Ed, here's what I found.

New Definition of a Veteran

"VAC and the Department of National Defence (DND) have extended veteran status to former Canadian Forces members and Reserve Force members who:

meet DND's military occupational classification requirements (MOC-qualified); and
have been released from the Forces with an honourable discharge.
Veteran status recognizes the potential risk that Canadian Forces members assume by donning the uniform and pledging allegiance. Veteran status does not mean that all former members are eligible to receive VAC benefits and services. As in the past, access to VAC benefits and services will continue to be based on your eligibility status and need."

that is from


http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/salute/fall2001/definition