Each year, Remembrance Day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by thousands of Canadians who fought in the First and Second World War, the Korean War, peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan. It allows us the opportunity to honour those who gave their lives for our freedom. Whether or not we have served in uniform, I believe it is each and every Canadian citizen’s sacred duty to do so.
However, as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and as the grandson of a Second World War RCAF veteran, I also am mindful of our nation’s debt to Canada’s surviving heroes. One way we recognize and honour them is through the dozens of initiatives run by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
It is a duty our government takes seriously, resulting in a large number of programs set up to serve our veterans’ wide variety of needs. This is as it should be. When you consider the differing issues faced by the soldiers who served in the Second World War and those returning from Afghanistan, you can see why we must provide such a diversity of programs.
This fall, I’m proud to report that our government is taking this approach a few steps further, looking for new ways to connect veterans with VAC’s various services.
On Oct. 15, our government officially launched the Benefits Browser, a new online service to help veterans find information. It gives them the option to browse “Benefits at a Glance” or select information specific to their military service. Based on their selections, the browser will automatically sort through VAC services to display those most relevant to them.
On Oct. 1, our government announced a similar initiative, the new and improved My VAC Account. This online tool allows veterans to connect with VAC, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It allows them to submit and track the progress of their disability benefits application; see that a decision has been made on their application even before a letter is mailed; update their contact information; change their direct deposit information; and see a summary of their current services and benefits.
Both of these tools, allowing our veterans yet another option in accessing VAC programs, are available online at www.veterans.gc.ca
Our government recognizes that each of our veterans is unique, facing differing issues and requiring different services. Now we’re giving them new options in finding and accessing these services. It just makes common sense.
