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The new publication "Spotlight 2024: Progress Update"
On 21 August 2024, the Office of the Veterans Ombud (OVO) released its publication Spotlight 2024: Progress Update on OVO Recommendations to VAC.
The recommendations made by the OVO address systemic gaps and barriers to fair access by Veterans and their families for VAC services and benefits. Each year as the OVO prepares Spotlight, it assess progress made by VAC and determine the status of each recommendation as “Implemented,” “Partially Implemented,” “Not Implemented,” or – new this year – “In Progress.” Particularly where a recommendation has not been implemented, the OVO further assesses whether it is still valid or may no longer be relevant.
Mental health support for Veterans’ families is a priority issue for which the Veterans Ombud will continue to advocate. This year, for the fourth consecutive year, the Veterans Ombud is calling on the government to provide access to mental health treatment benefits for family members of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans in their own right.
In addition, while the Veterans Ombud acknowledges that VAC has made progress on issues affecting gender equity, more transparency in gender-based analyses would be beneficial in establishing and monitoring the programs and benefits for all Veterans. Specifically, making public the results of GBA Plus analysis that considers the intersectional needs of an increasingly diverse population would provide an important opportunity to demonstrate transparency and responsiveness to the Veteran community.
The OVO is encouraged, in response to our recommendations, that VAC has made significant progress in advancing gender equity in the adjudication of sexual dysfunction, and planning is underway to distribute detailed and understandable information about Pain and Suffering Compensation payment options.
However, there is still much to do on a number of outstanding recommendations, and the OVO will continue to call on VAC for action in addressing fairness issues affecting the Veterans community. To read the full publication click here.
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Source: Office of the Veterans Ombud, Canada
