Crest Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development) Ottawa, Canada K1A 0P4 The Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., M.P. Mrs. Muriel Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, Ontario L6W 2R8 Dear Mrs. Davidson:- Thank you for your e-mail message expressing your concerns regarding veteran status. The office of the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Defence, has also referred to me your e-mail message regarding the same matter. On March 29, 2001, it was announced that the Government of Canada would recognize as veterans former Canadian Forces personnel who fulfill the Department of National Defence's military occupational classification requirements and have been honourable released from the Forces. The qualification, commonly referred to as "MOC-qualified," equals about one year of service, and the definition also applies to Reserve Force members who meet certain service criteria. Veteran status effectively recognizes the potential risk to which all Canadian Forces members may be exposed when they swear the Oath of Allegiance and don a Canadian uniform. Both war veterans and Canadian Forces veterans have access to my Department's benefits and services, based on need or other defined eligibility criteria. We are committed to ensuring that current and former members of the Canadian Forces who are suffering from a service-related disability receive the disability pension and health care benefits to which they are entitled. If you would like to find out more about departmental benefits and services, I encourage you to visit our Web site at: www.vac-acc.gc.ca, I have also taken the liberty of enclosing two brochures which will tell you what is available through my Department. While the Privacy Act prevents me from discussing individual cases, like that of your brother, I encourage all veterans to contact the nearest Veterans Affairs District Office to determine their eligibility for departmental benefits and services. I was pleased to learn that your husband is receiving excellent care at the Sunnybrook Veterans' Wing. Nothing less is acceptable for those who served so well. In closing, I want to commend you for your wartime work as a Code Talker. Many lives may have been saved through your willingness to serve. Again, thank you for writing. Sincerely [Signature] Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., M.P. -----Enclosures:- Exchange of Information, Cat. No. V32-98/2002 In Service to the Canadian forces, Cat. No. V32-75/2000 Available from Veterans Affairs Canada, P.O. Box 7700, Charlottetown, PE C1A BM9 Letter dated October 24, 2002. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.404 / Virus Database: 228 - Release Date: 10/15/02