Changes to disability pensions for RCMP
The latest federal budget proposed a change to disability pensions for current and former RCMP members effective Jan. 1, 2027. Currently, the annual increases to monthly disability pension payments are calculated by the RCMP—and administered by VAC—using either the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or the average of a certain group of public service salaries, whichever is greater. Under this proposed change, however, these calculations would use CPI only, potentially resulting in lower payments for RCMP members.
“What we’re doing is making an adjustment to bring [these disability pensions] in line with many other services and benefits that are offered and bringing it in line across government for consistency,” Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight told CBC in an interview on Remembrance Day.
The initial budget announcement was met with confusion and concern by the wider defense community, as it wasn’t initially clear whether these changes would also apply to Canadian Armed Forces disability pensions. However, in a statement to CBC on Nov. 13, the minister of finance’s office clarified that the changes apply to current and former RCMP members only.
As for how much this could impact disability pensions for the latter, it remains unclear.
“It is too early to determine what the impact may be,” Brian Sauvé, CEO of the National Police Federation union representing RCMP members, told the CBC, “but we will continue to engage with the government and our members as more information becomes available.”
Gulf War Illness
Chronic fatigue, persistent headaches, joint and muscle pain, memory and concentration issues, sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal problems: these are common symptoms of a mysterious illness some veterans have experienced since serving in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War.
While the exact cause of so-called “Gulf War Syndrome” is unknown, worldwide studies indicate that exposure to various elements, such as chemical warfare agents, pesticides and other environmental factors could be responsible. Regardless, in December 2025, Veterans Affairs Canada recognized Gulf War illness as an eligible condition for disability benefits claims.
Related, VAC implemented a streamlined process for claim applications by Persian Gulf veterans. They will be reviewed by nurse adjudicators who may render decisions without further medical consultations. VAC also created a simple checklist for applicants.
“Recognizing Gulf War illness as a formal diagnosis is more than just a policy change,” said Jill McKnight, minister of Veterans Affairs. “It represents how we are continuing to meet the needs of the women and men who have proudly served our country in uniform. It also offers us another opportunity to continue streamlining administrative processes so that veterans receive timely access to benefits and services.”
Latest on long-term care overpayments
Veterans’ advocates and Veterans Ombud Nishika Jardine have highlighted a provision in the latest federal budget that they say is attempting to retroactively correct a longstanding error that led to veterans in long-term care being overcharged for decades.
While there are exceptions, most veterans covered by Veterans Affairs Canada’s long-term care program have to cover just the cost of their accommodation and meals, a rate that is to be equal to the lowest cost of room and board in the least expensive province. In 2025, veterans using the system paid a maximum of $1,236.90 per month, about the cost of the lowest rate available, in Manitoba.
However, “province” is defined by federal law as “province or territory” and the equivalent charge is much cheaper in the Northwest Territories, where the cost in 2025 was $1,000. So, for 2025, veterans may have been paying $236.90 a month ($2,842.80 a year) more than they should have.
“Instead of owning up to their error, they are trying to change the rules after the fact,” Malcolm Ruby, co-counsel in a proposed class-action lawsuit seeking compensation for the overpayments told the CBC after the budget bill was introduced in November 2025.
Veterans Ombud Jardine likewise urged the House of Commons finance committee in February to “correct the mistake.”
“Make it clear going forward,” she continued. “But don’t wipe out 30 years of having made the mistake and just pretend it never happened.
“If these sections are permitted to stand and [the budget] is passed,” said Jardine, “government will have effectively legitimized its past overcharges to veterans and, as it happens, denied justice to some of our elderly and most disabled veterans.”
It’s believed the change will effectively end the class action before it is set to be certified later this year.
Funding for more sexual trauma resources
In October 2025, the Defence Department announced funding for 21 new projects and services through a grant program at its Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre. These projects, led by 20 different community-based providers across the country, will offer “crisis management, counselling services, support groups and increased access to victim services,” said the department in a release. Current and former Canadian Armed Forces members, defence department employees, Canadian Coast Guard personnel, cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers, their families, supporters and caregivers aged 16 and older can access these initiatives.
“Survivors of military sexual trauma deserve timely, accessible support. With this funding…our government is helping to ensure that CAF and Veteran MST survivors have access to resources where and when they need them,” said Jill McKnight, minister of Veterans Affairs and associate minister of National Defence.
These new programs are also meant to meet the needs of people of all gender identities and expressions, as well as provide culturally relevant support for racialized groups, and greater accessibility for people with disabilities and those living in rural and remote communities. The resource centre’s full list of service providers is available online at:
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