Thank you, Madam Chair and committee members.
My name is Sonya. I'm president and CEO of Lifemark Health Group. It is a privilege to be here today to discuss our collective commitment to veterans.
Before we get into questions, I thought it would be helpful to push on three points that seem to come up in questions about the program. The first one is how it's different and distinct from other programs that veterans have access to. The second is the breadth and composition of the network itself. Last but not least is the governance structure that underpins the program itself, including the ownership structure of Lifemark.
As a proud Canadian veteran myself, I know first-hand the dedication and sacrifice it takes, for all of our veteran community. It is deeply personal to me.
The unique challenges that many face transitioning into civilian life are what we focus on. This personal understanding informs our work—Lifemark's work—and fuels our collective commitment to making sure Canadian veterans receive the best possible care, tailored and individualized where possible to their specific needs and expectations.
The RSVP program is distinct from other treatment benefits that veterans have access to. It's additive to other benefits programs and is solely focused on rehabilitation and function regainment. As Jane noted, prior to RSVP, veterans, through their case manager, engaged with individual practitioners, but not in a coordinated manner where practitioners were speaking to each other and the veteran was integrated in case conferences continually and regularly. The design of the program was meant to create improved care coordination. It does focus, as many have said, on three areas of rehabilitation: medical, psychosocial and vocational. This collaborative view of the program makes it different and unique, not only in Canada but internationally.
The program is voluntary. It is designed for veterans who are really interested in taking a more intensive and team-based approach that covers the full spectrum of rehabilitation.
In terms of the breadth and composition of the PCVRS network, PCVRS was designed to be national, a network of qualified rehabilitation professionals. While Lifemark is part of that network, we represent roughly 27% of the 1,250 clinics that are available to veterans across the country. Veterans are able to access care from both Lifemark and non-Lifemark providers within the network. To put a little bit more nuance on that, of the roughly 15,000 clinicians within the network today, 12,000 are independent community practitioners. All of our service providers are required to complete VAC-approved training, including standards for veteran-centric care and trauma-informed care. Sylvie can answer questions on that, if you're interested.
Our approach ensures that care is personalized and also accountable. What that means is that we have clear administrative and reporting requirements in place, including required collaboration between care providers and participants using VAC-approved reporting templates and defined timelines for reporting.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to address questions regarding Lifemark's ownership structure. We are a Canadian organization. As Tania mentioned, we have 28 years of experience in delivering rehabilitation services in communities across the country. Our leadership team is Canadian. Our clinicians are Canadian. The care that we provide is delivered locally in clinics embedded within the communities we serve. The PCVRS contract was awarded in June 2021 following a competitive federal procurement process. It is one of many national rehabilitation contracts that Lifemark has the privilege of delivering.
The acquisition of Lifemark by Shoppers Drug Mart occurred in May 2022. That change in ownership did not alter the structure of the contract, nor how services are being delivered to veterans today. Clinical decision-making, professional standards and service delivery are governed by our contractual obligations with health service providers, as well as the Canadian regulatory frameworks that govern our clinical providers.
In closing, the partnership between WCG and Lifemark under PCVRS exists for one reason: to serve Canadian veterans. This network was built to provide structured, accountable and clinically grounded rehabilitation services. We understand the responsibility that comes with delivering this program. We are accountable for the outcomes. We are accountable for the stewardship of public funds. Most importantly, we are committed to continuous improvement, and in collaboration with VAC, we hope to continue on that journey.
Thank you for your time and attention today.