Veterans Ombudsman Office report reveals over 2,000 compliments received

On February 7, 2020, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman’s (OVO) 2018-2019 Annual Report Focus on Fairness was tabled in the House of Commons by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, minister of veterans affairs. The report provides an overview of the Ombudsman office’s key engagements from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019.

In a press release, Veterans Ombudsman, Craig Dalton explained, “I am pleased to share the 2018-2019 Annual Report and encourage all Canadians to learn more about the OVO’s work advancing fairness for Veterans and their families. In 2018-2019 the office shone a light on a number of systemic issues impacting ill and injured Veterans, including: wait times, financial security, and transition.” 

“The OVO continues to address individual complaints and investigate systemic issues of unfairness, with an emphasis this year on Women Veterans and Supports for Families,” he added.

The report has been compiled to demonstrate the support provided to Veterans and their families by the Office throughout the year, as well as, offer details regarding complaints received, systemic investigations that have been conducted, released publications, and engagements. 

Throughout the year 2018-2019, over 2,000 new inquiries and complaints were received by the Office. This number is the third-highest since the OVO was founded.

The OVO released three publications throughout 2018-2019 including: 

• Meeting Expectations: Timely and Transparent Decision for Canada’s Ill and Injured Veterans report
• 2018 Report Card
• Spouses Supporting Transition poster

The full report is available to read here.