Nova Scotia veterans’ advocates want new government contract for rehab services cancelled
Global News
The federal government awarded the $570-million contract to Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) in June 2021, but it came into effect last November.
Advocates of veterans in Nova Scotia are sounding the alarm over a new rehabilitation program in Canada.
The contract between Ottawa and a private company recently came into effect and was aimed at easing the administrative burden, but advocates say it’s not keeping up with the demand and complex needs of veterans.
Dennis Manuge, a Canadian Forces veteran and advocate, sent a letter to Central Nova MP Sean Fraser on Monday calling for an end to the agreement.
He says veterans and case managers are reporting significant delays in getting access to services and assessments completed.
“We’ve got to cancel that program, stop it in its tracks, revert back to the public service, the union, and the Veterans Affairs Canada staff,” Manuge says.
“Why would we not invest in more case managers and more qualified people that work for the organization, an entity to come in and manage the cases and the files and the people?”
The federal government awarded the $570-million contract to Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) in June 2021, but it came into effect last November. PCVRS is a partnership between private health care company Lifemark Health Group, a division of Loblaws, and WCG services.
Manuge wants the federal government to invest in more case managers instead of private companies. He says they understand the veterans’ complex health needs and should continue to coordinate their rehab and track progress.
