Nearly 1,750,000 men and women served in wartime for Canada. Approximately 116,000 died and 229,000 were wounded as a result of war. Canada has long recognized the hardship, suffering and sacrifice experienced by Veterans, Canadian Forces personnel, civilians and their families during our nation's periods of armed conflict and peacekeeping. The Veterans Affairs Portfolio exists to serve them. The Portfolio also carries out commemorative activities aimed at instilling in Canadians an appreciation for the sacrifices made by Veterans and others during periods of conflict, and for assisting eligible persons who belong to any of the following groups: Armed Forces personnel and Merchant Navy Veterans who served in the First World War, Second World War or the Korean War; Former and, in certain cases, current members of the Canadian Forces including those who have served in Special Duty Service; Certain civilians who are entitled to benefits because of their wartime service; Allied Veterans who had Canadian prewar domicile; Former and, in certain cases, current members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); and survivors and dependants of the above.

To recognize the contribution that CF members have made to Canada and the world, the Government of Canada has passed the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act. Many people know this Act as the New Veterans Charter. The new Charter, which received Royal Assent on May 13, 2005, represents the most sweeping change to Veterans' benefits and services in the past 60 years.

The New Veterans Charter gives CF Veterans and their families access to services and programs that are tailor-made for them. This builds on the services and benefits that are now in place to help traditional war service Veterans live with dignity and independence. The New Veterans Charter's programs and services can be summed up in one word: "wellness."

In March 2006, the Portfolio had 220,660 unique clients. Just under half (41.5%) of these were War Service Veteran clients, followed by survivors (34.9%), Canadian Forces Veteran clients (20.8%), and RCMP clients (2.8%). The average age of War Service Veteran clients is 84 years, while the average age of Canadian Forces Veteran clients is 55 years, and the average age of RCMP clients is 56.