Almost 90% of CAF members seek civilian employment after they release from the military.
To help make that career search and the transition to civilian life a little easier, the Government of Canada introduced the Veterans Hiring Act. This legislation introduced entitlements to improve access to public service jobs for members and Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Do I qualify?
To qualify for these entitlements you must have at least 3 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular, Reserves, COATS or Rangers) and be currently serving or honourably released.
Understanding your entitlements
Preference
As a Veteran, you have preference for externally advertised federal public service jobs (job postings open to the general public). If you qualify for the position, this means that you can be appointed before any other equally qualified candidate.
Mobility
As a serving CAF member with at least 3 years of service after your honourable release, you can apply on internally advertised federal public service jobs (jobs which are open only to current Federal public service employees).
Statutory priority
Available to Veterans whose medical release was due to a service-related injury or illness.
Regulatory priority
Available to Veterans whose medical release was not due to a service-related injury or illness.
Please note: this priority is not available for Reserve Class A or Class B (< 180 days).
Do I qualify for statutory priority?
To qualify for statutory priority, Veterans Affairs Canada is required to review your medical release to determine if it was due to a service-related injury or illness. To request this determination, please fill out the medical release attributable to service determination form (VAC1002e).
- Apply through My VAC Account
- Download the form
- Contact us to have it mailed to you.
- Visit one of our offices.
Need more information?
The Veterans in the Public Service Unit (VPSU) was created by Veterans Affairs Canada to help Veterans understand and succeed in the application process for public service jobs. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the VPSU by sending a message through My VAC Account or by calling the Department at 1-866-522-2122.