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News, Stories, Newsletters & Resources

Important information and stories for ANAVETS members, veterans, seniors and the Lake Chapala community.

Latest News & Stories

Current Unit 19 news, events, remembrance stories and useful information for our members and the Lake Chapala community.

Page updated October 31, 2026

Browse the latest topics:

Faces of Remembrance graphic honouring Captain Nichola Goddard, MSM
Current Faces of Remembrance Honouree

Captain Nichola Goddard, MSM

Captain Nichola Goddard was an artillery officer who served in Afghanistan as a forward observation officer and forward air controller. Remembered for her courage, technical skill and care for the soldiers under her command, she was killed in combat west of Kandahar on May 17, 2006.

Read her story

Past Honourees

Faces of Remembrance graphic honouring Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, MM
Faces of Remembrance

Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, MM

Ojibwe Nishnaabe soldier, exceptional scout and marksman, decorated First World War veteran, community leader and advocate for Indigenous rights.

Read his story
Event Highlights

Thrill the World Ajijic 2026 – Event Highlights

Watch highlights from the day’s performances and celebrations, including the dancers, performers and community who helped make the event a success.

Watch the highlights video
ANAVETS News & Announcements

October Events and Unit Notices

Remembrance Day Service: November 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Mama’s Musical Bar. More details will be shared as preparations continue.

Weekly activities: Thursday lunch, fellowship, Euchre and darts at Mama’s Musical Bar from 12:00 p.m.; Saturday Bingo at Scallions from 1:00 p.m.

Membership: Eligible new members may receive 50% off membership through the end of 2026. Veterans and first responders are at the heart of ANAVETS, and community supporters have a place too.

View the full events calendar
Veterans & First Responders

Support, Reviews and Service Updates

The October update covers the Veterans Ombud’s Spotlight 2026 report, 25 years of Operational Stress Injury Social Support, expanded military sexual-trauma support and the independent review of Veterans Affairs Canada’s rehabilitation program. Existing rehabilitation rules remain in effect while the review is underway.

Quick contacts: Veterans Affairs Canada: 1-866-522-2122. Confidential 24-hour military sexual-trauma support: 1-844-750-1648.

Read Spotlight 2026
Visit OSISS peer support
Read about the rehabilitation review
Seniors’ Information

Old Age Security and Dental Plan Updates

Old Age Security benefits increase by 1.4% for October–December 2026. Payment outside Canada depends on residence history and other eligibility rules; Guaranteed Income Supplement payments generally stop after more than six months outside Canada.

Canadian Dental Care Plan applications are open for the 2026–27 benefit period. Applicants must meet every condition, including Canadian tax residency, income and insurance-access requirements. Coverage may not pay the full amount charged by a provider.

For: Older members and readers who may receive Canadian federal benefits. Confirm eligibility through the official sources before applying or making financial decisions.

View OAS payment amounts
Receiving OAS outside Canada
Check dental plan eligibility
Legislation

RCMP Disability Indexing Change Is Enacted

Bill C-15 received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, specified RCMP disability pensions and related amounts will be adjusted using the Consumer Price Index alone. This governs future annual adjustments and is not an immediate reduction in current payments.

A separate private member’s proposal concerning some survivor relationships is not law; current survivor-pension rules remain in effect.

For: Former RCMP members and families. Ordinary RCMP retirement-pension rules are separate.

View Bill C-15
RCMP disability pension information

ANAVETS Newsletters

Read the latest Unit #19 news, activities and community updates. Select a newsletter to open or download the PDF.

Latest issue

October 2026

Events, member news, seniors’ benefits, Veterans’ Watch and official resources.

Read Newsletter
2026 archive

September 2026

News and updates from ANAVETS Mexico Unit #19.

Read Newsletter
2026 archive

August 2026

Member news, upcoming activities and community information.

Read Newsletter
2026 archive

July 2026

News and highlights from ANAVETS Mexico Unit #19.

Read Newsletter

Useful Documents & Resources

Quick access to official services, forms and trusted information referenced in the October newsletter, together with existing Unit resources.

Veterans Affairs CanadaVisit the official website
United States Department of Veterans AffairsVisit the official website
Canadian Consulate in GuadalajaraConsular information
ANAVETS Events CalendarView upcoming events
Military Sexual Trauma SupportProgram services and peer support
Public Safety Personnel Internet-delivered CBTVisit PSPNET
Memorial Grant ProgramPublic Safety Canada information
Ontario WSIB PTSD Policy UpdatesReview 2026 policy updates
Federal PTSD FrameworkRead the federal framework report
Canadian Dental Care PlanCoverage details

Information notice: News and resource links are provided for general information only and are not legal, medical or financial advice. Eligibility depends on the applicable law, place and dates of service, medical evidence and filing deadlines. Readers in Mexico should confirm access from outside Canada and any residency requirements with the responsible agency or a qualified professional.

ANAVETS Governance Documents

View or download the current by-laws governing ANAVETS nationally and ANAVETS Mexico Unit #19.

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