As a result of their deliberations, committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence, develop a comprehensive framework, including measurable variables, that would define the determinants of a successful transition.

Recommendation 2

That the Department of National Defence regularly table to the Committee an analysis of the time it takes for members posted to the Joint Personnel Support Unit to go back to meaningful professional activities, and of the nature of these activities.

Recommendation 3

That the Canadian Armed Forces, in cooperation with Veterans Affairs Canada, develop an integrated transition plan and provide personalized monitoring to all members being released.

Recommendation 4

That the Canadian Armed Forces  provide to the Committee an analysis of the causes of the current instability in the senior ranks of the Joint Personnel Support Unit.

Recommendation 5

That the Canadian Armed Forces prioritize the appointment of ill or injured members to its senior ranks, and provide measurable targets to monitor its progress.

Recommendation 6

That the Canadian Armed Forces apply a measure of flexibility to the principle of Universality of Service, and that a modified duty category for suitable members be established.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada make the Department of National Defence responsible for the decision to attribute the cause or aggravation of an injury or illness to military service.

Recommendation 8

That the Canadian Armed Forces provide more stringent guidelines to strongly encourage Canadian Armed Forces members, officers and medical personnel to fill out the Report of Injury, Disease or Illness (Form CF 98, see Appendix).

Recommendation 9

That Veterans Affairs Canada, when it receives an application for benefits or services, inform the applicant of the approximate time required to process the request, and inform the applicant when the delay is extended.

Recommendation 10

That the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) add an electronic device to military identity discs to make it easier to transfer information over multiple deployments, and that the information on this device be sent to Veterans Affairs Canada when a CAF member is released.

Recommendation 11

That Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces provide, through the Military Families Resource Centres, programs for spouses and family members on the challenges they may face during and after the military members’ transition to civilian life.

Recommendation 12

That the Canadian Armed Forces, in cooperation with Veterans Affairs Canada, offer training to all releasing members and members of their families to prepare them for civilian life.

Recommendation 13

That Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) review the overall well-being, including topics such as financial security, access to housing, and mental health status of veterans, to ensure they are sufficient, and prepare a report detailing their findings every five years; and that VAC identify ways to capture data on families where possible.

Recommendation 14

That Veterans Affairs Canada accelerate its process to approve services by third parties on the list of authorized suppliers when case managers or service officers determine that these services would help veterans make a successful transition.

Recommendation 15

That the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada harmonize treatment options offered by healthcare professionals to transitioning serving members and veterans.