To all impacted by hurricane Fiona, we offer our thoughts and concern and hope that the situation improves quickly.
Veterans and their families can call us at 1-866-522-2122 to discuss how we can assist you, including access to the Veteran Emergency Fund.
Please take good care and stay safe.
In this edition
- In memoriam
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Programs and services
- Save the date: Career webinar
- Marking Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Veterans’ stories
- Women’s History Month: Sgt (Ret’d) Marjorie (Worby) Stetson
- Sgt. (Ret'd) Julianno Scaglione: Charting his own path
- Commemoration
- Women’s History Month and the anniversary of the Michelle Douglas case
- Canada and France protect Juno Beach
- Trail of the Caribou leads to Gallipoli
- Remembrance materials for the classroom
- Commemoration calendar
- Mental Health Awareness Week: October 2–9
- Learn about Mental Health First Aid
- Engagement
- Contribute to research on PTSD
- Understanding and improving mental health campaign, October 10–November 20
- Your input wanted: National Veterans Employment Strategy
- 2022 Canadian Veterans Health Survey
- Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund open for applications
In Memoriam:
Queen Elizabeth II
Last month, we mourned the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty marked Canada’s modern history. Over the course of 70 years and 23 Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast, and was there for major historical milestones.
In 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, and became the first female member of the Royal Family to actively serve in the military.
Upon becoming the Sovereign, she developed and maintained a meaningful relationship with the military. In Canada, this became a privileged relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as their Commander-in-Chief.
Her Majesty consistently worked to highlight the critical role of the CAF by visiting many ships and military bases across the country. She presided over military ceremonies, including inspection of troops, presentation of colours, laying wreaths at commemorative sites, military commemorations and meeting Veterans. On the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2007, Queen Elizabeth II re-dedicated the Vimy memorial in France. “Those who seek the foundations of Canada's distinction would do well to begin here at Vimy,” the Queen said in her speech.
Her Majesty’s service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
Programs and services
Save the date: Career webinar
Are you a transitioning military member or Veteran interested in a civilian career after your military service?
Join us from October 24 - 28 for a webinar series featuring approximately 50 organizations actively seeking to hire Veterans. You can register today or email hire-embauchez-veteran@veterans.gc.ca with any questions.
Later this fall, on November 16, we’ll host a webinar on employment opportunities for the federal public service. Stay tuned to our social media channels for details!
Marking Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the positive outcomes of hiring persons with disabilities in Canada, and to acknowledge their valuable contributions in the workplace.
Many Canadians and Veterans live with disabilities, and have much to contribute in a variety of workplaces. For example, Veteran Bruno Guevremont used his ability to adapt to change to cope with PTSD and carry his military skills into a successful career after service.
If you’re a Veteran thinking of re-entering the workforce after service, we have some programs that may help:
- The Education and Training Benefit provides financial support to go to college, university, technical school, or attend a short-term program.
- Career Transition Services provides career counselling, assistance with resume writing, and interview preparation to help you find a new career.
Veteran stories
Sergeant (Ret’d) Marjorie (Worby) Stetson
Canada’s military has been greatly shaped by the contributions of women – from the Nursing Sisters in the First World War to the first Canadian women to serve in combat roles during the Gulf War, to today.
They are a source of strength and inspiration to Canadians and Sergeant (Ret’d) Marjorie (Worby) Stetson is one such woman.
In 1942, at 18 years old, she enlisted with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC).
From her first days in the CWAC, Marjorie wanted to make a difference. “I was scrubbing floors that first day when I was asked if I would be interested in taking a course on telegraphy.” Marjorie promptly agreed, and the next morning she boarded a train for Kingston, Ontario, with a dozen other recruits.
What she didn’t know was the extent of her contribution to the Allied war effort and that she’d be sworn to secrecy in the process.
Do you have a story to share about experience in the Canadian Armed Forces? Tell us about it by email.
Sgt. (Ret’d) Julianno Scaglione, CD
Charting his own path
The son of two military parents, Julianno Scaglione wanted to join the Army even as a child. But more than that, his lifelong desire has been to serve his community and help other people. This desire guided him throughout his military career and to this day, in his life after service. Read his full story.
Commemoration
Celebrate Canada’s women in uniform
Women’s History Month and the anniversary of the Michelle Douglas case
This October is the 30th Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s outstanding achievements throughout Canadian history. It’s an opportunity to learn more about Women and War, to reflect on the contributions of women in uniform, and their lasting impact on Canadian society.
Women have overcome many barriers to serve their country, and their contributions are often overlooked.
Women Veterans like Michelle Douglas have helped shaped the Canada we know today. October 27 is the 30th anniversary of the Michelle Douglas civil rights case, which ended the discriminatory policy against gays and lesbians in the military. Her case ended a historical wrong, prompted the military and public service to tackle discrimination and led to the establishment of the LGBT Purge Fund. The LGBT Purge Fund continues to implement inclusive activities like those outlined in the Emerging from the Purge Report.
Our country continues to advance the rights and equality of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people, including those who serve, through efforts like Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.
Let’s continue to acknowledge the incredible contributions of women who have helped strengthen Canada, the Public Service, and the Canadian Forces. Visit VAC’s Women Veterans feature to learn more.
Canada and France protect Juno Beach
Juno Beach holds a special place in the hearts of many Canadians.
Canada and France have joined together to protect Juno Beach and the memory of Canadians who sacrificed their lives for freedom on D-Day.
On 6 June 1944, Canadians landed on Juno Beach as part of the D-Day invasion. The landings marked a turning point for Allied forces during the Second World War. Since then, the Juno Beach Centre and surrounding area has become a place of remembrance and emotion for Veterans, their families, Canadians and French citizens.
The Government of Canada will provide 3 million Euros, roughly $4 million Canadian, to help purchase the parcel of land adjacent to the Juno Beach Centre. This investment, along with other contributions, will secure the long-term protection of Juno Beach.
For Canada. For France. For everyone. Canada remembers.
Trail of the Caribou leads to Gallipoli
This September, Minister of Veterans Affairs Lawrence MacAulay with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, Speaker of the Senate George Furey, and members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment led a Canadian delegation to Türkiye to officially dedicate the Gallipoli Newfoundland Memorial—the final bronze caribou forming what is known as the “Trail of the Caribou.”
There are now six caribou monuments located overseas, stretching from Courtrai in Belgium to Gallipoli in Türkiye. Together, they mark some of the most important sites where Newfoundlanders fought and died during the First World War.
The Gallipoli Newfoundland Memorial was installed in 2021, and honours more than 1,000 members of the Newfoundland Regiment who landed in Gallipoli in September 1915. Roughly 40 members of the regiment died during the campaign.
Remembrance materials available for the classroom
Every year, Veterans’ Week learning materials land in classrooms from coast to coast to coast to help students learn about the importance of remembrance.
A number of materials are available, from the Take Time to Remember activity booklet, to the Tales of Animals in War which tells educational stories through the eyes of six Remembrance Clubhouse animal characters. Along with Canada Remembers Times and the Postcards for Peace, these materials help students of all ages learn about the bravery and sacrifice of countless Canadians.
Order your Veterans’ Week learning materials and access learning resources here.
Commemoration calendar
- October:
- Women’s History Month
- October 2:
- Beginning of the Battle of the Scheldt, 1944
- October 8:
- Canadian CF-18s deploy to Middle East for Gulf War, 1990
- October 11:
- Canadians liberate Cambrai, France, 1918
- October 27:
- Military advance party, including Canadians, arrive in Rwanda as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, 1993
- October 28:
- The Poppy Campaign begins, on the last Friday in October
- November 5–11:
- Veterans’ Week
- November 8:
- Indigenous Veterans Day
- November 8:
- End of the Battle of the Scheldt, 1944
- November 10:
- End of the Battle of Passchendaele, 1917
- November 11:
- Remembrance Day
- November 18:
- End of the Battle of the Somme, 1916
- Nov 24-25:
- Canadian peacekeepers first arrive in Egypt, 1956
Mental Health Awareness Week: October 2–9
Learn about Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid for the Veteran Community is a course that teaches how to recognize the signs that may show a person is experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis. It also teaches how to encourage that person to talk about it, reach out to supports with recovery, and how to assist in a crisis and maintain mental well-being.
Created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in partnership with Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), the course is tailored to the needs of Veterans and the people who care for, and about, them. Participants, particularly military spouses, have lived similar experience and can relate.
“Artists understand artists, nurses understand nurses. You don't have to go into detail to understand the way someone is feeling. The same goes for Veterans and their networks,” explains Kerri Tadeu, a nurse and volunteer with Highway of Heroes. She has experienced firsthand the impact that Mental Health First Aid can have for the Veteran community. Since 2016, over 3,700 people have taken the training.
The course defines mental health first aid as “help given to individuals experiencing mental health problems or who are in a mental health crisis.” Like physical first aid, the goal is to provide help until appropriate support is found or until the crisis is resolved.
The Mental Health First Aid for the Veteran Community training is judgment-free.
“It takes a community to support our service members. Just because you haven't served personally, doesn't mean you cannot offer support. When you know better, you do better,” says Tadeu.
If you’d like to learn Mental Health First Aid, visit the MHCC website.
VAC has more mental health resources at our Mental health and wellness page.
Engagement
You can contribute to research on Canadian Veterans with PTSD
Researchers from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and Sinai Health are looking for former CAF and RCMP members living with PTSD to participate in an online research study. The research will examine the effectiveness of a form of breathing-based meditation that may help with symptoms of PTSD.
Please consider participating if you are:
- a Veterans of the CAF and/or RCMP
- 18 years of age or older
- bothered by a past trauma, and
- able to participate in a six-week meditation program, delivered through video calls, and attend follow-up sessions.
Results will be used to further research and support future programming and treatment for Veterans across the country.
For more information, visit the study website, call 647-804-6121, or email SKY.PTSD@sinaihealth.ca.
Understanding and improving mental health
We all know that feeling. Something isn’t quite right. We are stressed and tired, anxious or depressed. We know we need to make a change but don’t know exactly what—or how.
To remain balanced, focused and productive, we need to take care of our mental health like we take care of our physical health. To do so, we need the right tools and information from people we can trust.
This fall, LifeSpeak’s Understanding and Improving Mental Health campaign runs from October 10 to November 20. Experts can help you understand mental illness, navigate the mental health care system as a racialized person, find the right therapist, cultivate emotional intelligence, and much more.
Log in to LifeSpeak from any computer or mobile device (use Access ID: canada).
If you need support now, please reach out to the VAC Assistance Service by calling 1‑800‑268‑7708 or use the chat service. Those with hearing limitations can contact TTY at 1‑800‑567‑5803. The VAC Assistance Service is available by telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year anywhere in Canada.
We need your input
National Veterans Employment Strategy
During military service, Veterans develop unique skills from first class training and experience. The National Veteran Employment Strategy will lay out a plan to help Veterans leverage those skills and connect more Canadian Veterans with Canadian jobs. To develop the strategy, we want to hear from you.
We’ve launched a consultation on Let’s Talk Veterans so you can let us know your employment preferences, what supports you need and what should be included in the strategy. The questionnaire has fewer than twenty questions and it’s completely anonymous.
Visit LetsTalkVeterans.ca to fill it out now.
Anyone with an interest in Veteran employment is also welcome to reach out with their ideas for the strategy by emailing hire-embauchez-veteran@veterans.gc.ca.
2022 Canadian Veterans Health Survey
You can help create a clearer picture of Canadian Veterans through the new Canadian Veterans Health Survey.
From October to December 2022, Statistics Canada will send the survey to a sample of Veterans who reported on the 2021 Census that they served in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will measure the general health, chronic conditions, labour force participation and many other well-being indicators for Veterans. This survey will replace the Life After Service Survey (LASS).
The Canadian Veteran Health Survey will provide insight into the changing trends of Veterans over time. The main objective is to examine and understand:
- health outcomes in Canadian Veterans after transition to civilian life
- how these outcomes compare between Veterans and other Canadians, and
- how health outcomes change over time.
Statistics Canada will conduct the survey on behalf of VAC with a sample of more than 3,000 Veterans.
For more information, please visit the Canadian Veteran Health Survey.
The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is open for applications
Does your organization support the well-being of Veterans and their families?
Apply for the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. Funding is available to organizations from the private, public or academic sectors doing research and implementing projects and initiatives in support of the well-being of Veterans and their families. Applications will be accepted from 11 October until 14 November 2022.
Not sure if you qualify? Check out our funding guidelines.
Interested in applying? Find the application here.
Do you know other Veterans, family members or others who would benefit from the information in this newsletter? Feel free to share it with them.