Harper Government Announces More Locations for Veterans to Receive Service

Government of Canada/Public Works — July 26, 2012

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 26, 2012) - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced that Canada's Veterans can now access services in more locations through a new partnership between Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Service Canada.

"The Harper government is committed to making it simpler and easier for all Canadians to contact us for the services they need," said Minister Finley. "By now offering information and benefits for veterans through Service Canada, we are aiming to make services more convenient for them and their families."

"Our government is determined to provide hassle-free service to Veterans where and when they need it. That's why we are moving forward with this new partnership with Service Canada to provide Veterans with more than 600 points of service across the country," said Minister Blaney. "This is what they deserve-they have earned nothing less than the best we can offer them."

Veterans and their families can obtain general information regarding VAC programs and services through Service Canada's Internet, telephone and in-person service channels. They can also now submit and get help completing VAC disability benefits and Veterans Independence Program (VIP) applications, and submit supporting documentation, at any Service Canada Centre across Canada.

In addition to obtaining services through Service Canada, Canadians can continue to access information about VAC programs and services online at veterans.gc.ca or in-person at VAC offices and Canadian Forces bases across Canada.

This new partnership is aligned with the Harper Government's commitment to make access to government programs and services faster, easier and more convenient for Canadians. It also builds on Service Canada's efforts to offer one-stop service to Canadians.

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BACKGROUNDER

Service Canada offers single-window access to a wide range of Government of Canada programs and services for citizens through the Internet, telephone call centres and in-person centres located across the country.

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides economic support and health and social services to Veterans, members of the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as eligible civilians and dependants.

The partnership between the two departments means that Veterans and their families can access general information about VAC and other Government of Canada programs and services by visiting servicecanada.gc.ca, by calling 1 800 O-Canada or by going to any of the approximately 600 points of service across Canada.

Furthermore, Service Canada agents now accept completed applications for VAC disability benefits and Veterans Independence Program (VIP), along with supporting documentation. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and securely forwarded to VAC for processing.

This new partnership complements VAC's existing service delivery network by continuing to increase access for Veterans and Canadian Forces members, particularly those who live in rural or remote areas. It also allows VAC employees to focus their expertise on responding to complex or specialized enquiries.

Contact Information

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468