September 2023

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News

Support for Veteran mental health services in British Columbia

Leaders of five VFWF-funded organizations pose in front of Canadian flags with Minister Petitpas Taylor at a recent event in British Columbia.
Leaders of five Veteran and Family Well-being Fund recipient organizations with Minister Petitpas Taylor (centre) at a recent event in British Columbia.

If you or someone you know live in the greater Vancouver area and need mental health services, you have options.

Five organizations are receiving support for mental health and wellness projects for Veterans and their families, through VAC’s Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.

Moving Forward Family Services will receive support for their Veteran Wellness and Community Support Program. This project will offer counselling for Veterans dealing with mental health problems, feelings of isolation, and everyday challenges that come with integrating back to life after service. The project uses a model of over 200 supervised interns to support those who are otherwise unable to afford or qualify for counselling.

Legion Veterans Village will receive support to offer a new personalized therapy program for Veterans at their Centre of Excellence in PTSD and Mental Health. They will offering a variety of services, aimed at improving the effectiveness of different therapies used to treat brain fog and long COVID.

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia will receive support for their Crisis Care Continuum for Veterans project, which will provide suicide-prevention training to community members and organizations that work with Veterans. Veterans will also have access to 24/7 crisis services and community education.

The Veterans Transition Network will receive support for a project that will train Veterans to provide high-level peer support and counselling to support mental health, social integration and self-care for other Veterans.

Wounded Warriors Canada will receive support for their Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday project, which will provide Veterans suffering from PTSD with five-day counselling and group discussion led by a life-experience peer couple, and six months of life coaching.

The Veteran and Family Well-being Fund provides grants and contributions to conduct research and implement initiatives and projects that support the well-being of Veterans and their families. Between 2018 and 2023, the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund has awarded $42.6 million in funding to 77 organizations, for 123 initiatives.

We will feature stories about these organizations and the work they do in the months ahead. In the meantime, you can learn more about them by consulting the full list of recipients.

Honouring Indigenous soldiers in the Netherlands

In September, a group representing Canada’s Indigenous community visited the gravesites of 13 recently identified Indigenous soldiers in the Netherlands. The group included family members and representatives from 13 of the recently identified Indigenous soldiers, Elders and representatives from Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones.

This was an opportunity for those connected to the Indigenous soldiers to honour their ancestors and reconnect with their shared history. Veterans Affairs Canada recognized the importance of this project by supporting this group visit. In October’s Salute!, we will have more details about and photos from their visit.

 

Canadian competitors shine at 2023 Invictus Games

Congratulations to all of the Canadian competitors who took part in the 2023 Invictus Games held in Düsseldorf, Germany. Team Canada’s showing at the Games was nothing short of inspirational.

We are so proud of Team Canada’s courage and perseverance. Next month’s Salute! will have more details on the 2023 Games and a look ahead to the 2025 Invictus Games to be held in British Columbia.

 

Programs and services

“Kiev looks like Sarajevo”: Scott Casey offers tips for Veterans

Some Veterans may find that news about the war in Ukraine is hard to watch. A recent podcast from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families looks at the issues this event may trigger and offers help. Hosts Brian McKenna, a Veteran, and Laryssa Lamrock, whose spouse is a Veteran, speak with fellow Veteran Scott Casey about how distressing it can be to watch these events unfold. Each has a point of view to share in the episode called Kiev looks like Sarajevo, as they describe some of the struggles they and their families are dealing with as the conflict continues.

Scott Casey, who served in Sarajevo in 1992, is now the president of Military Minds Inc., a global organization dedicated to overcoming stigma associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. Scott shared his experiences as a peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia in his book, Ghostkeepers.

How is Scott coping? “Helping others relieves the helplessness that we felt when we were over there,” he says. One of his tips is to focus on something you enjoy.

“I have this glorious thing called a motorcycle.”

Another recommendation: don’t look at a screen before going to bed and try not to watch war videos online that might trigger your fear, flight, freeze response.

Free and confidential support from a mental health professional is available 24/7 for Veterans, former RCMP, their family members and caregivers. Call the VAC Assistance Service: 1-800-268-7708.

 

Engaging with the 2SLGBTQI+ community

Inclusive services at operational stress injury clinic

Staff of the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic take part in the 2023 Pride parade in Calgary
Staff of the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic take part in the 2023 Pride parade in Calgary.

Stormy Marshall says everyone is welcome at the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic in Calgary. The clinic’s senior manager, Stormy says that when he arrived there in December 2021, he was concerned about a lack of engagement with the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Supporting these and other marginalized Veterans and clients who have operational stress injuries has been an important part of his approach to ensuring services meet community needs.

The Carewest clinic is hoping to fill some of their staff vacancies with people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community. In November 2022, they hired a psychologist who brings experience from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and is a member and advocate of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The clinic is also reaching out to underrepresented Veterans and clients in the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. Caregivers, family, clients and Carewest staff can also attend information sessions to help them understand the challenges of operational stress injuries and learn about the types of assistance available.

Support for 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans
If you served in the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP and are also part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, support is available. For any service-related injury that you have not applied for, or which may offer benefits you were unaware of, please contact Veterans Affairs Canada toll-free at 1-800-487-7797 for more information. For immediate psychological support, you can call the VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708.

 

Learn about VAC Assistance Service’s Pastoral Outreach Program

You and your family can get spiritual support when you need to through VAC’s Pastoral Outreach Program.

If you are dealing with things like end-of-life issues, the death of a Veteran, a burial in the National Cemetery, or bereavement, we can connect you with spiritual support. The Pastoral Outreach Program offers up to eight hours of free pastoral support per issue.

Many of the clergy who do pastoral outreach are retired Canadian Forces Padres or Royal Canadian Legion Chaplains. They are familiar with the military way of life and the challenges you may face as you transition to post-service life or deal with the loss of a loved one.

Services are offered in person, by phone or virtually. These services do not replace the ministry of civilian clergy when you are a member of a civilian parish. However, you can receive prompt response when pastoral emergencies occur and you don’t have access to your local clergy.

To access the Pastoral Outreach Program for spiritual support, or the VAC Assistance Service for psychological support, call toll free 1-800-268-7708 or TTY 1-800-567-5803. The VAC Assistance Service is available by telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year anywhere in Canada.

You can also use the Employee Assistance Program’s (EAP) live chat service to set up an appointment for psychological support, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7:30 pm ET, except statutory holidays. To access the chat, select “I am an employee or current or former RCMP / CAF member.” In the organization field, choose “Veterans Affairs Canada—former RCMP and CAF members” and enter password: canada.

 

Legacy Place Society: a safe place for Veterans

It can be challenging for Veterans and first responders to adjust to life after service, especially if they had traumatic experiences on the job. For Veterans and their family members, communicating, changing daily routines and coping can be difficult.

Legacy Place Society has been a welcome and confidential bridge between Veterans and first responders, their places of work and their families for more than 20 years. The society provides a place to stay during times of family or medical crisis, and a host of other services that include counselling, peer support and workshops on how to deal with life’s challenges.

It’s been called a "home away from home” for Alberta Veterans.

In 2020, Legacy Place Society worked with the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research to find out why Veterans and their families needed to use their transitional housing. Their project was funded through VAC’s Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.

The organizations did anonymous interviews and focus groups with 47 clients in Calgary to find the key risk factors contributing to homelessness or housing instability. They asked interviewees if they identified as Veterans, Indigenous, and male/female. Then they analyzed the housing services available and possible reasons why they were, or were not, being used.

Their research found that family breakdowns, mental health issues, substance use, fear of being judged and lack of resources all play a role in homelessness and housing instability. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding homelessness among Canadian military personnel and Veterans.

Since they opened their doors in 2001, Legacy Place Society has provided over 38,000 nightly stays for Veterans and first responders at their locations in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.

VAC is proud to have supported Legacy Place Society through the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund. To learn more about the Fund, visit our web page.

If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness, visit VAC’s website for help related to at-risk housing situations. VAC also provides services to families and caregivers who support our Veterans.

 

Veteran’s story: Michel Gagné

Finding his calling

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michel Gagne is pictured, smiling and wearing a Poppy.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michel Gagné.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michel Gagné literally found his calling while driving one day. Alone in his car, he asked “What’s next for me?” The answer made him pull over.

Michel Gagné was born into a military family. His paternal grandfather had served in the Van Doos, the Royal 22nd Regiment, during the Second World War, and his father had been a navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Cold War. It was almost natural that Michel would want to serve, as well.

Read his full story.

 

Do you have a story to share about experience in the Canadian Armed Forces? Tell us about it by email.

 

Commemoration

Returning to Korea 70 years later

A number of Canadian Korean War Veterans returned to the Republic of Korea in July to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement as part of the Revisit Korea program. They were accompanied by a Government of Canada delegation led by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, then Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

While in South Korea, the delegation took part in events to mark the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, and honour the service and sacrifice of all those who defended peace and freedom during the Korean War.

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, when North Korean troops invaded South Korea. United Nations forces soon joined the fighting, which would rage until an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953. More than 26,000 Canadians served on land, at sea and in the air during this bitter conflict. Sadly, 516 Canadians died during this important chapter in Canada's military history.

Learn more about Canada’s role in the Korean War and the stories of Veterans who served there, like Arthur Lortie.

Check out some photos from the delegation’s time in Korea below:

  • Wreaths laid at a monument in the Canadian Korean War Memorial Garden, with flags flying and a banner recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
  • Canadian Veteran Arthur Lortie poses onstage with other recipients after he receives the Ambassador for Peace Medal in South Korea.
  • The Monument to the Canadian Fallen is seen in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, surrounded by wreaths.
  • A portion of the Wall of Remembrance at the War Memorial of Korea, that honours Canadians. Inscribed on the wall are many names of Canadians who fought there during the Korean War.
 

Commemorating 25 years since the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy

Ceremonies were held in Nova Scotia in early September to mark the 25th anniversary of the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy. Current and former CAF and RCMP members, Coast Guard personnel, first responders, volunteers and some family members of the victims joined Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Ginette Petitpas Taylor to honour the memory of the passengers and crew of Flight 111 and recognize those who helped deal with the tragedy.

On the evening of 2 September 1998, Swissair Flight 111 took off from New York bound for Geneva at 8:17 pm (ADT). About 75 minutes later, after diverting towards the Halifax International Airport, the plane plummeted into St. Margaret’s Bay, near Peggy’s Cove.

Shortly after, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax launched Operation Persistence. This massive effort included more than 2,400 CAF personnel and 450 RCMP members (Operation Homage) as well as hundreds of Canadian Coast Guard personnel. They helped local authorities with search efforts, debris and victim recovery, and the identification of those lost.

Operation Persistence remains the largest domestic military operation in Canadian history.

Learn more about Canada’s role in Operation Persistence and the stories of Veterans who served.

Here are some photos from the ceremonies in Nova Scotia:

  • Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is pictured at a candlelight vigil at the Swissair Flight 111 memorial at Bayswater, Nova Scotia.
  • A uniformed brass band performs a candlelight vigil at the Swissair Flight 111 memorial at Bayswater, Nova Scotia.
  • Above, Minister Petitpas Taylor speaks with some of the Veterans who attended an emotional ceremony at the Swissair Flight 111 memorial at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia.
  • Two people are pictured placing flowers at the foot of the Swissair Flight 111 memorial at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia.
 

New remembrance learning resources available

An image showing the interactive poster available to Canadian teachers and students this year. The poster has a number of images on it, depicting Canadian peacekeepers and the work they do.
2023 Veterans’ Week Poster.

Do you know an educator interested in engaging youth in remembrance? Or maybe you’re looking for a weekend activity for your child. Veterans Affairs Canada has a wide array of free learning resources available.

Our popular Veterans’ Week learning materials are now accessible online. This year, students can also learn about the important contributions of Canadian peacekeepers through our interactive poster or by making peace cranes and doves in our featured activity. Young students can also help choose a name for the newest member of the Remembrance Club—a sheep from the Vimy Memorial in France.

Check out the links above to explore related videos, web polls, teachers’ guides, and more.

 

Preserving the legacy of the fallen

Over 110,000 repairs made to Veteran grave markers

Nick Hébert, Canadian Veteran, is pictured in full uniform during his service. Nick is now a member of VAC’s cemetery and grave marker maintenance team.
Nick Hébert, Canadian Veteran and member of VAC’s cemetery and grave marker maintenance team.

One of the ways we preserve the legacy of the brave Canadians who served our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice is by maintaining their gravesites at home and abroad. These repairs are meaningful and can be a labour of love for those who carry out the work.

Veterans Affairs Canada’s Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance team go row by row to inspect grave markers, ensuring that they are up to standard.

The state of each grave marker symbolizes Canada’s pride and respect for the sacrifice of those buried there. Some of the team are even Veterans themselves, like Nick Hébert, a retired Technician with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Veterans Affairs Canada maintains approximately 250,000 graves of eligible Canadian Veterans in more than 7,800 cemeteries.

Row upon row of headstones at the graves of Canadian Veterans.

In the 2018 budget, the Government of Canada invested $24.4 million over five years to address urgently needed repairs to more than 54,000 Veteran grave markers.

This project was an overwhelming success with 98.5 percent of repairs complete as of 31 March 2023. Across the country, more than 60,000 additional repairs were completed.

Learn more about the Grave Marker Maintenance program and the Cemetary and Grave Marker Maintenance team at Veterans Affairs Canada.

 

Remembering Canadian Armed Forces in Haiti

A Canadian Armed Forces medic poses with three children at a Haitian orphanage in April 1996.
A Canadian Armed Forces medic with children at a Haitian orphanage in April 1996. (Department of National Defence)

This month, we salute the efforts of Canadian peacekeepers in Haiti.

In the mid-1990s, the mid-2000s and again in 2010, Canadian Armed forces members took part in major peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions in Haiti.

They used their unique set of skills to try to help a country battered by many years of strife and upheaval. They maintained security, built schools, delivered aid, provided medical care and trained local authorities. With time, Canadian peacekeepers earned a reputation on the ground as protectors and friends.

Read the stories of Dominique Geoffrey and Jacques LaPlante who were there.

 

Commemoration calendar

September 2:
25th anniversary of the crash of Swissair Flight 111 and the search and recovery mission, 1998
September 2:
Operation Medusa began in Afghanistan, 2006
September 3:
Merchant Navy Veterans Day
September 3:
Canadian and other Allied troops came ashore in mainland Italy, 1943
September 15:
Canadians attacked at Courcelette during the Battle of the Somme, 1916
September 15-16:
Canadian peacekeepers saw heavy action in the Medak Pocket of Croatia, 1993
September 17:
Battle of Britain Sunday, 1940
September: 19-20
Newfoundland Regiment soldiers landed in Gallipoli during the First World War, 1915
September: 29
35th anniversary of announcement that the Nobel Peace Prize would be awarded to UN peacekeeping forces, 1988
 

Engagement

Servicewomen Aspire and Inspire October 12-14 in Ottawa

Veterans Affairs Canada’s Women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans Team is excited to attend the Servicewomen’s Salute Aspire & Inspire event happening 12-14 October 2023 in Ottawa. This three-day event is bringing together the community of servicewomen, women Veterans and supporters to learn and honour each other.

Since 2019, the Women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans Team has been dedicated to addressing women Veterans' priorities and has worked with Veterans, key stakeholders, subject matter experts and other government departments to help identify and address systemic issues specific to sex, gender identity and gender expression of underserved groups within the Veteran population.

Please register and join us at this event.

 

Looking for French-speaking people who experienced military sexual trauma

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is looking for people who speak French and who, as members of the Defence Team, have experienced military sexual trauma. French-speaking current or former members are invited to consider taking part in the formal military sexual trauma peer support group. While the English-speaking sessions have been underway since mid-June, there are still openings for French-speaking participants.

You would first take part in an intake meeting. If you find that the program is a fit, you would attend and evaluate six peer-support group sessions which take place online. Your feedback on the sessions will improve the registration processes, delivery format, group format, educational material related to psychology, and the overall experience. Learn more about the sessions and what can be expected.

If you would like to take part, you can reach out to the peer support program at by email before 22 September 2023. Your valuable assistance and collaboration in developing a tailored peer support program for military sexual trauma is most welcome and appreciated.

If you have experienced military sexual trauma during service and require immediate support and assistance please call SMSRC’s 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648.

 

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.

 

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