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Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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The New Veterans Charter
The following message from the RCMP's Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) briefly outlines that the RCMP is studying the Modernization of Veterans' Affairs Canada (VAC) as it pertains to Canadian Forces personnel. This RCMP "Needs Analysis" team will determine what benefits the CF receive and recommend which of these benefits the RCMP Pension Act recipients may be entitled.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) administers disability pensions and related benefits to serving and former members of the Canadian Forces (CF), as well as serving and retired RCMP members, their families and their survivors. Currently, VAC delivers benefits and services to more than 5,000 RCMP clients, including 300 survivors of RCMP members.
On April 20, 2005, the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, introduced legislation in the House of Commons for a new Veterans Charter for Canadian Forces members, veterans, their families and their survivors. The modernization proposals being put forward to Parliament will bring significant changes to VAC programs and services for CF clients.
It is important to understand that these proposals are limited in application to CF clients. The current VAC programs and services being delivered to RCMP clients will not be affected. The RCMP has opted to conduct an assessment of its still-serving and retired members’ needs for modernized services and programs. This assessment is necessary as there are considerable differences in the profiles, roles, career paths and qualifications of today’s RCMP and CF members. Consequently, the needs of RCMP members may be quite different than those of CF members.
A team under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Kevin Mole, Director General, Occupational Health and Safety, is conducting this needs assessment. Based on the results of this analysis, recommendations will be made to the Commissioner on modernizing VAC administered programs and services to meet the future needs of the RCMP.
Key stakeholders, including Staff Relations Representatives and the RCMP Veterans Association, will be consulted and actively engaged throughout this initiative. The target date for the completion of this needs assessment is Fall 2005.
For additional information on the new Veterans Charter or VAC programs and services, please contact the VAC National Client Contact Network at 1 866-522-2122 (English) and 1 866-522-2022 (French) or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
Barbara George, A/Commr.
Chief Human Resources Officer