Who qualifies as a veteran?
Veteran Affairs Canada defines a veteran as any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who successfully underwent basic training and is honourably discharged.
Here are some other definitions often used.
Modern-day veterans include individuals who have served in the Regular Force, the Reserve Force (including Cadet Instructors, Canadian Rangers and the Supplementary Reserve).
Individuals can have served either domestically or internationally.
Individuals who have served in the First World War, the Second World War or in the Korean War.
In Alberta, the requirement to be eligible to receive Veteran license plates is the individual must have been honourably discharged after serving in an allied force, the Canadian or allied merchant navy, or the ferry command in World War 11, the Korean War, or the Gulf War. Currently serve in the Canadian Armed Forces with at least 3 years of active service.
Several organizations across Canada have unfairly created their own definition of 'veteran'. They do not share the definition provided by Veterans Affairs. Such groups include local legion halls, and provincial motor associations (eg. AMA). This has created confusion and resentment.
The criteria by which Service Medals are awarded do not always follow the definition of 'veteran' provided by Veterans Affairs. Eligible veterans have not been awarded a medal to recognize their service contributions.
The inconsistent, confusing, and seemingly unfair criteria has added to the resentment felt by veterans.
The Invisible Warrior project will ensure every veteran, as defined by Veterans Affairs Canada, receives a service medal.
