The issuance of the National Veterans Identification Card to serving members of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP at the time of their release would complete their transition to civilian life in a formal and meaningful way by providing them with a tangible symbol of valued membership and recognition as Veterans.

We want all involved parties to expedite the process of approval, implementation, and distribution of the National Veterans Identification Card.

There are nearly 750,000 Canadian Forces and RCMP Veterans.

Veterans Affairs Canada has overall responsibility for Canada’s nearly 750,000 Veterans, including the provision of health treatment and financial benefits to ill and injured Veterans and assistance with their transition to civilian life. The Veterans Ombudsman has long-standing concerns about the Department’s ability to reach out to, and maintain contact with the larger group of Veterans, other than those who are already its clients.

The Veterans Ombudsman proposes the issuance of a National Veterans Identification Card as a means of facilitating the Department’s efforts to establish contact and proactively communicate with Veterans. The requirement to renew the card on a periodic basis would enable Veterans Affairs Canada to maintain contact with Veterans and inform them of changes to programs and services. It would also facilitate the assessment of new service needs and planning for future resource allocations.

Meeting the requirements of an official government-issued identification document and employing modern technology, the National Veterans Identification Card could also be personalized to specify the bearer’s eligibilities to benefits provided by the Department and other organizations and programs, such as the Canadian Forces Appreciation Program.

You may review the entire letter from the Veterans Ombudsmen here http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/eng/reports/re...