A programme of innovative social legislation, known collectively as the Veterans Charter, provided an unprecedented level of benefits to those who served in the Second World War. Advanced by the Canadian government, the Charter eased the transition from military to civilian life. It offered over a million ex-service men and women the opportunity to obtain an education, re-enter the work force, build homes, buy land and start businesses. The Charter accelerated economic expansion and led the way in extending social programmes to all Canadians.