New veterans bill could make life-changing service dogs more accessible across Canada

Supporters say the legislation would create consistent standards and help more veterans access qualified service dogs nationwide

Conservative MP Michael Barrett has introduced a new private member’s bill aimed at improving access to service dogs for Canadian veterans.

Barrett, the Member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, tabled Bill C-282, the Service Dogs for Veterans Act, in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The proposed legislation would recognize service dogs as an eligible form of rehabilitation support under the Veterans Well-Being Act. It would also establish national standards for the breeding, training, certification and placement of service dogs across Canada in partnership with provinces and territories.

Barrett said many veterans living with operational stress injuries and other service-related conditions rely on service dogs for daily support and improved quality of life.

The bill was inspired by the work of Veteran’s Elite Canines, a non-profit organization founded by veteran Cindy Weir. Weir said properly trained service dogs can have a life-changing impact on veterans.

Supporters say the legislation would create consistent standards and help more veterans access qualified service dogs nationwide.