Overview
Support & Advocacy is an initiative of the RCMP Veterans’ Association (RCMPVA) that assists RCMP Veterans and their families in navigating the programs and services available to them.
The initiative provides guidance on health benefits, pension-related matters, appeals processes, financial assistance programs, and other support services. It also offers assistance to families and executors following the passing of a Veteran, when multiple administrative steps and decisions must be addressed.
As of February 2026, approximately 75 Support Team Members are located across Canada.
The RCMP Veterans’ Association’s Support & Advocacy initiative is designed to recognize, protect, promote and generally champion the rights of its members as it relates to issues of pension, insurance, health care and benefits. The Support & Advocacy initiative of the Association is managed by Co-Chairs John Sherstone and Russ Waugh.
You will notice below, links to the current (2021) copy of the RCMPVA Veterans’ Guide to Health Benefits & Services which should be reviewed from time to time. Also available are supplementary Information Sheets and Cases of Interest relating to Health and Benefits concerns which are available on a separate page – please click here.
Guide to Health Benefits & Services – Dec 2024 (EN)
Guide to Health Benefits & Services – Dec 2024 (FR)
Government & Agency Contacts For RCMP Veterans Rev 2021-10-20
OSI Clinics Contact Information Rev 2021-10-11
RCMP Health Service Offices Contact Information Rev 2021-10-20
Survivor & Executor Information Guide – Revised 2024 November
Who Can Request Assistance
- RCMP Veterans
- Spouses and family members of Veterans
- Executors managing the affairs of a deceased Veteran
- RCMPVA members seeking guidance on available programs and services
Services Provided
Support & Advocacy provides information and guidance relating to:
Health and Benefit Programs
- Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP)
- Pensioners Dental Service Plan (PDSP)
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Appeals and Advocacy Processes
- Bureau of Pension Advocates (BPA)
- Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB)
- Office of the Veterans’ Ombud (OVO)
Financial Assistance Programs
- RCMPVA Foundation
- RCMP Benefit Trust Fund
Survivor and Family Support
Many enquiries relate to assisting spouses, families, and executors after the passing of a Veteran. Support Team Members provide guidance to help families understand available benefits and navigate required processes during what is often a difficult time.
Support Team Members may also refer Veterans to Royal Canadian Legion Service Officers, who are trained by VAC to assist with claim submissions. Learn more about the Royal Canadian Legion by visiting www.legion.ca. Membership is free for 2026 only as part of their recruitment efforts.
How to Access Support
Assistance may be requested through:
- Email: association.supportmduffy@rcmpva.org
- Phone: 613-415-7654
- Divisional Support Team Members: Find your team (Log in required)
All enquiries are received by the Chief Support Advocate and directed to the appropriate Support Team Member, typically the one closest to the individual requesting assistance.
Chief Support Advocate
He became involved with the RCMPVA shortly after retirement and served as Charter Secretary of Cypress Hills Division in 2009. After relocating to Lethbridge, Alberta, he was elected Division Secretary in 2015 and has served as the Division President since 2025.
Mike has been involved in the Support & Advocacy initiative since 2009. He served as Chief Support Advocate from 2015 to 2017 and again since 2021, bringing with him 12 years of experience as a Division Sub-Representative. He also oversees the updating of information on the RCMPVA website, including guides, information sheets, and contact resources to assist Veterans in locating benefits and services.