Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)

VAC is a Government of Canada Department headed by the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Its mandate is set out in the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. The Act charges the Minister with responsibilities for "the care, treatment, or re-establishment in civil life of any person who served in the Canadian Forces or merchant navy or in the naval, army or air forces or merchant navies of Her Majesty, of any person who has otherwise engaged in pursuits relating to war, and of any other person designated ... and the care of the dependants or survivors of any person referred to." VAC provides programs and services to over 200,000 clients. In 2011-2012, VAC employed more than 3,500 people.

Bureau of Pension Advocates (Veterans Affairs Canada)

VAC’s Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA) is mandated to provide free legal advice and support to veterans who wish to have a departmental decision reviewed or appealed. The BPA consists of 32 lawyers operating from district offices across Canada. It handles an average of 12,000 cases per year.  

Office of the Veterans Ombudsman

The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman states on its web site that it "works to ensure that veterans, serving members of the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and their families are treated respectfully, in accordance with the Veterans Bill of Rights, and receive the services and benefits that they require in a fair, timely and efficient manner. The Office provides information and referrals, and addresses complaints, emerging and systemic issues related to programs and services provided or administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. The office also addresses systemic issues related to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.” The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman has a staff of about 40 people.

Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB)

VRAB is a quasi-judicial tribunal that operates independently of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). It provides veterans and other applicants with an independent avenue of appeal regarding disability decisions made by VAC. VRAB consists of 25 permanent board members and a staff of about 85 people. 

Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals (CCAT)

CCAT is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in administrative justice. It provides a forum for discussion, education, research, and policy development in the field of administrative justice. It has a 29-member Board of Directors which includes current VRAB Chair John Larlee. The CCAT’s membership is made up principally of tribunal members, with current representation from approximately 80 tribunals across Canada.  It also has as members senior tribunal staff (registrars, corporate secretaries, researchers and tribunal counsel), as well as external counsel. 

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans’ Association

The RCMP Veterans' Association promotes the physical, social and economic welfare of former members of the RCMP and their families.  The Association ensures, among other things, that retired members are aware of the services offered by VAC and how these services can be obtained.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Staff Relations Representative Program)

RCMP Staff Relations Representative Program is the official labour relations body for members of the RCMP. It represents members on matters that impact their welfare, including disability and survivor benefits. Currently, the organization has approximately 9,500 clients, of which 3,100 are still serving. 

Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA)

CPVA is a national, all veteran, not-for-profit organization that advocates on behalf of veterans and provides a forum of comradeship. The Association is open to all veterans. Current membership range from veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War to veterans of peacekeeping missions and the war in Afghanistan. It also includes RCMP and other police veterans. 

Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP)

According to its website, CAVUNP is “the largest association of peacekeeping veterans in Canada.” Its membership consists mostly of retired and serving Canadian military, RCMP and civilian veterans who have served on United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion is the largest veterans’ organization in Canada with over 330,000 members. The Legion’s mission is to serve all veterans and serving Canadian Forces and RCMP members, and their families, and to promote Remembrance.

Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS)

ANAVETS is a not-for-profit non-partisan veterans’ organization that promotes the rights and benefits of veterans across Canada. ANAVETS has approximately 15,000 members.