Response from VAC on Ombudsman’s position on Priority Hiring

11 February 2015

Mr Gary Walbourne
Ombudsman
Department of National Defence
100 Metcalfe Street, 12th floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K2
 

Dear Mr. Walbourne,

Thank you for providing Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) with the opportunity to review and comment on your November 2014 report entitled Priority Hiring for Releasing Members.

As with our colleagues at the Department of National Defence (DND), we agree that releasing CAF members should not be disadvantaged (timing); that the entry point into priority administration should be as uncomplicated and expeditious as possible; and, the administrative mechanisms put into place must be efficient and cost-effective. VAC, DND, and the Public Service Commission (PSC) are working closely to ensure that these are addressed during the implementation of the Priority Hiring initiative.

Both VAC and DND also agree that the “attributable to service” determination should be made by VAC. Doing so ensures consistency between a member receiving disability benefits from VAC and statutory priority entitlement. This also ensures that the scope of the “attributable to service” decision is considered when Veterans apply for VAC programs with similar criteria which supports VAC’s mandate.

Thank you for your continued support,

Sincerely yours,
 

W. J. Natynczyk
General (Ret’d)
Deputy Minister

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