Reference N14046E
May 27, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Veterans Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, shared with stakeholders Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) plan to support a pilot project to assess the benefits and risks of using psychiatric service dogs to assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Veterans.
The two-and-a-half-year pilot project has a goal of having up to 50 Veterans who are in receipt of a disability benefit for PTSD and have approval from their treating mental health professional, participating in the project. VAC will provide up to $500,000 to cover expenses and new research for the pilot project.
"The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, released by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in 2012, shared that shifting policies and practices toward recovery and well-being will require, among other things, finding innovative ways to support people living with mental health problems and illnesses to exercise choices in their journey of recovery. Certainly, the use of psychiatric service dogs to assist Veterans with PTSD is an innovative, emerging recovery-oriented practice. We look forward to hearing more about the pilot project and the ensuing research."
Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Nicholas Bergamini
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
