new Veteran’s Service Card
National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada introduce the new Veteran’s Service Card
From: National Defence
News release
September 11, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces / Veterans Affairs Canada
Today, the Government of Canada is responding to a call for action by Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, and the Veterans Ombudsman, through his report in 2012, with the introduction of the Veteran’s Service Card.
The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence announced that the new Veteran’s Service Cards will be distributed to former and releasing Canadian Armed Forces members who completed basic training and have been honourably released.
The new Veteran’s Service Card will provide a tangible symbol of recognition for former members, encourage an enduring affiliation with the Canadian Armed Forces and ensure linkages to Veterans Affairs Canada support programs as members transition to post-service life.
The new Veteran’s Service Card will be distributed in stages beginning in September, 2018. The first stage includes all newly releasing Canadian Armed Forces members.
Interested Veterans who released from the Canadian Armed Forces between February 2016 and September, 2018 can apply for the card during stage two beginning in December 2018.
The third stage will begin Summer 2019, and will see cards produced and issued upon request, to all eligible Veterans released prior to February 2016.