Province making GO Transit free for veterans and increasing financial support to up to $3,000 each year
The Ontario government is increasing the financial assistance available to veterans and their family through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. The government is making new regulatory amendments alongside the changes proposed in the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which will allow eligible veterans and their family members to receive up to $3,000 each year, up from $2,000, to help pay for essential services and supports.
“Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to make our country and province what it is today and they deserve our unwavering commitment to their well-being,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “That’s why we are working across government to make it easier for eligible veterans and their families across Ontario to access additional financial supports. Our government will continue to stand behind every man and woman who has served in our armed forces and honour their service – lest we forget.”
Eligible veterans can find out how to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission at Ontario.ca/SoldiersAid to help cover health-related expenses such as hearing aids and eye glasses, specialized equipment like wheelchairs, home repairs and moving costs, as well as personal items such as clothing. To make it faster and easier for veterans to access support, the government is also removing the requirement for veterans to apply to non-federal funding sources before becoming eligible to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission.
Ontario is also strengthening community services and supports for veterans to help keep costs down and improve their health and well-being, including:
- Introducing a transit relief program that removes fares for Canadian Armed Forces veterans and active Regular Force members on GO Transit starting March 1, 2025, with future plans to extend this benefit to UP Express—putting more money back in their pockets.
- Expanding Health811 to connect veterans to specialized services that meet their unique health care needs, including those in rural areas or who may require support in other languages.
- Exploring opportunities to partner with municipalities and organizations that support veterans in need of housing to improve access to housing, housing supports and services.
The proposed changes are part of the ongoing work the Ontario government is doing to continue to recognize and honour veterans for their pivotal role in the nation’s past and future, and build on the government’s Honouring Veterans Act, 2024.
Quick Facts
- The Soldiers’ Aid Commission has supported veterans and their families for more than 100 years. In 2021, the program was expanded to include all eligible Ontario veterans and their families, regardless of when or where they served.
- Under the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, a veteran is defined as a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has completed basic training and was released from service.
- Ontario is home to approximately 149,000 veterans and this number is growing. Each year, approximately 8,000 to 9,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from military service. Their average age upon release from service is 40.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
