DOCSLIB.ORG

A Comparative Analysis of Policies, Services and Support for Military Veterans in Canada and the United States

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Comparative Analysis of Policies, Services and Support for Military Veterans in Canada and the United States WHAT IS FAIR PUBLIC POLICY? A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF POLICIES, SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR MILITARY VETERANS IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES LCol M.H. Higuchi JCSP 41 PCEMI 41 Master of Defence Studies Maîtrise en études de la défense Disclaimer Avertissement Opinions expressed remain those of the author and Les opinons exprimées n’engagent que leurs auteurs do not represent Department of National Defence or et ne reflètent aucunement des politiques du Canadian Forces policy. This paper may not be used Ministère de la Défense nationale ou des Forces without written permission. canadiennes. Ce papier ne peut être reproduit sans autorisation écrite. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as © Sa Majesté la Reine du Chef du Canada, représentée par represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2015. le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2015. CANADIAN FORCES COLLEGE – COLLÈGE DES FORCES CANADIENNES JCSP 41 – PCEMI 41 2014 – 2015 MASTER OF DEFENCE STUDIES – MAÎTRISE EN ÉTUDES DE LA DÉFENSE WHAT IS FAIR PUBLIC POLICY? A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF POLICIES, SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR MILITARY VETERANS IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES By LCol M.H. Higuchi “This paper was written by a student “La présente étude a été rédigée par un attending the Canadian Forces College stagiaire du Collège des Forces in fulfilment of one of the requirements canadiennes pour satisfaire à l'une des of the Course of Studies. The paper is a exigences du cours. L'étude est un scholastic document, and thus contains document qui se rapporte au cours et facts and opinions, which the author contient donc des faits et des opinions alone considered appropriate and que seul l'auteur considère appropriés et correct for the subject. It does not convenables au sujet. Elle ne reflète pas necessarily reflect the policy or the nécessairement la politique ou l'opinion opinion of any agency, including the d'un organisme quelconque, y compris le Government of Canada and the gouvernement du Canada et le ministère Canadian Department of National de la Défense nationale du Canada. Il est Defence. This paper may not be défendu de diffuser, de citer ou de released, quoted or copied, except with reproduire cette étude sans la permission the express permission of the Canadian expresse du ministère de la Défense Department of National Defence.” nationale.” Word Count: 19681 Compte de mots : 19681 i TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................. i LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... iv ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... v CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 CHAPTER 2 - BACKGROUND .................................................................................................... 6 Differences Between Social and Political Sciences .................................................................... 6 Public Values and Perceptions .................................................................................................... 7 Historical Institutionalism ........................................................................................................... 8 Other Methods of Public Policy Analysis ................................................................................. 10 Challenges of Cross-National Comparative Methods............................................................... 14 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER 3 - CANADIAN VALUES AND VETERANS SUPPORT POLICY ....................... 18 Canadian Values ........................................................................................................................ 18 Welfare Services ................................................................................................................... 19 Disability Support ................................................................................................................. 20 Healthcare Services ............................................................................................................... 21 The Canadian Armed Forces ................................................................................................. 22 Historical Background of Canadian Veterans Services............................................................. 23 Great War Veterans ............................................................................................................... 24 WWII Veterans ...................................................................................................................... 25 Evolution of the Veterans Charter ......................................................................................... 27 The New Veterans Charter .................................................................................................... 28 Services Provided to Canadian Veterans ................................................................................... 29 Services Provided by Veteran Affairs Canada ...................................................................... 30 Services Provided by Other Federal Government Departments ........................................... 32 Services Provided by Provinces ............................................................................................ 33 Services Provided by Private Groups ................................................................................... 34 Development of Canadian Veterans Policy ............................................................................... 34 Public Policy Trends ............................................................................................................. 35 Successes of the New Veterans Charter ................................................................................ 38 Perceived Gaps of the New Veterans Charter ....................................................................... 39 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 40 ii CHAPTER 4 - AMERICAN VALUES AND VETERANS SUPPORT POLICY ........................ 42 American Values ....................................................................................................................... 42 Welfare Services ................................................................................................................... 43 Healthcare Services ............................................................................................................... 44 American Military and its Veterans ...................................................................................... 45 Historical Background of American Veterans Services ............................................................ 47 WWI Veterans Support ......................................................................................................... 47 WWII Evolution of Veterans Services .................................................................................. 48 Veterans Support Benefits 1960 – Present ............................................................................ 51 Services Provided to American Veterans .................................................................................. 53 Services Provided by US Department of Veterans Affairs ................................................... 53 Services Provided by Other Government Agencies .............................................................. 55 Services Provided by Private Organizations ......................................................................... 56 Development of American Veterans Policy .............................................................................. 57 Public Policy Trends ............................................................................................................. 57 Evaluation of Current DVA Policies ..................................................................................... 61 CHAPTER 5 - COMPARISON BETWEEN US AND CANADIAN SERVICES ....................... 65 Public Values and Policy Similarities ....................................................................................... 65 Public Policy Differences ......................................................................................................... 67 Comparison of Veterans’ Support Policies ................................................................................ 71 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 74 CHAPTER 6 – CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................. 76 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 81 iii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 - American Confidence in Institutions ............................................................................ 46 Figure 2 - Participation
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Military to Civilian Transition 2018 Report
    The Military to Civilian Transition 2018 A Review of Historical, Current, and Future Trends Disclaimer of Endorsement Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the VA website. Foreword by Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. Under Secretary for Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Each year, nearly 200,000 Service members transition from the military back to their civilian communities. I am humbled by and proud of VA’s ongoing commitment and partnership with our interagency partners and our local communities who collaborate to foster successful military to civilian transitions for each of those Service members and their families. My understanding of the potential challenges that transitioning Service members and their families face is informed by my personal life experience as a former Army officer, and as the current Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Tens of millions of Americans have borne the battle since the founding of our nation, including the more than 19 million men and women who identify as today’s Veterans.
    [Show full text]
  • VAC Transition Services
    cf_trans_brochure_e.qxd 1/25/04 07:47 PM Page 1 VAC Transition Services Information briefings Helping you through the transition phase VAC wants you to be familiar with the services and benefits you may be entitled to receive. Military service embodies a unique lifestyle. The Members of the VAC Client Service Team provide change or transition back to civilian life can information sessions to CF personnel during career present many challenges to releasing members and days, at SCAN seminars, through pre- and post- their families. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is deployment briefings, and at other times upon working closely with the Canadian Forces (CF) to request. Please check with a member of the Client enhance Transition Services to CF members and Service Team for details on upcoming information their families at various locations across Canada. sessions or to arrange a one-on-one meeting. VAC on-site with the CF VACAssistance Service CF members can now access VAC services and VAC, in conjunction with Health Canada, offers benefits on-site at a number of CF locations. The the VAC Assistance Service program to help you and VAC Client Service Team includes one or more your family deal with personal problems that affect of the following VAC staff: your quality of life such as anger, depression, •Pension Officer; gambling or substance abuse. You can access the •Area Counsellor; VAC Assistance Service professional counselling at VAC •Client Service Agent; and/or 1-800-268-7708 (TTD/TTY 1-800-567-5803). •Pension Assistant and other staff members with expertise on subject matter(s) of importance to Contact us Transition you and your family.
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Public Recognition and Awareness
    Veterans Affairs Anciens Combattants Canada Canada EVALUATION OF PUBLIC RECOGNITION EVALUATION OF PUBLIC RECOGNITION AND AWARENESS AND AWARENESS Commemorative Ceremonies and Events Commemorative Funeral Partnership and Burial Program Program CemeteryLearning and Grave and Maintenance Public Information Program Memorials Honours and Awards October 2017 Second Exposure Draft-March 2017 PROTECTED ‘B’ Audit and Evaluation Division Canada Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. i 1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview of Components Evaluated ........................................................................................ 1 1.1.1 Commemorative Ceremonies and Events ...................................................................... 1 1.1.2 Commemorative Partnership Program............................................................................ 2 1.1.3 Learning and Public Information ..................................................................................... 2 1.1.4 Memorials ........................................................................................................................ 3 2.0 SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................. 5 2.1 Multiple Lines of Evidence .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Group Health Insurance
    Group Health Insurance Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offers Veterans How do I apply? and their families the opportunity to purchase health care coverage through the Public Service The staff at any VAC office or Integrated Health Care Plan (PSHCP). This voluntary program Personnel Support Centre (IPSC) can assist you. supplements any coverage you may have through To find one of these offices or to learn more your provincial or territorial health insurance about this and other benefits, visit us online at plan. It can help with the costs of such things as veterans.gc.ca or call us at 1-866-522-2122. prescription medication, vision care, and certain other health services. Important information Supplementary coverage helps those who are • If you qualify for this benefit and choose covered by a health insurance plan through their to enrol, you will pay a monthly premium province or territory. depending on the type and level of coverage you choose. There is an annual deductible, Comprehensive coverage helps those who live after which 80% of qualified expenses are paid outside Canada and are not covered by a provincial back to you by the insurer. or territorial health insurance plan. • For the terms and conditions of coverage, as well as detailed information regarding Who qualifies for Group Health Insurance? the benefits provided, please visit www. pshcptrust.ca, and search for “Plan details.” This program is for Veterans or survivors who do not qualify for this coverage through the Department of National Defence. You may apply for this coverage through VAC if you are: • a former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member who released on or after April 1, 2006, and has been approved for a SISIP long-term disability benefit; For more information: • a CAF Veteran who is eligible for VAC’s rehabilitation services; or veterans.gc.ca • the survivor of a CAF member or Veteran who 1 866 522-2122 died after April 1, 2006, due to a service-related injury or illness.
    [Show full text]
  • National Stakeholder Summit Summary
    October 29 and 30, 2018 National Stakeholder Summit Summary VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA A. Executive Summary The Minister of Veterans Affairs Lawrence New Veterans Affairs Canada programs and MacAulay is committed to meeting with Veterans, benefits (e.g., Education and Training Benefit, their families and stakeholders on Veterans Affairs Veteran Family Program) Canada’s policies, benefits, programs and services. Veteran homelessness On October 29 and 30, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Pension for Life the former Minister, Seamus O’Regan, and Communication and engagement Veterans Affairs Canada Deputy Minister Walter Natynczyk were joined by 175 participants representing over 60 stakeholder organizations, Feedback from both the National Stakeholder Veterans, members of the Minister’s six advisory Summit and the meetings with Veterans and groups, subject matter experts and government stakeholders across the country over the past year officials. continues to be shared with the program, policy and service-delivery areas of the Department. The Stakeholders’ knowledge and insights are experiences, insights and passion shared will help invaluable. The intent of the National Stakeholder shape the ways through which we strive to improve Summit was to provide a forum to share the lives of the Veterans and their families. information and hear feedback on existing, new, and upcoming benefits and services, as well as Please note: The agenda for the National other issues of interest to the participants. The Stakeholder Summit can be found in Appendix A National Stakeholder Summit was a culmination of and the participating organizations can be found more than 40 events hosted throughout 2018 by in Appendix B. The presentations delivered at the the Minister of Veterans Affairs and the summit can be found in the remaining appendices.
    [Show full text]
  • The Honourable Lawrence Macaulay, PC, MP Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    The original version was signed by: The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, PC, MP Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Cette publication est également disponible en français. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 2021. __________________________ Catalogue No. V1-9E-PDF ISSN 2371-7033 __________________________ Departmental Plan 2021–22 Table of contents From the Minister ....................................................................................... 1 Plans at a glance .......................................................................................... 3 Core responsibilities: planned results and resources .................................. 5 Background: what is a Departmental Results Framework? .......................................... 5 CR1: Benefits, Services and Support ........................................................................ 6 CR2: Commemoration ............................................................................................ 13 CR3: Veterans Ombudsman .................................................................................. 16 Internal Services: Planned results and resources ........................................................ 19 Our internal services .............................................................................................. 19 Spending and human resources ................................................................ 23 Planned spending ........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Transition to Civilian Life of Veterans
    Cover photo The last Canadians involved in the NATO training mission in Afghanistan (CCTM-A) board an American Chinook helicopter on March 12, 2014 as they leave the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo: Cplc Patrick Blanchard, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, IS2014-3013-09 Ce document est disponible en français This report and the subcommittee’s proceedings are available online at: www.senate-senat.ca/veac.asp Hard copies of this document are available by contacting the Senate Committees Directorate at (613) 990-0088 or by email at [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS MEMBERS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS ..........................................................ii ORDER OF REFERENCE .................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................... iv INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1 IMPROVING THE TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE PROCESS ............................................................. 6 1. A Need for Research .................................................................................................................... 6 2. Strengthening DND Transition Programs and Services ............................................................. 10 3. Strengthening VAC Transition
    [Show full text]
  • Veterans Affairs Canada and the Government of Ontario
    Veterans Affairs Canada and the Government of Ontario The Continuing Care Research Project for Veterans Affairs Canada and the Government of Ontario Synthesis Report Prepared by: Jo Ann Miller, PhD, Hollander Analytical Services Ltd. Marcus Hollander, PhD, Hollander Analytical Services Ltd. Margaret MacAdam, PhD, Age Advantage April 2008 Hollander Analytical Services Ltd. Tel: (250) 384-2776 300 – 895 Fort Street Fax: (250) 389-0105 Victoria, BC, V8W 1H7 [email protected] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Introduction Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) supports a wide range of health and supportive services for veterans. It also provides funding to “top up” existing provincial services, as needed, and provides funding for services that are not funded by provincial Ministries of Health. There are numerous categories of veterans and benefits, within three main health programs: the Health Benefits Program; the Veterans Independence Program (VIP); and Long Term Care. In 1999, in response to a growing number of clients on waiting lists for beds in long term care facilities, VAC implemented the Overseas Service Veterans At Home Pilot Project. This pilot project offered certain clients, on waiting lists, who met nursing level care and military service requirements (i.e., Overseas Veterans, OSVs), access to some VIP services. Previously, the OSVs had not been eligible for these services. In 2003, VAC implemented the OSV/VIP Program nationally. In 2005, a Frail policy was introduced which provided a new gateway to VIP services and Health Care Benefits for clients with a pensioned condition who satisfied the frail criteria. Given the results of an OSV/VIP pilot study, and the establishment of VIP services as a new benefit for OSVs, VAC was interested in conducting a more rigorous study of the OSV/VIP initiative, both for internal planning and policy development and as a means of obtaining information that could contribute to broader health policy discussions in Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Commemorative Partnership Program Community War Memorial Funding Application Instructions • We Strongly Encourage You to Complete the Form Electronically
    Protected B when completed Commemorative Partnership Program Community War Memorial Funding Application Instructions • We strongly encourage you to complete the form electronically. It includes features to help simplify the application process (e.g., automatic calculations). You may also print off the application form and complete it by hand. • Any changes made by hand after the form is completed and printed must be initialled by the individual authorized to sign the form. • If you do not have enough space to answer a question, please attach a separate sheet. • Quarterly deadlines: January, April, July and October (1st business day of the month). • It is strongly recommended that applications be submitted at least three (3) months before the start date of the proposed project to allow for processing and notification of funding. For example, if your project start date is May 1, you should submit your application by the first business day of the January deadline. • Ensure budget information is complete and calculated correctly. • All signatures must be handwritten. • Remember to include all required documents with your application (please refer to the checklist outlined in Part I of this application form). • You must complete all required fields before submitting your application. Once completed, this form can be scanned and transmitted by e-mail or sent by mail. It must be received or post- marked no later than the stated deadline date. • Keep a copy for your records. Contact information If you have questions or require assistance with the application, please contact the Partnerships Unit by calling toll free at 1-866-522-2122 or by email at [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Provided for Veterans, Their Families and Communities an Overview Of
    An overview of Programs and Services Provided for Veterans, their families and communities Fisheries and Oceans Pêches et Océans Veterans Affairs Canada Canada Canada A Mandate Based On A Nation’s Gratitude Canada’s development as an independent country with a unique identity stems partly from its achievements in times of war. It is our duty to assist those whose courage gave us this legacy and contributed to our growth as a nation. Canada is responsible for the financial, physical and mental well-being of eligible Veterans and their families. It ensures that they are given the care, compassion and respect they deserve. In fulfilling our mandate to provide programs and services that meet the needs of Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada is governed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, the Pensions Act, the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act and the relevant regulations. The well-being of Veterans and the elimination of barriers to their re-establishment are central to everything Veterans Affairs Canada does. Therefore, after military service, Veterans and their families should experience well-being through a gratifying and satisfactory life, a financial security, safe and stable housing, good health, supportive community relationships, an identity based on recognized military contribution identity and the ability to cope within daily life based on resilience. For Veterans Affairs Canada, the focus at all times must be on the well-being of Veterans and that of their families. In the interests of open and transparent communication, this brochure lists the many programs and services available, describing what they consist of and the main eligibility criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • 1321H-Death Benefit.Pdf
    Death Benefit When a military family loses a loved one in the Important information line of duty, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is • The Death Benefit is tax-free and is adjusted there to provide assistance and support to the annually in accordance with the cost of living index. survivor and dependent children. This support • This benefit is paid as a lump sum and is in may include the Death Benefit. While it is meant addition to any amounts that may be paid through such things as the Canada Pension to compensate for such things as the loss of Plan, the Canadian Forces Superannuation, etc. guidance and companionship, it is a significant Key terms financial support that can help to ease any immediate financial challenges that may result A survivor is defined as the spouse or common- law partner who lived with the CAF member. from the sudden death of a spouse or parent. A dependent child must have lived with the Who qualifies for the Death Benefit? CAF member and is: You may be eligible to receive the benefit, if • under 18 years of age; or you are the survivor or dependent child of a • under 25 years of age and attending school; or Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member who died • over 25 years of age and physically or mentally within 30 days of the onset of a service-related incapable of living independently. injury or disease. If the CAF member or Veteran passed away more than 30 days after the injury, a disability award may be payable instead. How to apply When a CAF member dies, it is normal procedure for the Department of National Defence to directly notify VAC, who will in turn contact the For more information: survivor.
    [Show full text]
  • Information About Programs and Information Holdings 2018
    Information about Programs and Information Holdings 2018 Veterans Affairs Canada Information about Programs and Information Holdings 1 Information about Programs and Information Holdings 2018 Table of Contents 1.0 General Information ............................................................................................................................. 3 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 1.2 Background ................................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 2.0 Institutional Functions, Programs and Activities ............................................................................... 5 2.1 Institution-Specific Content .................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Canada Remembers Program ................................................................................................... 5 2.1.2 Disability and Death Compensation ......................................................................................... 9 2.1.3 Financial Support Program ....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]