Q1. Who is going to be on the Assessment Board?
A1. The Assessment Board (The Board) is comprised of women Veterans and still-serving members. This includes women from across Canada, including those identifying with equity-deserving communities.
The Assessment Board confirmed members:
- Senator Beverly Busson, RCMP Veteran
- Nicole Crevier, LGBT Purge Survivor
- Cpl. Jane Hall, RCMP Veteran
- Captain Navy (Ret’d) Sandra Jalonen
- Petty Officer Second Class Rachel McCarthy
- Senator Rebecca Patterson, CAF Veteran
- Martine Roy, CM
- Captain Navy (Ret’d) Andrea Siew
Q2. What is the responsibility of the Assessment Board?
A2. The Board will review all applications and recommend the members of the inaugural Women Veterans Council to the Minister.
Every women who has applied as long as they have service with the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be considered qualified to be a Board member.
With an incredible 215 application received , the Board has been established to ensure the selection is completed by women Veterans for women Veterans.
The assessment of applications is also to ensure balanced representation as outlined in the Terms of Reference.
The assessment process has two phases. During the initial screening phase, the Board will review and rank each application based on screening criteria of ten assessment questions.
After completing the initial screening phase, the Board will create a short list of candidates who will then be invited to participate in a virtual “meet and greet” session. During the “meet and greets” the Board will ask the applicants a series of screening questions that will be provided to applicants in advance. Applicants will also have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
The assessment process will take in account items such as:
- community involvement;
- experience supporting women Veterans;
- understanding of transition supports; and
- cultural awareness.
The Board will provide points to applicants based on these said areas, and based on the level of information provided by applicants.
It is important to note that this is not a merit-selection process, points are allocated to try to reach a short list of candidates for the purposes of establishing the first Council membership.
After the assessment process is complete, the Board will compile a final list of all applicants and provide recommendations to the Minister. These individuals will make up the inaugural Council.
Q3. Where will the Assessment Board meet with the applicants?
A3. The “meet and greet” sessions will occur virtually between candidates and members of the Board, in the language of the applicant’s choice.
Q4. How long will the process take?
A4. The goal is to have the Council established by the fall of 2024.
Q5. Is the Board going to eliminate candidates from consideration as a Council member?
A5. No. The Board’s role through the assessment of applications is not to eliminate anyone but rather to assess applicants and put forward recommendations for the inaugural membership of the Council. All applications will be kept on file for future opportunities to become a Council member and for other engagement opportunities with the Department.
Q6. What is the length of terms for Council members?
A6. There may be up to 12 members serving on the Council at a time. Council members will serve one-year terms with the option to extend to a maximum of three years. If members feel they are unable to continue in their role as Council member, they may elect to leave the Council at any point and remain eligible to return as a member in the future should seats become available (which will commence a new term option). Two alternatives will be designated to replace Council members who step down from their role on the Council.
Q7. How will successful Council members be notified?
A7. The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will contact those applicants and invite them to join the very first Women Veterans Council.