Open Abbotsford VAC office
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to open a Veterans Affairs office in Abbotsford and increase staffing to improve local access and reduce wait times. The government responds that VAC offers remote services and Service Canada support locally.
Why we would sign this petition
- A local VAC office would shorten travel for Fraser Valley veterans, making in-person help more reachable for those needing face-to-face support.
- Increasing staff focused on benefits and reassessments could reduce wait times and related financial or administrative hardship cited by the petitioners.
- A staffed local office can deliver timelier, personalized case management and outreach for a growing veteran population.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Establishing a new office requires upfront and ongoing costs that could divert funding from other VAC services or national priorities.
- VAC and Service Canada already provide remote, virtual and local support; improving those channels might be faster and less costly than opening a new office.
- If processing delays stem from broader administrative backlogs, a new local office alone may not shorten decision times without wider operational changes.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS Veterans residing in the Fraser Valley region, must currently travel significant distances to access in-person services from Veterans Affairs Canada offices located in either Surrey or Kelowna; The absence of a local office results in delays and limited access to services for a large and growing veteran population in the Fraser Valley; Veterans continue to experience delays in the processing of disability benefits and reassessments, contributing to hardship and uncertainty; THEREFORE We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to to establish a Veterans Affairs office in the Abbotsford area and increase staffing to improve access to services and reduce wait times for veterans' benefits and reassessments.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Signed by Mr. Sean Casey Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to providing accessible and responsive support to all Veterans, regardless of their location. Veterans and their families can connect with Veterans Affairs Canada staff during core service hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, in all time zones by calling 1-866-522-2122. In addition, secure messaging is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through My VAC Account, allowing Veterans to communicate with the department at their convenience. To further improve access, Veterans Affairs Canada offers virtual services through videoconference appointments using Microsoft Teams, which can be scheduled by contacting the toll-free number. These virtual appointments enable Veterans and their families to receive personalized support without the need to travel. Home appointments may also be arranged in certain circumstances for clients receiving guided support or case management. Veterans can also visit Service Canada locations across the country, including in the Fraser Valley region in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Service Canada staff can provide information on Veterans Affairs Canada programs and benefits, assist clients in registering for My VAC Account, and help them apply for services. Veterans Affairs Canada’s services are designed so that Veterans can apply for programs and benefits and receive support without needing to visit a Veterans Affairs Canada office in person. Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes the concerns raised in the petition and remains focused on ensuring Veterans and their families can access the services they need in a timely and convenient manner.