RICHMOND HILL – The Ontario government is increasing the financial assistance available to veterans and their family through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. The government is making new regulatory amendments alongside the changes proposed in the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which will allow eligible veterans and their family members to receive up to $3,000 each year, up from $2,000, to help pay for essential services and supports.
“Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to make our country and province what it is today and they deserve our unwavering commitment to their well-being,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “That’s why we are working across government to make it easier for eligible veterans and their families across Ontario to access additional financial supports. Our government will continue to stand behind every man and woman who has served in our armed forces and honour their service – lest we forget.”
Eligible veterans can find out how to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission at Ontario.ca/SoldiersAid to help cover health-related expenses such as hearing aids and eye glasses, specialized equipment like wheelchairs, home repairs and moving costs, as well as personal items such as clothing. To make it faster and easier for veterans to access support, the government is also removing the requirement for veterans to apply to non-federal funding sources before becoming eligible to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission.
Ontario is also strengthening community services and supports for veterans to help keep costs down and improve their health and well-being, including:
Introducing a transit relief program that removes fares for Canadian Armed Forces veterans and active Regular Force members on GO Transit starting March 1, 2025, with future plans to extend this benefit to UP Express—putting more money back in their pockets.
Expanding Health811 to connect veterans to specialized services that meet their unique health care needs, including those in rural areas or who may require support in other languages.
Exploring opportunities to partner with municipalities and organizations that support veterans in need of housing to improve access to housing, housing supports and services.
The proposed changes are part of the ongoing work the Ontario government is doing to continue to recognize and honour veterans for their pivotal role in the nation’s past and future, and build on the government’s Honouring Veterans Act, 2024.
Quick Facts
The Soldiers’ Aid Commission has supported veterans and their families for more than 100 years. In 2021, the program was expanded to include all eligible Ontario veterans and their families, regardless of when or where they served.
Under the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, a veteran is defined as a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has completed basic training and was released from service.
Ontario is home to approximately 149,000 veterans and this number is growing. Each year, approximately 8,000 to 9,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from military service. Their average age upon release from service is 40.
Quotes
"Increasing direct financial support to Canada's veterans, along with transit and housing supports, are part of our government’s ongoing work to honour them for their pivotal role in the nation’s past and future. Let us all take a moment to reflect on their courage and sacrifice, in both wartime and peacetime, it is so clear that they deserve our unwavering support."
-Stephen Lecce
MPP for King—Vaughan
"The Royal Canadian Legion’s mission is to serve veterans and their families. Veterans’ needs are becoming increasingly complex and costs of meeting these needs has grown exponentially. Thus, any funding announcement that will assist us in attaining our goals of ensuring every veteran gets the help they need, and deserve, is gratefully anticipated."
- Terri O' Connor
President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375
"I’m happy to hear about the updates to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. These changes reflect the economic conditions of today and will better help Ontario’s veterans and their families in need. The Commission will continue its important work providing financial assistance to eligible applicants to ensure our veterans have the quality of life they stood to preserve."
- Philip ten Kortenaar
Chair of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission
"Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices to protect the safety of Ontarians and our government continues to work to support their health and well-being, when and where they need it. By increasing access to virtual health care services through Health 811 and expanding service reach across the province, our government is ensuring veterans and their families can connect to specialized services and supports that meet their unique needs, close to home."
- Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
"Through their bravery and selflessness, veterans have protected our values, defended our rights and freedoms, and shaped our nation’s history. These proposed changes and initiatives reaffirm our government’s gratitude for their sacrifices and our commitment to better support veterans and their families. These important initiatives will also help build a stronger and more inclusive Ontario, where everyone can succeed and thrive, while recognizing the unique needs of veterans."
- Graham McGregoracting
Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
"Ontario owes an immense debt of gratitude to our veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. By removing transit fares on GO Transit and UP Express, our government is showing Ontario’s appreciation to those who have served, making travel easier and more affordable so they can reintegrate successfully into civilian life."
- Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
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