Bureau of Pensions Advocates

The Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA) is a semi-independent directorate of Canada's Department of Veterans Affairs, also known as Veterans Affairs Canada.

Unique in the world, the Bureau of Pensions Advocates offers free legal advice and representation to Veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, former members of Canada's Merchant Navy, and eligible family members before the Veterans Review and Appeal Board of Canada (VRAB) on decisions related to disability pensions and awards from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

BPA lawyers, also referred to as "advocates", and support staff assist clients with reviews, appeals and reconsiderations before VRAB. Given their experience in pension and disability matters, they are considered specialists in the area of claims for disability pensions and awards. Over 95% of people appearing before VRAB are represented by BPA lawyers. BPA lawyers do not work for VRAB.

BPA was established pursuant to section 6.1(1) of the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Although administratively BPA's executive director and chief pensions advocate reports to the deputy minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, the Bureau works under the direction of its individual clients. Section 6.2(2) of the act states that "the relationship between the Bureau and a person requesting its assistance is that of solicitor and client..." Consequently, where there is a conflict between departmental policy and the best interests of the client, the client's interests prevail. BPA lawyers are also subject to the professional code of conduct of their respective law societies, of which they must be practicing members in good standing. According to the Woods Commission of 1968, "The role of the advocate is unique in that his responsibility is to assist the applicant for pension, and the only duty he owes to his employer (the Crown) is to do his utmost to assist this applicant. An applicant for pension has the right to expect from the advocate, without charge, the same service as an applicant would demand of his solicitor in civil legislation."

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