Ottawa Journal
The new Veterans Bill of Rights
David Tilson MP Dufferin- Caledon

We owe a great deal to those who have sacrificed so much for our peace and freedom here in Canada. The courageous men and women of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP have always been ready to stand up for Canada when called upon.

The Canada we know and love is due to the efforts of these individuals and it is important for us to stand up for them and this is why Prime Minister Stephen Harper, announced earlier this month, that Canada's government would be following through on a commitment to create a Veterans' Bill of Rights and a Veterans' Ombudsman.

The Veterans' Bill of Rights, which takes effect immediately, represents the rights veterans have long identified as important to them. It is a comprehensive declaration of rights for all war-service veterans, veterans and serving members of the Canadian Forces (Regular and Reserve), members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, spouses, common-law partners, survivors and primary caregivers, other eligible dependents and family members, and other eligible clients.

The Veterans Bill of Rights explains a veteran's right to:

* Be treated with respect, dignity, fairness, and courtesy.

* Take part in discussions that involve them and their family.

* Have someone with them for support when they deal with Veterans Affairs.

* Receive clear, easy-to-understand information about the Department's programs and services, in English or French, as set out in the Official Languages Act.

* Have their privacy protected as set out in the Privacy Act.

* Receive benefits and services as set out in the Department's published service standards and to know their appeal rights.

Veterans also have the right to make a complaint and have the matter investigated, if they feel that any of their rights have not been upheld. This responsibility is given to the newly created Ombudsman, who will operate at armslength from the government, and will play an important role in raising awareness of the needs and concerns of veterans. The Ombudsman will also submit a report to the minister on an annual basis, which will be tabled in Parliament.

The Veterans Bill of Rights was developed in consultation with veterans' organizations to strengthen our government's ability to respond quickly and fairly to the concerns of veterans. It is our government's way of taking yet another step to ensure that Canada does its very best for our country's finest.

For more information on the Veterans Bill of Rights, please contact Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122 or by e-mail at information@vac-acc.gc.ca, or please feel free to contact any of my offices.