New Veteran’s Service Card

Special to The Post

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, is pleased to inform local residents that the Department of National Defence has announced that 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 cards 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 military members transition to post-service life.

The cards are a response to a call for action by Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, and the Veterans Ombudsman’s 2012 report.

The 2015 Conservative election platform promised to issue a similar card to reduce red tape for those seeking Veteran services and make it easier for them to receive benefits. However, the Conservatives would have gone a step further to make the card official government identification.

“We thank the government for implementing our 2015 campaign commitment, but Vets wanted this to be official government ID - it is not. Let’s make that happen!” tweeted MP Phil McColeman, the Conservative Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs.

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.

“Canada and its Veterans share a social covenant and the federal government should be committed to providing them the best possible services and benefits. I am pleased to see this development and look forward to working towards official government I.D. for our Veterans,” concluded MP Eglinski.

For more information, visit: www. canada.ca/en/department-nationaldefence/services/benefits-military/ transition/service-card.html