The Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association endeavours to provide assistance and timely information to retired RCMP members living in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.  This support comes in many ways:

SUPPORTS VETERANS’ INTERESTS

Members of our Association are either petitioning for or representing RCMP Veterans on the following:

• Veterans Independence Program (VIP) – continue to liaise with Veterans Affairs and with government representatives for the purpose of obtaining benefits for RCMP Veterans.
• Benefit Trust Fund – assisting Veterans and families in submitting requests for financial assistance.
• Public Services Health Care Dental Plan Board – an RCMP Veterans’ Association member is on this Board.
• RCMP Pension – assist Veterans on seeking answers about RCMP Pension entitlements.
• Application for Disability Pensions – assist Veterans in submitting applications.
• Funeral Services – assist the Veteran’s family in arranging funeral services.
• Survivor Benefits – assist the Veteran’s family with the various reporting requirements and counseling services such as assistance with funeral or memorial service arrangement, Honour Guard attendance, getting cremations to Regina, purchase urns and grave markers, contacting Padre to conduct the service, and arranging for piper and/or trumpeters.  The Association also provides information on Estate Planning, Wills, Living Wills and endearing Powers of Attorney.

TIMELY INFORMATION

The Veterans’ Association endeavours to keep Veterans informed of information which may be of interest to them.  Information is available in different forms:

• National Office of the RCMP Veterans Association have a single point of contact for Veterans if assistance is not readily available – 1-877-251-1771.
• RCMP Veterans’ National Association website
• Vancouver Division’s website provides an overview of the Vancouver Veterans’ Association.
• RCMP Veterans Quick Update email messages are distributed 2 or 3 times a month and contains a wide range of topics.

Other information sources available to Veterans are as follows:

• The Quarterly is published and distributed by the National RCMP Veterans’ Association.  The magazine contains articles and information about currently serving RCMP members and RCMP Veterans.  It is published 4 times each year.  A separate subscription is required for this magazine and can be made via a pension cheque deduction.
• VetsNet website – contains general information of interest to RCMP Veterans across the country.
• National RCMP Gravesite database website – contains a listing of over 17,000 past RCMP Veterans with corresponding details about each Veteran.
• Frank Richter’s Facts & Funnies – contains information about what is going on in the RCMP. This newsletter is distributed across the country.  If you would like to receive this newsletter, please email Frank at frank.richter@shaw.ca.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

• Ceremonial Guard  – Veterans attend Remembrance Ceremonies and special dedications.
• Christmas Levee – held in December.
• Golf Tournaments – once per year, depending on interest.
• Koffee Klatches – are informal gatherings and are held in various communities within the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and elsewhere in the province.
• Mixed Socials – usually one in the Spring and one in the Fall.
• National Annual General Meeting (AGM) – held in a different city each year.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Pacific Riding For Developing Abilities (Langley, B.C.) – Each year, the Vancouver Division financially supports the care and feeding of a horse called “Dodger” who is used to assist individuals with developing abilities.
• BC & Alberta Guide Dog Services – Since 2013, the Vancouver Division has been providing  financial support to this non-profit organization.  Currently (Feb. 2022), we are sponsoring two puppies:  Lewis and Nikka.
• Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society. visiting their website
  The Vancouver Division supports the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society and some members serve as couriers.
• RCMP “E’ Division Pipes and Drums (Buffalo Celtic Music Society.  Check out their webpage for further information.
  
• Special Olympics BC – In August 2013, our Division provided a sizable donation to this organization.
• Honour House Society – With the support that this society has provided to the families of fallen members, we have also provided a notable donation to this organization.

Application Process