March 2023
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In this edition:
News
On 21 July 2022, a Veteran contacted the VAC call centre to file a complaint about a VAC employee who they alleged had inappropriately raised Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) during a phone conversation.
You can now book in-person appointments with VAC staff at field offices, as well as virtual in-person appointments.
Programs and services
Laryssa knows that being a military spouse is not for everyone. In this video from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, she describes her strong identity as a military family member—as a daughter, spouse, and mother to currently serving and former CAF members.
The second season of The Most Painful Podcast explores the impacts mental health can have on chronic pain. Part of a series from the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence, the podcasts cover all aspects of chronic pain by providing a deeper understanding of recent research and better insight into chronic pain.
Do you see links between your eating and drinking habits and your mood? Healthy eating can have a positive impact on your overall wellness and mental health. During March, Nutrition Month, observe your eating—you may find what and how you eat affects how you feel.
Veterans who have applied for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus (HTL) claims will begin to see reduced wait times for decision making, and will receive benefits sooner.
Veterans’ stories
Daphne McFee, a 30-year RCMP Veteran, was looking to support her family as they navigated her husband’s, Ret. RCMP Corp Paul Woods, diagnosis of severe, complex PTSD and depression.
Commemoration
Colonel (Ret’d) Charles Hamel and CWO (Ret’d) Rob Knapton left their mark in the Congo. This month, we proudly feature the stories of these two Canadian Veterans on our website.
It’s an exciting time at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial sites, as the 2023 winter session is well underway.
Each year on March 8, the contributions and achievements of women around the world are observed, recognized, and celebrated. This year’s theme is Embrace Equity.
Every year on March 21, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Originally proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, the global community stands in solidarity with those who face racism and racial discrimination.
On a recent visit to France and England from February 28 to March 2, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay met with local authorities and Juno Beach Centre representatives.
Engagement
Most Veterans Affairs clients and their families are satisfied with VAC’s programs and services, while certain groups report being less satisfied than the average. These are the key findings of the VAC National Client Survey.
No Veteran should be without a place to live—especially during our cold Canadian winters. If you know someone who served in the CAF or RCMP who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please help us help them.
Women, men, and gender diverse people have different needs when it comes to VAC’s policies, programs and other initiatives. The 2023 Women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans Forum was held recently to better understand and address the unique needs of these underserved communities.
Let’s Talk Veterans allows more people to have their say on issues related to Veterans and their families. This consultation platform allows the Veteran community and Canadians to provide VAC with direct feedback that helps us improve our programs and services.
Do you know other Veterans, family members or others who would benefit from the information in this newsletter? Please share it with your friends and contacts.
View the latest issues of Salute! online.
Sincerely,
Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Team
Veterans Affairs Canada
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 