Recommendation 1

That Veterans Affairs Canada continue its outreach efforts to veterans and their families, in order to increase awareness for programs, particularly improvements to the New Veterans Charter that came into force in October 2011, and collaborate with the Department of National Defence to encourage the dissemination of information through the chain of command.

Recommendation 2

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in cooperation with the Department of National Defence, assess the potential benefits of integrating clinical psychologists into the military personnel of the Canadian Forces.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada continue to work with public and private partners to assist veterans and their families to find suitable employment following release from the Canadian Forces. Current programs like Helmets to Hard Hats should be commended.

Recommendation 4

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in cooperation with the Public Service Commission, the Department of National Defence, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, examine ways to increase the percentage of departmental employees who are veterans.

Recommendation 5

That, during the transition interview process, releasing military members be informed of their right to request a copy of their  medical file.

Recommendation 6

That Veterans Affairs Canada continue to improve its efforts to reach out to veterans who are in need of medical, psychosocial, or other forms of rehabilitation. This can be achieved by maintaining current practices of visiting military bases across the country and by strengthening partnerships between district offices and local  health organizations.

Recommendation 7

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in cooperation with the Department of National Defence, examine ways to foster a smooth transition between health care provided to military personnel and that offered to Canadian Forces veterans in the civilian world.

Recommendation 8

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, provide meaningful support to research specifically focused on the health of veterans, military personnel, and security forces personnel.

Recommendation 9

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in cooperation with the Department of National Defence, examine current industry best practices to develop methods to effectively monitor veterans’ progress while participating in transition programs.

Recommendation 10

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in negotiations for the transfer of Ste. Anne’s Hospital to the province of Quebec, ensure that it maintains a centre of excellence in clinical research and that our veterans continue to receive priority access to quality care in the official language of their choice.

Recommendation 11

That Veterans Affairs Canada, together with the Department of National Defence, take steps to reduce overlap in the vocational rehabilitation programs currently available.

Recommendation 12

That Veterans Affairs Canada review the regulations that deal with the reimbursement of costs incurred by participants under the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Recommendation 13

That Veterans Affairs Canada continue to work cooperatively with the Department of National Defence to increase program consistency and support vocational rehabilitation specialists and other organizations that provide early intervention to transitioning CF personnel and veterans seeking employment.

Recommendation 14

That Veterans Affairs Canada provide veterans and the public a clearer picture of the family services that have been put in place as a result of the coming into force of the New Veterans Charter.

Recommendation 15

That Veterans Affairs Canada recognize the good work accomplished by the Royal Canadian Legion and the University of British Columbia through their Veterans Transition Program, and that the Department continue to support programs that assist transitioning veterans.

Recommendation 16

That Veterans Affairs Canada explore the possibility of expanding transition support programs like the program created by Commissionaires and National Defence.

Recommendation 17

That Veterans Affairs Canada continue to work with community organizations to combat homelessness among veterans.

Recommendation 18

That Veterans Affairs Canada improve communication of benefits and services to veterans of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and consider their unique situation in relation to program delivery.