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It's important to know that there are approximately 600,000 veterans throughout Canada, and around 190,000 of them are clients of Veterans Affairs Canada. Our goal and our role is to ensure that we are providing the benefits and services to meet their needs.
We know that the events over the past number of weeks have been challenging for Canadians, for veterans and for those who are serving. The health and safety and well-being of those veterans is our top priority, so any veteran who is having challenges that may have been compounded by ongoing events is encouraged to contact the VAC assistance line at 1-800-268-7708.
As for our stakeholders, we have been engaged with them. Of course, they have been very concerned about how things are going, but they are grateful for the engagement with our partners at PSPC and the National Capital Commission and for the ongoing dialogue that we have with them. However, like us, these organizations want to ensure that our memorials and monuments continue to be public spaces to recognize, remember and commemorate those who have served.