Ottawa – 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. The report provides an overview on what the Department’s investigative process found and the steps taken to ensure this situation does not happen again.
Following a comprehensive review and analysis, the Department has concluded there were four incidents isolated to a single employee, and not a widespread, systemic issue. The Department deeply regrets what transpired and understands the seriousness of these completely isolated incidents.
Veterans Affairs Canada staff are committed to ensuring a continued, high standard of service and care for Veterans and their families. The department has learned from this regrettable situation and new and strengthened quality assurance processes, combined with increased staff training and guidance will help prevent this type of situation from happening again. An independent and objective review of the escalation process will also be conducted by the VAC Audit and Evaluation Division.
The Department is committed to maintaining Veterans’ trust. While early actions have been taken to ensure this type of incident does not happen again, further actions aimed at maintaining Veterans’ trust will be taken.
“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.” – Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence