Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Affairs committee met to discuss how well the rehabilitation services contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) is working for veterans. The discussion focused on the contract's impact on veterans' care, the roles of different service providers, and staff at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Eric Vila, a kinesiologist working with Lifemark Health Group (a PCVRS provider) and a military reservist, shared his experiences. He explained that he provides exercise-based rehabilitation tailored to each veteran's needs, working with a team of health professionals. He noted that his military background helps him connect with veterans. Mr. Vila also discussed the challenges of providing services to veterans in rural areas and mentioned that virtual options are used to help. Toufic El-Daher, president of the Union of Veterans' Affairs Employees, strongly criticized the PCVRS contract. He argued that privatizing these services has created a confusing and fragmented system, leading to delays and a loss of trust for veterans. He believes that VAC case managers, who are experts, have been sidelined to administrative tasks. Martha Josephian, a case manager, added that veterans often can't choose their preferred providers and risk losing income benefits if they don't use PCVRS services. Mr. El-Daher also mentioned that cuts to the Bureau of Pensions Advocates are causing long delays for veterans seeking help with their claims. The union called for the PCVRS contract not to be renewed, urging the government to bring rehabilitation services back under Veterans Affairs Canada, with case managers playing a central role again. While the department plans to find an independent reviewer for the contract, which ends in December, the union president expressed doubt that the contract would be terminated. The committee concluded its study on the contract but did not announce any public decisions or next steps at the end of this public session.

This meeting of the Veterans Affairs committee focused on the contract for rehabilitation services awarded to PCVRS. Committee members heard from a veteran and a psychologist about their experiences with the program, particularly regarding mental health and rehabilitation services for former military personnel. Richard Brown, a veteran, shared his personal struggles with the Veterans Affairs system since his release from the Canadian Navy in 2006. He described long delays in getting help, being denied benefits despite thorough assessments, and feeling like services have declined significantly since 2015. Mr. Brown expressed frustration with the current system, including the limited choice of therapists under PCVRS and the difficulty in reaching case managers. He suggested hiring veterans as case managers and allowing them more authority to approve funding. Dr. Steve Burton, a psychologist with Lifemark Health Group (part of PCVRS), provided a different perspective. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive, function-based assessments for veterans and explained that the rehabilitation program aims for time-limited, goal-oriented care. Dr. Burton, a former police officer, highlighted the value of clinical expertise and a trauma-informed approach. He also clarified that veterans can continue seeing their existing healthcare providers in parallel with services received through the VAC rehabilitation program. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of trust among veterans, the impact of long wait times on mental health, and the rigidity of the system. Dr. Burton acknowledged that communication and transparency are key areas for improvement. The committee also discussed the upcoming decision on renewing the PCVRS contract, with Mr. Brown recommending against it. Towards the end of the meeting, a motion was passed to invite the Minister of Veterans Affairs to appear before the committee to discuss supplementary estimates before the end of October.

This meeting of the Veterans Affairs committee covered the experiences of Black veterans and the monitoring of a contract for rehabilitation services. The committee heard from two Black veterans about their time in the military and their experiences with Veterans Affairs Canada, followed by testimony from a retired sergeant and a counselling therapist about issues with the rehabilitation services contract. Isaac Bosquet, a Black veteran, shared his story of leaving the Canadian Armed Forces in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted a lack of support for mental health and career counselling after leaving the military and difficulty accessing information about veteran benefits. He suggested that Veterans Affairs Canada launch awareness campaigns, especially targeting Black communities, to inform veterans about available resources and encourage them to seek support. He also noted that he did not experience discrimination based on his race during his military service. Captain (Retired) Doreen Louise Gibson, another Black veteran, spoke about her 44-plus years of service, during which she experienced racism, discrimination, sexism, and harassment. She emphasized the need for immediate action to address these issues and build trust within the veteran community. Ms. Gibson also shared her recent positive interactions with Veterans Affairs Canada after being contacted directly, but noted a historical lack of support for reservists and a general lack of trust among veterans. Christopher Banks, a retired sergeant, and Natalie Gillis, a counselling therapist, then discussed the problems with the rehabilitation services contract awarded to PCVRS. Mr. Banks, who was medically released due to PTSD, described being mistreated by the program, which he said reinjured him. He criticized the program for its lack of accountability, limited veteran choice, and failure to support vocational goals. Ms. Gillis, from a clinician's perspective, highlighted the harm caused by forcing veterans to switch therapists and the need for a national standard for clinicians with specialized training to work with this complex population. Both witnesses stressed the importance of a needs-based approach and greater veteran involvement in designing and overseeing rehabilitation services. The committee agreed to adopt a budget for the study on Black veterans and will continue its study on rehabilitation services at the next meeting.

The Veterans Affairs committee met to hear from witnesses about problems with the veteran rehabilitation program and the unique experiences of Black veterans in the military. During the first hour, the committee heard from two veterans, Natalie Forcier and Joel Peddle, about their experiences with the private company that provides rehabilitation services. Ms. Forcier, a veteran who served 14 years, shared that the program was not collaborative as promised. She felt pressured to show quick improvement and feared losing her income support if she couldn't progress as expected, even when her injuries had plateaued. She also highlighted the lack of choice in therapists, forcing veterans to switch from trusted providers. Mr. Peddle, another veteran and advocate, echoed these concerns, stating there is a complete lack of trust in the program and no clear way for veterans to complain about the contracted company's actions. He emphasized that veterans are often threatened with losing their benefits if they don't comply with the program's demands, even if it means abandoning their established healthcare teams. Aaron Slingerland from The Ottawa Hospital, which has an agreement with the contracted company, explained their role in providing complex mental health assessments for veterans. He confirmed that the hospital is paid nearly $6,000 per assessment and that veterans typically need to request their own reports. Committee members expressed concern about the threats veterans face, the lack of choice in providers, and the absence of a formal complaint process. There was a strong consensus among committee members and witnesses that an independent review of the rehabilitation program is necessary before its contract is renewed. The second hour of the meeting focused on the experiences of Black veterans. Lieutenant-Commander Esrom Tesfamichael, a naval reserve officer and policy advisor, spoke about how his military experience is tied to being a Black Canadian. He stressed that Black service members are diverse, but many face common challenges like systemic anti-Black racism. He explained that discussions often get stuck on individual racism rather than focusing on how systems (like hiring, promotions, and health care) produce unfair results over time. He also highlighted the concept of "code switching," where Black individuals might change their behaviour or communication to fit into an organization not designed for them, which can contribute to racial trauma. Lieutenant-Commander Tesfamichael suggested that the military and Veterans Affairs need to specifically address race-based trauma and ensure that Black veterans feel comfortable bringing these issues forward. He noted that while progress has been made, there is still work to do to ensure all Black veterans feel included and supported. Committee members asked about the unique barriers faced by Black veterans, the impact of racial trauma, and how to build trust and ensure fair treatment within the system. No formal decisions were made, but the discussion pointed to the need for continued study and action on these issues.

This Canadian parliamentary committee meeting focused on the monitoring of the rehabilitation services contract awarded to Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS). The committee heard from veterans and mental health professionals about their experiences and concerns with the program. Key speakers included retired Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Parker and retired Sergeant Michael Perstinger, both veterans who shared their personal struggles with the PCVRS program. They described feeling like "captive patients" with limited choices, experiencing "sanctuary trauma" from an institution meant to help, and facing a system that lacked understanding of military culture. They highlighted issues like being removed from the program unfairly, redundant assessments, and a lack of access to their own rehabilitation plans. Dr. Line St-Pierre, a psychologist, and Dr. Alisha Henson, a clinical psychologist, supported these concerns, noting that the program's structure often caused veterans to regress and amplified distrust. They emphasized the ethical problems of forcing veterans to change trusted care providers and the administrative burden placed on clinicians. Aaron North, CEO of Vector Medical Corporation, an affiliate provider for PCVRS, offered a different perspective. He stated that his company's internal feedback forms showed that about 95.5% of their assessments had no notable concerns, though he acknowledged that the 4.5% with concerns were significant and often related to repeated assessments and distrust. He also mentioned improvements like interdisciplinary assessments and the importance of assessors understanding military culture. Committee members expressed concerns about the program's effectiveness, the potential for retraumatization, and the lack of a human-centered approach. Clea Corman, a public policy consultant, presented structural solutions, including the need for a secure, centralized data management system, standardized case management with integrated peer support, and continuous independent evaluation of the program. The committee identified the need for a formal, independent evaluation of the PCVRS program and for the government to consider the recommendations made by the witnesses to improve veteran care.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the budget for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for 2026-27. Minister Jill McKnight stated that VAC is getting more money, not less, and that services for veterans will not be cut. She highlighted investments to improve processing times for disability benefits and the upcoming construction of a monument to Canada's mission in Afghanistan. However, some committee members, like Blake Richards, argued that veterans are experiencing cuts to services, particularly at the Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA), which helps veterans appeal denied benefits. Richards moved a motion to study the effects of budget cuts on veteran services, but it was blocked. Richards and McKnight disagreed about whether cuts were happening at the BPA. McKnight said that temporary funding from 2023 was ending, and the BPA was returning to normal operations. Richards argued that this would negatively impact veterans. Other committee members questioned McKnight about funding for Quebec veteran organizations, the Women Veterans Council, and the PCVRS rehabilitation contract. McKnight defended the government's actions and said that decisions were made to best support veterans. Later in the meeting, committee members debated a motion to study the budget cuts. Sean Casey argued that the motion was unnecessary because there were no cuts. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau proposed an amendment to reduce the number of meetings for the study from 10 to 5. The committee then voted to proceed to the main estimates votes, effectively ending the debate on the proposed study. The committee then approved the main estimates for Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the rehabilitation services contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS). Witnesses included representatives from Broken Squirrel Wellness, Mindspa Mental Health Centre, and the Veterans Transition Network, as well as a physician and a psychologist testifying as individuals. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of PCVRS in providing rehabilitation services to veterans, with concerns raised about accessibility, consistency, and the impact on veterans' well-being. Committee members heard that veterans are a unique population, and supporting them requires programs that are specialized, culturally competent and accessible. Committee members also heard that the system governing veterans' care should allow access to specialized, culturally competent supports without unnecessary barriers. Mackenzie Scharf from Broken Squirrel Wellness highlighted the responsiveness of PCVRS case managers but also pointed out challenges such as inconsistent processes, lack of clarity, and delays in care. Oliver Thorne, CEO of the Veterans Transition Network, described a frustrating two-year process to register as a service provider with PCVRS, only to be told they couldn't refer clients. He urged the committee to investigate potential conflicts of interest among PCVRS's affiliate providers. Michelle Massunken, clinical director at Mindspa Mental Health Centre, noted improved access to care but emphasized the need for clarity and education about the program's nuances. Dr. Anne Marie Pinard, a physician specializing in chronic pain, expressed concern about a rigid, standardized approach to care and a decline in collaboration with other healthcare providers. Elizabeth Forbes, a trauma psychologist, discussed the clinical implications of rehabilitation timing and the importance of trauma-informed care. David Morrow, a veteran, shared his personal experiences and criticized the outsourcing of veteran care to private companies. He also called for greater veteran involvement in the planning and oversight of veteran services. Several committee members questioned the witnesses about their experiences with PCVRS and the impact on veterans. Concerns were raised about the lack of communication between PCVRS and other healthcare providers, the potential for conflicts of interest, and the need for more flexibility and individualized care. The committee discussed the importance of trust in the veteran-provider relationship and the potential harm caused by forcing veterans to switch providers. The committee agreed to continue its study of the PCVRS contract and consider the recommendations made by the witnesses. The next meeting will include testimony from the Minister of Veterans Affairs and officials from Veterans Affairs Canada.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Veterans Affairs held a meeting to discuss issues related to veteran rehabilitation services and entrepreneurship. The first part of the meeting focused on the rehabilitation services contract awarded to PCVRS. Witnesses included psychologists, researchers, and a registered psychiatric nurse, each offering different perspectives on the effectiveness and challenges of the PCVRS program. Some expressed concerns about the rigidity of the program, lack of local services, and ethical issues, while others praised its timeliness and collaborative approach. Committee members questioned the witnesses to get a better understanding of the different viewpoints. The second part of the meeting shifted to barriers to entrepreneurship among veterans. Witnesses, including veteran entrepreneurs and a program director from the University of Ottawa, highlighted issues such as income caps, lack of access to capital, and the need for veteran-specific mentorship. They emphasized that entrepreneurship can be a valuable way for veterans to regain purpose and contribute to society, but that the system often punishes them for trying. Committee members discussed potential solutions, such as setting aside funds from existing government programs and reducing regulatory burdens. During the meeting, there was a motion to create an independent Canadian Military Honours Review Board. This board would review decisions made about military honors, especially when new evidence suggests a mistake might have been made. The motion was inspired by the case of Jess Larochelle, a veteran who some believe deserved the Victoria Cross for his bravery in Afghanistan. The motion received unanimous support from the committee, showing a commitment to recognizing the heroism of Canadian veterans. The next meeting will continue the study on the rehabilitation services contract awarded to PCVRS.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the challenges and opportunities for veterans starting their own businesses. Witnesses shared their experiences and offered suggestions for improvement. Nicholas Stroesser, founder of Corporal4Life Apparel, talked about the difficulties in finding staff, securing funding, and accessing mentorship. Duncan McSporran from Vimy Forge highlighted the leadership skills veterans possess but noted the lack of a clear support system in Canada compared to the U.S. and the U.K. Heather Vanderveer, owner of Alberta Recoil Inc., pointed out that female veterans and those from non-commissioned backgrounds face additional barriers in accessing funding and support. Stroesser suggested a veteran-owned business job bank and partnerships with national banks to offer low-interest funding. McSporran proposed a centrally managed support program to better connect veterans with training, mentorship, and capital. Vanderveer emphasized the need to formally recognize entrepreneurship as a valid transition pathway and to provide clear guidance on how business income affects benefits. She also called for more accessible funding opportunities for veteran-led organizations, especially those led by women. William Steed, a veteran entrepreneur, mentioned the lack of a central place to find information on how to get involved with DND or Veterans Affairs programs. Joseph Blanchard from VeCATS Inc. proposed establishing a national entrepreneurship ecosystem for veterans, similar to programs for women, Black, and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Arjun Grewal from IMT Group emphasized that a flourishing veteran community is a powerful recruiting tool and suggested incentivizing corporations to support veteran-owned businesses. Committee members discussed the need for better coordination of support services, improved access to funding, and recognition of the unique challenges faced by different groups of veterans. They also explored ways to encourage more veterans to start businesses in Canada and to connect them with procurement opportunities in the defense sector. A motion was passed to further study the challenges with veteran benefits and the impact on entrepreneurship. The committee agreed to hold more meetings to hear from additional witnesses, including the Union of Veterans' Affairs Employees, to gather more information and develop effective recommendations to support veteran entrepreneurship.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss the rehabilitation services provided to veterans, focusing on the contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS). The committee heard from Veterans Ombud, Nishika Jardine, who shared that her office had received 100 complaints about PCVRS, but only six indicated unfairness, and none pointed to systemic issues. However, she noted informal complaints about communication problems, delays, and excessive assessments, especially for survivors of the LGBT purge. Jardine also mentioned concerns about the overall rehabilitation program's effectiveness and cost-efficiency. She emphasized the need for veterans to submit formal complaints to enable systemic reviews. Committee members questioned Jardine about the PCVRS program's success, the validity of satisfaction surveys, and whether certain issues like reassessments and bureaucratic overlap were systemic. Jardine clarified that her office focuses on fairness and equitable access to programs, not second-guessing Parliament's decisions. She also highlighted the challenges her office faces in accessing veterans' files for systemic reviews due to privacy concerns. Members also discussed the impact of budget cuts to the Bureau of Pensions Advocates and the need for better communication with veterans. Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight addressed the committee, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation for veterans transitioning to civilian life. She acknowledged that while many veterans are pleased with the PCVRS program, others have raised concerns, and the department is listening. McKnight announced an independent review of the rehabilitation program and PCVRS to enable data-driven decision-making and identify areas for improvement. She clarified that VAC case managers remain the final decision-makers in the rehabilitation process. Committee members questioned the Minister on the success of the PCVRS contract, access to service providers, and the accuracy of information provided by department officials. The committee also discussed the need for better consultation with unions and the impact of budget cuts on veterans' services.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met to discuss how well the contract with Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) is working. PCVRS is a company that helps veterans with their health and job training as they transition to civilian life. Committee members wanted to know if veterans are getting the services they need and if the program is well-managed. Witnesses from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Lifemark Health Group, and WCG Services (the companies that make up PCVRS) spoke about the program. Jane Hicks from VAC talked about how the program is supposed to provide coordinated care and help veterans improve their health and well-being. Sonya Lockyer from Lifemark, a veteran herself, emphasized that the program is meant to be different from other services by offering a team-based approach to rehabilitation. Tania Bennett from WCG Services highlighted how PCVRS helps veterans access services quickly. Committee members raised concerns about veterans being forced to use PCVRS providers and the program being overly bureaucratic. Some members felt that veterans' voices weren't being heard and that the committee needed to hear from more veterans directly. VAC representatives said they are working to improve communication and address issues as they arise. A motion was put forward to extend the study and hear from additional witnesses. Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing debate about whether the PCVRS contract is truly benefiting veterans and whether changes need to be made to better serve their needs. The committee is considering further meetings to gather more information and perspectives.