Kelowna

Service to Canada's veterans has been expanded in the Okanagan.

Photo: Grant Scott

MP Ron Cannon was on hand earlier this year when veterans Sydney Pratt (L), James Shackleton and Roy Kawamoto received Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendations.

MP Ron Cannan announced Friday that veterans can now access services in more locations within the Kelowna-Lake Country riding, through a new partnership between Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Service Canada.

“Our Government is determined to provide hassle-free service to veterans where and when they need it,” says Cannan.

“Veterans can now drop off applications and supporting documentation for disability benefits and the Veterans Independence Program in any of the Service Canada offices located in their community.”

Cannan calls the partnership the latest in a number of recent service improvements made by VAC.

Those changes include simplifying the reimbursement process for health-related travel so veterans no longer need to submit receipts with their travel claims.

As well, VAC has improved the Veterans Independence Program process.

This means approximately 100,000 Veterans and their families will receive two up-front payments per year which can be used toward grounds maintenance and housekeeping services and they will no longer have to submit receipts for these services.

More information about VAC programs and services is available at any Veterans Affairs Canada offices or Canadian Forces bases, as well as online or by calling 1-866-522-2122.