The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced on September 11 that the new Veteran’s Service Cards will be distributed to former and releasing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who completed basic training and have been honourably released.

The introduction of the Veteran’s Service Card is in response to a call for action by CAF members, Veterans, and the Veterans Ombudsman, through his report in 2012.

The new Veteran’s Service Card will provide a tangible symbol of recognition for former members, encourage an enduring affiliation with the CAF, and ensure linkages to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) support programs as members transition to post-service life.

The new Veteran’s Service Card will be distributed in stages beginning in September 2018. The first stage includes all newly releasing CAF members.

Interested Veterans who released from the CAF between February 2016 and September 2018 can apply for the card during stage two beginning in December 2018.

The third stage will begin in Summer 2019, and will see cards produced and issued upon request to all eligible Veterans released prior to February 2016.

“Taking care of our women and men in uniform and their families is our number one priority. Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we have committed to providing the best possible care and support to our military personnel as they transition to post-military life. Today we are delivering on that commitment by bringing back the Veteran’s Service Card. We recognize the courage and dedication of our Canadian Armed Forces members, and the Veteran’s Service Card is an important acknowledgement of their service to our country.” – Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister