May 2023

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In this edition:

Programs and services

• New Veteran Homelessness Program

We wanted to take the time to address some misinformation that has been circulating about the new Rehabilitation Services contract.

• How does the new Rehabilitation Program contract affect you? 

We know you may have questions about how the recent changes to the Department’s Rehabilitation Program will impact Veterans participating in the program. Here is what you need to know.

• Living with chronic pain: expert insight you can use

Is pain an issue for you? Then you can learn a lot about dealing with it from two recent podcasts from the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Veterans.

• Lifespeak videos discuss alcoholism and mental health and racism

Our lives don’t stand still. We constantly face new challenges and LifeSpeak understands. Their latest expert-led videos can be great additions to your self-care learning.

• Reminder: The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) Group Health Insurance is moving to Canada Life

As of 1 July 2023, the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) administrator will change from Sun Life to Canada Life.

Veterans’ stories

• Jason Green: Serving the community—in service and after

Jason Green joined the RCMP to help people. He continues to serve his New Brunswick community, helping Veterans find housing.

• Kelly Mitchelmore: An artist inspired by time at sea

Kelly Mitchelmore’s experiences at sea in the Royal Canadian Navy inspired her art.

Commemoration 

• The 75th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping 

This May 29 marks the 75th anniversary of the first United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission..

• Canadians in the Golan Heights 

In the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, the United Nations was called upon to provide much-needed peacekeeping support in the Golan Heights of Syria.

• May 29: International Day of United Nations peacekeepers 

The Canadian Armed Forces protect our country while also supporting international peace and security.

• It’s easier to apply for project funding from the Commemorative Partnership Program

Is your organization planning an initiative that honours Canada’s Veterans? Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) Commemorative Partnership Program (CPP) could be for you

• Commemoration calendar

Engagement

• Exploring Veterans’ experiences with cannabis use and mental health

The use of cannabis among Veterans to treat chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders is growing steadily. Last year, more than 18,000 Veterans who qualified for cannabis for medical purposes submitted claims through VAC reimbursement policy.

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