Women Veterans have made significant contributions to Canada through their service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). As more women choose to serve, the community of women Veterans continues to grow, bringing with it diverse experiences, insights, and achievements that have helped shape our country.
The Government of Canada continues to advance equity for women Veterans by seeking to better understand their lived experiences and the distinct impacts of service. Their perspectives help inform ongoing efforts across policies, programs, benefits, research, and decision-making.
I would like to thank the members of the Women Veterans Council for their 2024-25 Annual Report which outlines the work undertaken during the Council's inaugural year. Following their establishment in December 2024 , the Women Veterans' Council's first year has been an important period of learning, collaboration and dialogue.
I am grateful to Council members, past and present, for their leadership, dedication, and willingness to share their perspectives. The voices of women Veterans are essential to ensuring that their service is recognized and that programs, benefits and policies respond to their unique needs.
The Government of Canada remains committed to listening to women Veterans and working collaboratively with partners to advance meaningful and lasting progress for women Veterans across Canada.
The Honourable Jill McKnight, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence