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March 2024

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News

Changes coming to the Veterans Well-being Act

Starting April 1, changes to the Veterans Well-being Act will make it easier for CAF members to receive benefits and support. CAF members who medically release for conditions not resulting primarily from service will receive all eligible rehabilitation services (vocational, long-term disability, and rehabilitation services) through CAF Long Term Disability (LTD) instead of through the VAC Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program (RSVP).

Veterans already taking part in the RSVP will continue to receive their services with VAC until their rehabilitation plan is completed or they are no longer enrolled.

We expect this to impact a very small percentage of the Veteran population, and we stress that Veterans will not lose access to any services.

This change is part of VAC and DND’s ongoing efforts to create a seamless transition process that supports all releasing CAF members, Veterans, and their families.

All medically releasing CAF members should apply for benefits and services from both CAF LTD and the RSVP. With your consent, we will work with CAF to ensure you receive all the services you qualify for. You can also meet with your CAF and VAC case managers, attend Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) seminars, and take part in transition briefings to learn about the benefits and services that might be right for you.

Programs and services

Navigating life as a reservist family: A conversation with Andrew and Elizabeth Gough

Reservists and their families face unique challenges, as their service tends to have less structure than the Regular Forces. As guests of the Atlas Institute’s Mind Beyond the Mission podcast, Andrew and Elizabeth Gough have shared their perspectives as a Veteran and Reservist Family.

In the episode, they discuss the difficulty some Reservists face due to the dispersed locations of reserve units and less tailored policies and support to meet their needs in those remote areas. Andrew’s personal experience with deployment-related stress, concerns about job security, and PTSD eventually led him and Elizabeth to become mental health advocates.

They also reflect on their strength as a couple, and the pride they feel in navigating challenges with their deep-rooted love and commitment to one another.

“Our darkest moments, that required a lot of grit, have become our greatest gifts,” says Elizabeth. “At the time,” she adds, “I wouldn’t have thought that, but in hindsight, we grew through those hard things and came out more resilient.”

Learn more about the important role of Reservists and their families on Episode 14, “Your own brand of courage with Elizabeth and Andrew Gough” of the Mind Beyond the Mission podcast. The episode is recorded in English; a French transcript is available at “Cultiver son propre courage avec Elizabeth et Andrew Gough.”

 

Money matters: How to maximize your tax deductions

Are you maximizing tax deductions and tax credits to reduce your income tax? A recent survey showed that eight percent of Veterans received advice on tax planning in the past 12 months. If you would like to learn more about this topic, there are resources that can help you decide what’s best for your situation.

With this article, Salute! continues its series on financial literacy. This article focuses on tax planning—a skill that can help Veterans keep more of the money that they earn.

Why learn about taxes?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) processes tax returns and collects taxes, but it also administers certain benefits and credits. Having knowledge of Canada’s tax system can help you navigate the tax system in a manner that allows you to access all the benefits and credits to which you are entitled, leaving you with more money in your pocket. You can find more information about tax credits and benefits at the Government of Canada’s website.

Free tax course

Did you know that the Canada Revenue Agency has developed an online course to help individuals understand how the Canadian tax system works? The course covers many subjects, including:

  • working for an employer and self-employment
  • preparing to do your taxes (required documents, important dates, methods of doing your taxes)
  • completing a basic tax return (claiming deductions and non-refundable tax credits)
  • what happens after you file a tax return
  • using My Account with CRA (registering for My Account and using it to your advantage)
  • purpose of taxes (why you should do your taxes and understanding your rights)
  • accessing your benefits and credits (benefits and credits that may be available to you).

The course materials can be found here on CRA’s website.

Tax saving strategies session

SISIP Financial, part of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) department, has a free pre-recorded webinar session on how you can use Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) to save money on your tax bill. The session discusses relevant tax saving topics such as:

  • deductions and tax credits available to lower your taxes
  • the basics of investing in TFSAs and RRSPs and how you can take advantage of each one to decrease your tax bill.

The webinar is easy to access on the CFMWS website and can be found by visiting CFMWS’ Tax Saving Strategies webinars.

Do you need more advice about your finances?

If you would like to speak with a certified financial counsellor about your particular financial situation, there are resources available in your community to help. Among these, Credit Counselling Canada has developed information specifically for Veterans and their families. Getting help is free and confidential. If you would like to learn more, please visit their Veterans page.

If you’ve received a lump-sum award from Veterans Affairs Canada, VAC provides up to up to $500 to receive advice from a financial professional on how to manage your money effectively.

You can always call the Veterans National Call Centre with your questions, toll free at 1-866-522-2122. For persons who are hearing impaired, contact TTY at 1-833-921-0071.

VAC recognizes and supports the mental, physical, and financial well-being of Veterans; however, VAC does not directly provide financial advice. This content is being shared for information purposes only.

 

Save the date to explore your career opportunities

Are you a Veteran, releasing CAF member or reserve member looking to learn more about what employment opportunities are available to you after service?

Please join us for an extended webinar on employment. Multiple sessions in both official languages run over six days: 8 to 11 April 2024, and 15 to 17 April 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST each day.

You’re welcome to participate in any session you’d like, and to come and go as you please.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Career Transition Services and the Education and Training Benefit by participating in our information sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with employers interested in hiring Veterans in both the public and private sectors.

Ask your burning questions and see what career options are open to you. Register online today. You will receive a schedule for the events by email closer to the date.

Interested in joining a thriving Veteran community? Check out our Hire A Veteran LinkedIn group, where you can connect with Veterans and organizations interested in hiring Veterans year-round.

 

Spotlight on Women Veterans

A safe and enriching environment: The Veteran Farm Project Society

Retired Sergeants Jessica Miller and Steve Murgatroyd founded The Veteran Farm Project Society with a vision of helping women Veterans rediscover themselves as they transition to life after service. Based in Sweets Corner, Nova Scotia, the organization offers a variety of farm experiences and horticulture programs in a beautiful natural setting.

Since it began in 2018, the Veteran Farm Project Society has been many things. The farm is a gathering space for women Veterans which hosts workshops, activities and volunteer days. This includes yoga, gardening and conversations with like-minded people in similar circumstances.

This non-profit group has given over 150 families and 800 people in need signature “We Care” packages, filled with fresh farm produce, bread, pantry staples, and personal care items. The team ensures that each person can create full meals with the items in the package. With help from the Royal Canadian Legion Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command, the Windsor Legion, and the Shearwater and Greenwood Military Family Resource Centres, these packages have been distributed across Nova Scotia.

With support from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, the team continues to grow and reach more individuals, ease food insecurity and build a safe environment for women Veterans and their communities. The Veteran Farm Project Society measures success through the enjoyment and enrichment of its participants, and hopes to continue building this peaceful community.

Learn more about the Veteran Farm Project Society.

 

Veteran’s story: David Blackburn

David Blackburn at a Prospects staff appreciation event, 2019.

Changing career, changing outlook

A career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can prepare someone for success in post-service employment. But the transition requires a change in the Veteran, as well, says Major Ret David Blackburn.

Read his full story.

 

Do you have a story to share about experience in the Canadian Armed Forces? Tell us about it by email.

 

Commemoration

10th anniversary of the end of Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan

Ten years have passed since the end of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. On 12 March 2014, the mission officially ended, bringing to an end the largest deployment of Canadian troops since the Second World War.

This month, we remember the sacrifices made by more than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who courageously served in Afghanistan. Leaving their families to serve, they committed themselves to a mission that sought to bring stability and security to the region.

In marking this anniversary, we also remember the 158 CAF members and seven Canadian civilians who were killed serving on this mission. Many more returned home with injuries that have taken a toll on their physical and mental health. Their dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Earlier this month, ceremonies were held across the country, including at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on 10 March 2024, and at the Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria, British Columbia on 12 March 2024.

  • Wreaths laid at the National War Memorial during the ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the end of Canada's mission in Afghanistan, 10 March 2024 in Ottawa.
  • Wreaths laid to remember those who served in Afghanistan, as a CAF member salutes.
  • The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor (centre) lays a wreath at the Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria, British Columbia on 12 March 2024.
 

30th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide and Canadian peacekeeping in Rwanda

VAC is hosting two events in memory of the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda.

On April 7, VAC will host a ceremony at Reconciliation – the Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa to recognize the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Find more information about these events and others on our online calendar of events.

 

60 years of Canadian peacekeeping in Cyprus

In mid-March 1964, Canada began its role in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus to help stabilize and secure the Mediterranean island. Initially expected to last only 90 days, this challenging mission was one of the longest in Canadian peacekeeping history.

Over the past six decades, more than 36,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in Cyprus. They have shared their skills, dedication and compassion to foster peace and security in a place that has endured years of unrest.

The mission in Cyprus has not been without hardship. Tragically, 28 Canadian peacekeepers have lost their lives there. As we mark the 60th anniversary of Canadian peacekeeping in Cyprus, let us remember them and honour their memory.

Earlier this month, Veterans Affairs Canada held a commemorative ceremony in Ottawa with Veterans who served in Cyprus at Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument. The Minister of Veterans Affairs also paused to lay a wreath to recognize their contributions and sacrifices in Victoria. We thank them sincerely for their service, and also express our gratitude to those who continue to serve.

  • Colonel (Ret’d) James Holsworth in blue beret speaking in front of the Peacekeeping Monument with Canadian flag flying.
  • Canadian Cyprus Veterans in blue uniforms attending the ceremony.
  • Veterans and cadets salute during the ceremony to mark 60 years of Canadian peacekeeping in Cyprus.
 

Commemoration calendar

March 7:
PPCLI soldiers attacked Hill 532, one of Canada’s earliest actions of the Korean War, 1951
March 10:
The Battle of the Rhineland ended during the Second World War, 1945
March 12:
The 10th anniversary of the end of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan, 2014
March 13:
The 60th anniversary of the beginning of Canada’s peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, 1964
March 24:
First CF-18 Hornet airstrikes took place during NATO operations in Kosovo, 1999
March 31:
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan ended during the Second World War, 1945
 

Engagement

Funding available for No. 2 Construction Battalion commemorative projects

Are you planning a project that commemorates the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion? You can apply for dedicated funding through the Commemorative Partnership Program on our online portal.

Applications for both Community Engagement and Community War Memorial projects commemorating the legacy of No. 2 Construction Battalion are being accepted until 31 March 2024.

Dedicated funding is available based on a recommendation from the National Apology Advisory Committee.

Check out our website to learn more and apply.

 

If you need psychological support, you can contact the VAC Assistance Service 24/7 at 1-800-268-7708 or use the online chat service (password: Canada). For persons who are hearing impaired: TTY 1-800-567-5803.

 

Do you know other Veterans, family members or others who would benefit from the information in this newsletter? Feel free to share it with them.

 

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