-800-450-8006.

Portfolio Publications

The Portfolio produces a variety of publications on its programs and services. Copies of these publications can be obtained from your nearest Veterans Affairs Canada district or regional office.

Our staff in Corporate Planning are responsible for coordinating the development of this report, the associated Performance Report, as well as a number of other departmental reports. These are available on-line at: www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:

Manager, Corporate Planning
Strategic Planning and Initiatives Division
Veterans Affairs Canada
P.O. Box 7700
Charlottetown, PE C1A 8M9
Telephone: 902-626-2921
Facsimile: 902-368-0437
Electronic Mail: plan@vac-acc.gc.ca

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