Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux speaks at Vocational Rehabilitation Association National Conference

Government of Canada reaffirms its "Veteran Centric" approach with a commitment to service excellence

OTTAWA, June 19, 2015 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, today addressed participants at the 2015 annual conference of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada.

PS Lemieux expressed his appreciation to vocational rehabilitation professionals for their key contribution in helping Canada's injured Veterans successfully transition from military to civilian life. He also reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to improving the health and well-being of Canada's Veterans and their families.

Veterans Affairs Canada contracts vocational rehabilitation and vocational assistance services to assist eligible Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, their spouses/ common-law partners and survivors, if the Veteran is unable to participate. Vocational rehabilitation helps Canadian Armed Forces Veterans with injuries or health problems prepare for employment in civilian life, considering their health, previous education, skills and work experience. 

Quick Facts

• Recent Government of Canada announcements of new programs and services to support Veterans and their families include the following:
• Broadened eligibility criteria for the Permanent Impairment Allowance (PIA) which, together with the PIA Supplement, provides approximately $600 to $2,800 a month in lifelong monthly financial support to more Veterans whose employment potential and career advancement opportunities have been limited by a permanent service-related injury or illness.
• Enhanced benefits for injured part-time Reserve Force Veterans, who will now be assured the same minimum income support payment through the Earnings Loss Program as full-time Reserve Force and Regular Force Veterans.
• The proposed new Critical Injury Benefit (CIB), which will provide a $70,000 tax-free award to support the most severely injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans.
• The hiring of new front-line staff to improve one-on-one support for Veterans.

Quotes

"I commend each of the vocational rehabilitation professionals who play an important role in helping Canada's Veterans transition to civilian employment. Since returning to the same or similar job is not always possible for medically released Veterans and those with injuries from their service, we provide access to quality vocational rehabilitation services."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"I am very pleased to address the members of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada today. The services and supports offered by vocational rehabilitation professionals make a meaningful difference for Veterans and their families as they transition from military to civilian life."
Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

• VAC Rehabilitation Services
• Taking Action for Veterans
• Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada
• VAC Services

Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to ensuring Veterans are treated with the care, compassion and respect they deserve. Veterans and their families are at the center of everything we do. #VeteranCentric #StrongVeterans

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Martin Magnan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649 ; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468