MAR 12 2012

Minister of Veterans Affairs Ottawa, Canada Ministre des Anciens Combattants K1A OP4

Ms. Patricia Varga Dominion President The Royal Canadian Legion 86 Aird Place Ottawa, Ontario K2L OAl Dear Ms. Varga:/~

MAR 0 6 2012

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In response to your letter on behalf of the Veterans Consultation Group, I am pleased to take this opportunity to address the issues raised at its annual meeting. As you mention, Veterans Affairs Canada is undergoing a period of transformation dictated by the changing demographics of the Veterans it serves. This transformation is, first and foremost, about improving services to Veterans and their families. Work is under way in virtually all areas of my Department to ensure that it continues to respond to the growing needs of Canada's older Veterans and the complex needs of Canadian Forces members and modem-day Veterans. While it is true that the Department's spending in the coming years is expected to decrease as, sadly, the number of Veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War declines, our Government has been very clear: there are no cuts to Veterans' benefits. As part of the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to modernize and balance the budget through the deficit reduction action plan, Veterans Affairs Canada has reviewed the programs and operations within its portfolio to ensure responsible spending and continued value for Canadian taxpayers. The results of this review will be announced in Budget 2012. .../2

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The Department's projected spending for 2012-13 and onward, as outlined in the 2011-2012 Report on Plans and Priorities, is based in part on forecasts from 2007. Projected program expenditures are adjusted each year through an estimates process. It may interest you to know that the Department increased its budget by an average of$150 million through in-year adjustments over the past two years. The flexibility of the budget process will ensure that Veterans carry on receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled and so richly deserve. Throughout its ongoing efforts to review and improve benefits for Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada will continue to reach out to and consult with Veterans and their families, Veterans organizations and other stakeholders. My Department will fully consider their recommendations and is committed to responding in concrete ways to keep its programs and services relevant for all Veterans. As you are aware, our Government recently introduced the Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act to address concerns, including those raised by the New Veterans Charter Advisory Group, about the benefits provided to ill and injured Veterans. This new legislation offers significant improvements to the supports available to seriously injured Veterans. Finally, Veterans Affairs Canada, together with the Department of National Defence, has been pleased to support the work of Queen's University and the Royal Military College to found the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research. The Institute is currently formulating its governance sn:uc~re and plans to engage stakeholders in establishing its research I priorities. Veterans Affairs Canada's Research Directorate is exploring ways to strengthen the Department's collaboration with the Institute on research relating to Veterans' health and rehabilitation. The Directorate recently gave a presentation to the Departmental Stakeholder Committee, and it will continuel to provide periodic updates at future Committee meetings.

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-3I hope that the information provided is helpful. Again, thank you for sharing the views of the Veterans Consultation Group. Our Government remains committed to meeting the needs of Veterans and their families now and in the future, and your input is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,

Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P.