Women Veterans Council

The Women Veterans Council, guided by the lived experiences and expertise of its members, offers insight to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence on all matters of importance to women (still-serving and Veterans).

Background

Women have significantly participated in the Canadian military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Despite ongoing efforts to meaningfully integrate women into the military, inequities remain including equity to benefits, data equity, economic equity, health equity and access to services, benefits, and program supports.

To support the fastest growing cohort of Canadian Veterans – women – in recent years the Defence community, including Veterans Affairs Canada have been working to address those inequities. Women Veterans have stressed the need for VAC to provide tailored benefits, programs and services and provide a platform for sustained, active engagement. It is against this backdrop that the Women Veterans Council (the Council) is established.

Terms of reference

Members of the council

We are excited to announce and introduce the Women Veterans Council.

Constable (Retired) Jennifer Chorney, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Saskatchewan

Jennifer is an accomplished professional with a deep commitment to advocating for women Veterans. With a successful career as a regular member of the RCMP, she brings a wealth of experience to the Women Veterans Council. As a first-generation Canada, Jennifer has faced numerous challenges, including intergenerational trauma and the silencing of her voice as a woman.

Now a retired police officer, she lives with clinically diagnosed PTSD and other mental health conditions stemming from her time in the RCMP. Having experienced homelessness as a Veteran, she is acutely aware of the struggles faced by women Veterans once they leave active service. These personal experiences motivate her to ensure that the needs of women Veterans are heard and addressed.

Recently, Jennifer has become a fitness trainer and is pursuing her goal of becoming a women’s health coach, aiming to give back to her community. Her journey of resilience and growth drives her desire to share her story and advocate for change. She is dedicated to ensuring that women Veterans, those currently serving, and future generations do not have to endure the hardships she has faced. She is especially committed to fostering mentorships and community among Veterans, to help those transitioning find their identity in life after service. Jennifer is eager to bring her unique experiences and perspective to the Council, amplifying the voices of women Veterans everywhere.
Warrant Officer (Retired) Celine Filion, Canadian Armed Forces

Ontario

Celine is a dedicated public servant with 34 years of military experience, including 28 years in the Regular Force and 6 years in the Reserves. Joining the CAF in 1983 as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, she faced significant challenges, risking release due to her sexual orientation. Fortunately, she navigated this tumultuous period and was able to continue with her career in the CAF.

In 2001, Celine sustained injuries during a deployment to Bosnia, which led to her ongoing receipt of VAC benefits. With a diverse military background spanning three trades and service with both the Army and Air Force operational units, she has held various positions, including bureaucratic roles in Ottawa and at static bases.

Prior to deploying overseas in 2000, she became a peer counselor, which proved to be a needed skill at a time where mental health still had a great deal of stigma attached to it. Being a sympathetic ear and a fellow NCM went a long way to help battalion members open up when needed.

She was a member of Soldiers Helping Soldiers in Ottawa. They were volunteers in uniform who would go to different shelters in the city to look for homeless Veterans. She also participated in several initiatives (through SHS) with a civilian organization named “End Homelessness Ottawa”, they conducted counts of the homeless population and had a special mandate to help find Veterans in need of services.

Her commitment to supporting women veterans extends beyond her career in the public service. As a member of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada, she advocates for inclusive policies and resources to help equity deserving Veterans transition successfully into civilian life. Celine believes that her unique experiences and insights can contribute meaningfully to the Council. Recognized for her leadership and dedication, she is eager to make impactful changes that support the health and well-being of women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans and foster a more inclusive military environment.
Major Dawn LeBlanc, Canadian Armed Forces

New Brunswick

Major Dawn LeBlanc is a dedicated Reserve Nurse Practitioner and full-time primary care clinician at a CAF clinic. Drawing on her extensive experience as a CAF leader, medical provider, wife, mother, athlete, mentor and active member of the community, she brings a unique perspective to her work. With firsthand knowledge of the barriers faced by women and gender-diverse populations, she co-founded a clinic that provides medical assessments and assistance with paperwork to RCMP and CAF Veterans.

Passionate about improving the post-release experience for Veterans, Maj Dawn LeBlanc is actively developing a Woman and Diversity Clinic at the local CAF Health Service center. As a staunch advocate for inclusivity in healthcare, she is an active participant in organizations such as the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO) and the Gagetown Pride Advisory Organization (GPAO).

Maj Dawn LeBlanc exemplifies unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare policy on both national and international stages. Her pivotal leadership in the Military Nurse Practitioner Trade Review and her active involvement with the Confederation of Reserve Medical Officers (CIOMR), NATO Affiliated Reserve Medical Officer Congress, underscore her commitment to enhancing the profession. Moreover, her personal experiences navigating the VAC process as a spouse and advocate highlight her ability to address complex bureaucratic challenges, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in overcoming such obstacles.

Residing in New Brunswick with her family, Maj Dawn LeBlanc is deeply dedicated to advancing healthcare and championing meaningful improvements in veteran support, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.
Corporal (Retired) Sarah Lefurgey, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Nova Scotia

Sarah is currently employed at the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia, following an 11-year career as an RCMP Officer, where she served as the supervisor of a Major Crimes Unit before resigning in 2020. Her passion for advocating for women Veterans led her to become a member of the Athena Project’s Veteran working group at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, where she emphasizes the importance of the “nothing about us, without us” philosophy in addressing Veterans’ issues.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faces by first responders, Sarah brings a unique perspective to the table. Her experiences in the RCMP, combined with her current role at the WCB, equip her to navigate the complexities of workplace injuries and the barriers to reintegration and accessing treatment. She is committed to raising awareness of the distinct needs of RCMP Veterans, whose voices she believes are often underrepresented in conversations about Veterans’ affairs.

In addition to her advocacy, Sarah volunteers her time conducting research with Dalhousie University, the University of New Brunswick, and the Atlas Institute, focusing on Veteran-related health issues. She is actively involved in the Client & Family Council at the NS Operational Stress Injury Clinic, working to enhance service experiences for Veterans. Through her journey of growth and resilience, Sarah remains dedicated to fostering opportunities and hope for her fellow Veterans and is committed to contributing significantly to the Women Veterans Council.
Captain (Retired) Hélène Le Scelleur, CD, Canadian Armed Forces

Quebec

Hélène is a distinguished candidate for the Women Veterans Council, representing a significant population of women Veterans. She served 26 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, first as a non-commissioned member in the Reserve Force (Infantry and Administration) and later in the regular Force as both a non-commissioned member and an officer in Health Services Administration. She has experienced service-related physical and psychological disabilities, and is a recipient of the Sacrifice Medal. Helene is a member of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation.

Throughout her military career, Hélène held various command positions across combat, support, and headquarters units, completing three missions, including deployments in the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, where she received multiple commendations. Selected as Aide-de-camp to the Governor General of Canada, she showcased her leadership and dedication.

Currently, she is a PhD candidate at Ottawa University, focusing on the experiences of military personnel with operational stress injuries. As Vice-Chair of the Veterans Advisory Council at the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans, she leverages her extensive experience to advocate for the needs of women Veterans. Additionally, she is a former athlete for Team Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games and will be a volunteer for the 2025 games in Vancouver, further highlighting her commitment to service and community.
Sergeant (Retired) Jessica Miller, Canadian Armed Forces

Nova Scotia

Jessica is a dedicated woman Veteran committed to empowering her fellow women navigate the complexities of post-service life. With 22 years of military experience, including roles as a Medical Assistant and Medical Technician, she has developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the challenges women face during their transitions. In 2018, she founded the Veteran Farm Project Society, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting serving and Veteran women. Through this initiative, Jessica has positively impacted over 300 families and nearly 900 individuals by addressing issues like food insecurity, which she believes is critical for improving mental health and stability among Veterans and their families.

A passionate advocate for women Veterans, she has shared her insights through speaking engagements, including testimonies before the Canadian Senate and the House of Commons, highlighting the need for enhanced support systems. Recognized with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her commitment to women’s issues in the military community, Jessica is eager to further contribute through the Council. She aims to leverage her experiences to drive meaningful changes that empower women currently serving and those who have served.
Colonel (Retired) Telah Morrison, OMM, CD, Canadian Armed Forces

Ontario

Telah is a highly accomplished Veteran with 35 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring in 2022. She holds four post-secondary degrees, including two bachelor’s degrees, one in Social Science and one in Education, and two master’s degrees. One master degree in Defence Studies and one in War Studies. Fully bilingual, she has extensive experience in policy analysis and program development.

In her military career, Telah deployed on four overseas missions, serving in Croatia, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. As the spouse of a service member (now also retired) and the mother of four children – three currently serving in the CAF – she is deeply connected to military family life.

In her recent roles in the Canadian Armed Forces as Director of Military Family Services and Deputy Director of Casualty Administration and Transition Services, Telah advised senior executives on complex, sensitive issues, including healthcare, childcare, and military housing. She was instrumental in developing initiatives like the Comprehensive Military Family Plan and the Seamless Canada interprovincial meetings on family mobility issues, transforming the Joint Personal Support Unit into the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group and enhancing support for transitioning members.

A pioneer for women in the military, Telah was in the early years of women at military colleges, the first woman to serve in a light infantry battalion and teach at the infantry school. She actively advocated for women’s issues and family support throughout her career, promoting changes that enhanced inclusionin the CAF. In 2011, she was inducted as an officer into the Order of Military Merit.

Since retiring, she has continued her advocacy as a member of the VAC Minister’s Advisory Council on Families and a member of the Board of Directors for the Atlas Institute. Known for her empathetic, inclusive, and collaborative leadership style, Telah is dedicated to improving access to VAC benefits for women Veterans through evidence-based research and analysis.
Lieutenant (Navy) (Retired) Wenshuang “Wen” Nie, Canadian Armed Forces

Alberta

Dr. Wenshuang “Wen” Nie is a distinguished military physician and officer with a diverse career in the CAF. She began her service at the age of 17 as a diesel technician and later transitioned to a military family doctor, dedicating 15 years to various national and international assignments. Notable roles include serving as the Task Force Surgeon for NATO Operation Reassurance in Eastern Europe and as a military physician advisor for a Board of Inquiry investigating a soldier’s training death.

Since moving to Calgary in 2020, Wen has continued her commitment to service as a board member for the Brenda Strafford Society, supporting women escaping domestic violence. She also serves as a health policy consultant for the Department of National Defence, focusing on initiatives for women and diversity within the CAF. As a BIPOC woman with extensive experience across all branches of the CAF, she brings a unique perspective to her work. A survivor of PTSD and a client of Veterans Affairs Canada, she is currently recovering with the support of her local OSI clinic. In addition to her work in family medicine, Dr. Nie has a Master’s Degree in Precision Medicine and is preparing to compete for Team Canada at the 2025 Invictus Games.
Corporal Ellen Peters, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Prince Edward Island

Ellen is a dedicated serving member of the RCMP with over 18 years of service. At 41 years old, she is a committed officer and a family woman, married with three busy children. Coming from a family of RCMP officers – her father served for 35 years, and her brother is still active – she carries a deep sense of duty and tradition. Currently posted in Prince Edward Island, Ellen serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Recruiting Unit, and is currently seconded to the National Recruiting Modernization and Transformation team.

With a strong interest in fostering positive change for women within law enforcement, Ellen was drawn to the Women Veterans Council. She believes that the council can be a powerful advocate for addressing systemic barriers and discrimination in the workplace, and she is eager to contribute her insights from her experiences in the Recruiting Unit.

Throughout her career, Ellen has faced both physical and mental challenges but has emerged resilient. She values the programs and services provided by Veterans Affairs Canada, which have played a crucial role in her personal growth and ability to maintain her operational status. Passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse environment, she aims to help build a better future for women Veterans and serving members. Ellen is excited about the opportunity to lend her voice to the Council, advocating for meaningful and timely changes that enhance the well-being of all women in the organization.
Captain (Retired) Lindsay Shields, CD, Canadian Armed Forces

Ontario

As a mother, Veteran, and military spouse, Lindsay has a rich background shaped by personal and professional experiences. Hailing from the Ottawa Valley, she holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Master’s in Physical Therapy, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sexual Health. A passionate advocate for women’s health, particularly within the military community, she has presented on the topic to various audiences, including at the Women in Sport Symposium at Garrison Petawawa.

Her military career began with two years as a reserve non-commissioned member in 1 Air Defence Regiment, transitioning to a Regular Force Army Intelligence Officer with postings that included deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. After 15 years of service, she was medically released due to service-related injuries. Now working as a pelvic health physiotherapist in Petawawa, she continues to advocate for Veterans and military members, emphasizing a holistic and evidence-informed approach to care. Committed to empowering women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, Lindsay seeks to influence healthcare reform and support female Veterans by leveraging her unique experiences and perspectives.
Constable (Retired) Vivienne Stewart, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

British Columbia

Vivienne served as a regular member of the RCMP from 1977 to 1984. After her service, she pursued a legal career, practicing law in British Columbia from 1991 until her retirement in 2022. As a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, she has been married to her long-time partner since 2005, shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in BC.

Since 2013, Vivienne has been actively involved with the RCMP Veterans Association Veteran Women’s Council, where she has advocated for the rights and recognition of RCMP Veterans, particularly women. Her advocacy efforts include contributing alongside council members to a paper titled “A Crisis in Leadership” to the House Committee on the Status of Women in 2014, which addressed critical issues of harassment and bullying within the RCMP. More recently, she has focused on the implications of the Merlo Davidson lawsuit, contributing to discussions on claims assessment processes and VAC clawbacks.

In November 2023, she made a submission to the ACVA, offering recommendations aimed at improving the experiences of women Veterans. Vivienne is passionate about ensuring that women Veterans receive fair and just treatment in their applications and claims. With a deep commitment to these issues, Vivienne is optimistic that the newly formed Women Veterans Council will serve as an effective change agent for enhancing the lives of women Veterans across Canada.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Eleanor Taylor, Canadian Armed Forces

Nova Scotia

Eleanor is a dedicated advocate for women Veterans with 27 years of service in the CAF, including 25 years in the Regular Force and 2 years in the Army Reserve. Her deployments to Kosovo, Bosnia, and Afghanistan have provided her with firsthand insight into the integration of women into Combat Arms roles. She has been recognized with several awards, including Canada’s Top 100 Women Award, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Order of Military Merit.

In 2021, motivated by a desire for positive change following revelations of misconduct within the CAF, Eleanor chose to end her service in uniform. This decision acted as a turning point, directing her focus on advocacy. She sought to contribute to CAF culture change and became deeply engaged in the volunteer effort to evacuate Afghans who had supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, particularly through her role as a founding member of Aman Lara, a non-profit organization that has supported the evacuation of thousands of Afghans.

Currently, she is the Head of Community Engagement and Advocacy at the True Patriot Love Foundation, Canada’s National Foundation supporting Veterans, serving members and their families at every stage of their journey. Eleanor is deeply aware of the challenges faced by military families, especially those affected by illness and injury. Her extensive experience and collaborative skills position her as a valuable asset to the Women Veterans Council, where she hopes to contribute to meaningful change.