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Key risks: things that could affect our ability to achieve our plans and results

Key risks: things that could affect our ability to achieve our plans and results

Key Risks

Integrated risk management is a key component of modern management. It ensures that risks are understood, managed, communicated, and integrated into decision making and priority setting. Effective risk management enables decision makers to address challenges and uncertainties proactively.

The table below outlines the Department’s response to the top three risks and the steps taken to mitigate them.

Risks Risk Response Strategy Link to the Department’s Programs Link to mandate letter commitments or to government wide and departmental priorities
Any delays in achieving the required staffing levels may delay implementation of some Departmental commitments. Veterans Affairs Canada will:
  • help managers hire the right people quickly by improving human resources services;
  • increase front-line staff, who directly serve Veterans;
  • implement national training initiatives to further enhance services for Veterans;
  • ensure employees have easy access to clear, up-to-date tools and information that will enable them to provide excellent service to Veterans.
Program 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1 Departmental Priorities:
  • Well-being of Veterans and their Families
  • Service Excellence
  • Recognition of Service and Sacrifice
Mandate Letter:
  • Deliver a Higher Standard of Service and Care
Despite the broad range of Veterans’ programs and services available, some CAF members may not transition successfully from military to civilian life. Veterans Affairs Canada will:
  • work with the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF to develop one integrated and personalized transition process for all releasing members that is member and Veteran centric and does not include complex processes and eligibility criteria;
  • collaborate with DND and the CAF and other partners to ensure the seamless delivery of benefits and services; and
  • use research to provide evidence-based support in program and policy design and development.
Program 1.2, 1.3 Departmental Priorities:
  • Well-being of Veterans and their Families
Mandate Letter:
  • Improve Career and Vocational Assistance
  • Access to Financial Support and Advice
The Department may have difficulty addressing the volume of commitments made to Veterans in a timely manner. Veterans Affairs Canada will:
  • assess and prioritize initiatives and introduce them in a deliberate and phased manner;
  • work with other government departments and ensure early engagement on VAC-led initiatives; and
  • continue to work with stakeholders to ensure we understand their priorities.
Program 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1 Departmental Priorities:
  • Service Excellence
  • Recognition of Service and Sacrifice
Mandate Letter:
  • Deliver a Higher Standard of Service and Care