In general, respondents are satisfied with VAC programs, services, and benefits. Among the six key groups of VAC clients — Veterans 85+, Veterans 65–84, Veterans under 65 (case-managed), Veterans under 65 (not case-managed), RCMP, and survivors — we see a consistent pattern. Survivors and Veterans 85+ tend to be the most satisfied of the groups. Veterans under 65, particularly case-managed clients, report being the least satisfied. This striking pattern holds throughout much of the survey. It is visible in bar charts showing client satisfaction.
The data reveals gender differences. Compared to men, women are more likely to rate their satisfaction with VAC programs, experience with VAC staff, and their relationship with others, highly. This may be connected to the high satisfaction among survivors, a group mostly made up of women.
We see a positive relationship between age and satisfaction, with older respondents feeling more positive than younger respondents across a range of areas. This is consistent with the paradox of aging, in which older respondents report higher levels of life satisfaction despite declining health and income.
The survey found that respondents who are Indigenous or persons of colour rated some areas of their overall well-being lower. Indigenous respondents offered less favourable assessments of aspects of the application process, while persons of colour tended to be less satisfied with the Department’s service. The satisfaction and overall well-being of Indigenous respondents and other persons of colour will be an area of focus for the Department going forward.
Although most respondents are generally satisfied, they were more likely to rate their satisfaction with VAC services as “moderate” rather than “strong,” — a shift from 2022 when higher ratings like "very satisfied" were more common. This suggests potential for improvements to increase satisfaction levels.