Canada's Veterans Ombud

Today in Barrie! The Veterans Ombud Town Hall gets underway in Ontario. Veterans, CAF & RCMP members, survivors, families & friends - join us to connect and learn about support, from 7 to 9 pm (local time).

Our Office has said since 2021: that family members of Veterans should have access to federally funded mental health treatment in their own right. It is the time for the Government to act. The Parliamentary Committee on Veterans Affairs April 2026 report “Suicide Prevention Among Canadian Veterans” underscores the impacts of su***de on family members.

Upcoming Town Hall Meeting with the Veterans Ombud in Barrie, ON, on May 28! Veterans, serving CAF and RCMP members, survivors, family and friends are invited to attend the upcoming Town Hall meeting in Barrie, Thursday, May 28 from 7 to 9 pm (local time). Please see details in the picture below. Come connect, share, and learn about the support and services available to you.

VAC must do a better job of answering Veterans’ requests for review. We continue to hear complaints from Veterans who have been denied at N1LA/N2LA that VAC hasn’t addressed the reason they asked for a review.

Veterans deserve an internal review process that is fair and transparent. When decisions fail to address the evidence and arguments of Veterans, confidence in the system can erode.

When Veterans don’t receive clear reasons, it affects trust, and can affect access to support.

Our Office will continue monitoring concerns and pushing for the concrete changes outlined in our report.

Veterans have upheld their commitment to Canada, and they deserve a system that upholds its commitment to them.

Read: https://ow.ly/UgaF50Yn1Xw

Did you know? Getting new hearing aids doesn’t automatically update a hearing loss disability assessment. These are two separate processes.

Treatment benefits such as hearing aids focus on supporting your health needs.
Disability reassessments determine whether your level of impairment, including hearing loss or related conditions like tinnitus, has worsened since your last assessment. If it has, you may be entitled to more compensation.

If you feel your hearing has changed since your last disability assessment, you may wish to request a reassessment. Understanding the difference between treatment and reassessment can help ensure you’re receiving the benefits you may be entitled to.

Learn more: If you have a have question about your hearing loss disability benefit, please contact VAC: https://ow.ly/vVFJ50Yfjm8

Earlier this week, I appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs (VEAC). While many Veterans tell me they are satisfied with their interactions with Veterans Affairs Canada, I also hear clearly and consistently from a significant number of Veterans and their families who express deep distrust.

As I shared with Senators, when Veterans perceive unfairness, they experience it as a betrayal of the sacred trust embodied in their service to Canada. Senators have been instrumental in advancing positive change for Veterans and their families, and I look forward to contributing to that work by continuing to raise concerns, offer recommendations, and push for meaningful improvement.

Our recommendation for Mental health treatment benefits for Veterans' family members in their own right has still not been implemented after five years.

Families carry the weight of service too, so why should support depend on whether the Veteran is actively in treatment or a rehabilitation plan?

This unfair issue leaves families waiting. And unheard.

I remain firmly committed to advocating for this recommendation to be implemented. Families should not have to bear the burden of service alone.

Read the original report: https://ow.ly/aYme50YBomf

You’ve served Canada. Now let Canada serve you.

If you’re not sure which VAC programs or services you may qualify for, the VAC Benefits Navigator makes it simple. Just answer a few quick questions - no login, no paperwork, no frustration - and get a personalized list of benefits and supports you may be eligible for.

Health & wellness supports
Financial benefits
Mental health services
Support for families & caregivers
Career transition and education help

… and much more.

Start here: https://ow.ly/CyjB50YBiaH

It only takes a few minutes - and it could make a real difference for you and your family.

The Canadians who fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge helped shape this country, and helped lay the groundwork for the fairness, respect and support Veterans deserve today. On Vimy Ridge Day, we remember their courage, their sacrifice, and the lasting impact of their service.

Is your IRB overpayment letter not adding up? VAC should explain the amount, how they’ll collect it, and what your options are. If the letter is confusing or the process doesn’t feel right, let VAC know first. If you still feel you were treated unfairly, tell us. https://ow.ly/4Cnl50Ysl3g