Veteran Affairs Canada has released the results of a full and thorough investigative process into allegations of inappropriate conversations with Veterans about MAiD in a report delivered to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.

“As I’ve said from the very beginning, what happened to these Veterans is totally unacceptable. The report clearly confirms that these four cases were isolated to a single employee and we have referred this matter to the RCMP. Our frontline employees are completely dedicated and care deeply about the Veterans they serve each and every day. Veterans can trust that VAC is always available to support their needs in a respectful and compassionate manner.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

• On July 21, 2022, a Veteran contacted the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) call centre to file a complaint about a VAC employee who the Veteran alleged had inappropriately raised Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to the Veteran during a phone conversation earlier that day. The Veteran indicated the employee also referred to having provided information on MAiD to another Veteran.

• The Department took immediate action by apologizing to the Veteran and reassigning the Veteran’s file to the employee’s manager.

• Recognizing the seriousness of the allegation, the Department initiated a fact-finding process on July 22, 2022. On August 19, the Minister of Veterans Affairs instructed the Department to conduct a full and thorough investigative process of all aspects related to the situation.

• Based on the review and analysis of the employee’s 2,153 files; a search of all 402,000 files in VAC’s databases; discussions with case managers, Veteran service agents and their managers; a review of all incoming communications to the Department on this issue; and feedback from staff training and information sessions, VAC has concluded there were four incidents isolated to a single employee who is no longer employed with the Department.

• VAC thoroughly investigated all additional allegations which included a Veteran’s full name. No information was found to validate any of these allegations. 

• The report concluded that this is not a widespread, systemic issue, nor is it a reflection of the work of hundreds of case managers and Veteran service agents who interact with the utmost care, compassion and respect with Veterans every single day.

• VAC will continue to review any allegations brought forward which include a Veteran’s full name.  Any Veteran who is not comfortable bringing an issue forward to the Department can contact the Office of the Veterans’ Ombud.

Related products

• Minister’s Statement
• Report

Associated links

• Office of the Veterans Ombuds

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
media@veterans.gc.ca

Erika Lashbrook Knutson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
erika.lashbrookknutson@veterans.gc.ca