Bill C-41 - Extension of Benefits to Overseas Civilian Groups - Questions and Answers

Q1. What civilian groups are affected by the change in legislation?

Civilian groups which served overseas are:

1. the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit;
2. the Corps of (Civilian) Canadian Fire Fighters for Service in the United Kingdom;
3. Overseas air crew of Ferry Command;
4. Overseas Welfare Workers: Canadian Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance personnel who served as overseas welfare workers
5. Voluntary Aid Detachment, World War 1

Q2. What expanded services and benefits are being offered to these groups?

VAC is responding to the needs of these groups by providing expanded access to disability pensions, income support programs, and by finalizing a Regulatory process aimed at providing additional health care and VIP benefits.

Q3. What was the basis for determining eligibility for these expanded benefits?

The expansion of VAC benefits to civilian groups was based on their overseas service in support of the war effort.

Q4. Will these benefits to surviving spouses/surviving common-law partners?

Survivor benefits will continue to be made available in a manner similar to VAC's existing eligibility criteria.

Q5. Have these civilians received VAC services and benefits in the past?

Prior to the change in legislation the Corps of (Civilian) Canadian Fire Fighters, the overseas air crew of Ferry Command and the Overseas Welfare Workers were eligible to apply for existing VAC services and benefits such as income support, health care, disability pensions, etc. However, there were limitations associated with their access to these benefits. These limitations are now removed.

The Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit and the Voluntary Aid Detachment, World War I were eligible to apply for certain VAC benefits but were excluded from accessing, disability pensions. As a result of the changes, they are now eligible to apply. Furthermore, the limitations associated with their access to those benefits for which they were already eligible to apply, such as income support and health care, are now removed.

Q6. Can Civilians get Health Care?

They have been able to receive health care benefits as income qualified civilians. If they have been receiving a pension, they have also been eligible to receive health care benefits, including VIP for pensioned conditions. A regulatory package is presently in the parliamentary system.

Q7. Will civilians who served overseas and who are now eligible for VAC's services and benefits, be now considered as veterans?

At the request of many veterans' organizations, VAC has been examining the question of what is meant by the term "veteran".

Being considered a veteran does not in itself provide access to VAC benefits. Rahter, applicants must fulfill eligibility requirements in order to receive VAC programs and services. For example, in the case of disability pension benefits, the Pension Act provides for pension awards to those suffering from disabilities related to military service.

Q8. Will these overseas civilian groups receive the same compensation payments announced for Merchant Navy veterans?

There are no plans to compensate civilians. The Government is expanding access to VAC's services and benefits to these civilian groups who served overseas in response to their changing needs. In this way, the Government is acknowledging their specific contribution to the war effort, on behalf of all Canadians.

Q9. How are we informing these groups of the changed legislation and when will they be eligible for access to these programs and services? Should eligible recipients apply now?

Information is being made available through the media now that the legislation has been passed by Parliament. Eligible recipients should contact their nearest District Office of Veterans Affairs Canada, to make an application. In addition, in keeping with the Department's commitment to the Client Centred Service Approach, staff will be working with clients to identify situations where they could be eligible for expanded services and benefits, as a result of these changes.