September 2024

News

Reducing Veteran Homelessness Across Canada

On 12 August 2024, Minister Sean Fraser and Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced a federal investment of more than $6.7 million to support two projects in Nova Scotia that will provide support to Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. These projects are part of the new Veteran Homelessness Program announced in April 2023.

Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada) and the Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd. in Windsor, N.S. were the first of many projects to be launched under the $79.1 million program. Addressing homelessness is an essential part of Canada’s Housing Plan and the National Housing Strategy.

The Veteran Homelessness Program provides much-needed research, housing supports and services to Canada’s Veterans. Veterans have served our country courageously and they deserve a safe, stable and affordable place to call home.

---

Programs and services – Peer Support groups

Indigenous Peer Support - Mamawi

The Algonquin term for “together”, Mamawi, inspired the name for the Indigenous Peer Support Group of the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program. Formed in 2022, this group serves Indigenous Veterans, still-serving members and their families who might be facing a mental health challenges. The group meets monthly and offer a place where Indigenous Veterans can come together to share their common experiences.

Led by two OSISS volunteers and supported by an OSISS peer support coordinator, the program helps Veterans as they navigate the challenges of living with an OSI from an Indigenous perspective. Part of the work includes creating a safe space for sharing with others who may have similar experiences and challenges, as well as connecting Veterans them with other helpful resources.

If you are an Indigenous Veteran, still-serving member, or a family member, please e-mail OSISS or call 1-800-883-6094 (toll free) to learn more about the Indigenous Support Group.

---

Informal peer support groups for Veterans affected by Military Sexual Trauma

If you have been impacted by military sexual trauma, consider registering by October 4 to connect with peers in an Informal Peer Support Group offered by the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) in partnership with VAC. Between October 14— to December 6, the program will include up to eight 90-minute group sessions offered in English or French, hosted by two trained peer supporters with experience in this area.

For more information or to register, please email the SMSRC or call 1-844-750-1648 anytime. You can also call their number 24/7 to receive immediate support if you have experienced sexual misconduct or military sexual trauma. Learn more about other support that may be available to you.

---

Sign up for October’s employment webinars

If you are looking to learn more about what employment opportunities are available to you after service, please register online today to join us for an employment webinar series. English sessions will be from (1100—1600 Eastern) on 21—24 October 2024. The French session will be (1030—1630 Eastern) on 25 October 2024.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Career Transition Services, the Education and Training Benefit, and the federal hiring process. You’ll also hear from a variety of organizations like Innovation Canada and Startup Canada to learn about what they do and how they can help you. Once the series is over, you can connect with employers interested in hiring Veterans, follow up with your resume and set up interviews. Ask your burning questions and see what career options are open to you.

---

New Veteran research opportunities available

Five new opportunities are available through the Joint Federal Research Funding Program for Military Personnel and Veterans.

This research funding program aims to enhance the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans, and their families by supporting Canadian research focused on supporting them. It is a partnership between VAC, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), the Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) and the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). These projects include:

• AI-enabled Transfusion Algorithm for Personalized Trauma Care
• Feasibility Study on Health Outcomes for Women and Diverse Members in the Canadian Armed Forces
• Systematic Review Exploring the Possible Effects of Military Occupational Exposures on Reproductive Health

You are welcome to share this opportunity with your research colleagues. Please contact the VAC Research office if you have any questions.

---

PTSD Coach Canada for your mental health

Some days can be more challenging than others. But support is available, no matter your situation.

You can use the PTSD Coach Canada mobile app for yourself or to assist someone else in managing symptoms that can happen after trauma. You can learn more about PTSD and treatments that may work for you. PTSD Coach Canada provides resources you can trust and can support your discussions with a mental health professional. The app also offers a tool for creating a suicide safety plan.

Download the latest version on Android or iOS platforms. If you don’t have a smartphone, no problem; you can find the educational content of PTSD Coach Canada on the VAC website.

As always, if you need immediate assistance, please contact us for psychological support. The VAC Assistance Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is for Veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers and is provided at no cost. You do not need to be a client of VAC to receive services (Toll-free: 1-800-268-7708 / TDD/TTY: 1-800-567-5803).

---

Spotlight on women Veterans

Sergeant (Retired) Wendy Jocko

Wendy Jocko always knew she wanted to join the military. Born in Pembroke Ontario, she comes from a long line of Indigenous warriors who fought to defend Canada and restore peace.

After serving 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Wendy is now Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

She led them through the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to work on negotiating a treaty and self-government for her people with the governments of Canada and Ontario.

Read Wendy’s story.

---

---

Veterans' stories

Marty Boudreau (Invictus Games)

For years after his release from the Canadian military Marty Boudreau’s mental health kept him—literally and figuratively—stuck in the basement.

“It was my trap. I took a nasty dive,” the 34-year Navy Veteran says.

Boudreau was drinking, suffering from anxiety and depression and felt unable to cope with everyday things like crowds in grocery stores.

But these days, with lots of therapy, sobriety, a supportive spouse, and sunrise beach walks with his dog—he is back on the ground floor with the sun streaming in. He goes back to his basement now for workouts in his home gym and on his rowing machine as he prepares to be a member of Team Canada at the Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler in February 2025.

Read Marty’s story.

---

Commemoration

The Veterans’ Week poster is now available

Earlier this month, we unveiled this year’s Veterans’ Week poster at 12 Wing Shearwater in Dartmouth.

The 2024 poster depicts crew members in a Canadian Cyclone helicopter flying above the HMCS Montreal as it sails in the Mediterranean Sea as part of an operation supporting NATO Allies. It shows different generations of brave Canadians who have served in uniform, defending peace and freedom, on missions around the world.

Whether a decade ago or more than 100 years ago, whether it was in Canada or overseas, Canadians recognize the service and sacrifices of Veterans and service members across different missions.

View the reaction of HMCS Montréal’s crew to the unveiling of this year’s poster.

---

Learning materials for educators

To begin conversations between students and teachers during Veterans’ Week, Veterans Affairs Canada offers a variety of free learning resources. Check out one of this year’s new lesson plans, which shows how chocolate raised the spirits of soldiers and children during wartime.

---

Funding for community cenotaphs and war memorials

Organizations planning work on a community war memorial should apply for funding through the Commemorative Partnership Program. The application deadline for funding up to $25,000 is 1 December 2024 for projects carried out between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Cenotaphs and war memorials stand as silent tributes to Canadian soldiers and Veterans. They are a place where communities can come together to honour those who served and sacrificed for our country.

Please review the guidelines and apply through the online portal.

We honour those who have served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. Help us keep the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.

---

A lifeline in the war effort: Merchant Navy Day September 3

Canada’s Merchant Navy played a vital role in supporting the Allied war effort at sea. They helped transport troops and supplies that were needed overseas, like equipment, clothing, ammunition, weapons, fuel and food.

Many who served in the Merchant Navy during the war years did so in the Battle of the Atlantic. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean was far from easy.

Severe winter storms caused life-threatening conditions and our ships were often targets of German attack. The enemy tried to interrupt transportation routes across the Atlantic, while the Allies needed to keep vital supplies flowing from North America to Europe.

The ships of the Merchant Navy were prime targets for attack, yet they kept sailing. To help fight the enemy threat, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force escorted merchant ships which sailed in groups called convoys. With their courage, our merchant sailors contributed greatly to the Allied victory.

Learn more about the Merchant Navy and the Battle of the Atlantic.

---

Family matters on Military Family Appreciation Day

In recognition of Military Family Appreciation Day, we posted about Elaine Molyneaux and her daughter, Army Cpl. Meagan Gallant, from Kelly’s Cross, PEI, whose story shows the sacrifices and support of military families.

Meagan and her husband are military members, now posted to Alberta, and Elaine has supported Meagan since the beginning of her military career. From caring for her young grandson to offering a shoulder to lean on, Elaine is dedicated to helping the couple balance military service and family life. Deployments and separation from family are stressful. Elaine’s commitment to her daughter’s young family helps ensure Meagan can serve her country knowing they are in good hands until they can be together again.

Learn more about the services Veterans Affairs Canada offers to support military family members.

---

Commemoration calendar

September

September 2: Canadian Forces participate in the search and recovery mission of the Swissair Flight 111 crash (1998)

September 2: Operation Medusa began in Afghanistan (2006)

September 3: Merchant Navy Veterans Day

September 3: Canadian and Allied troops land on mainland Italy (1943)

September 15: Canadians begin the Battle of Courcelette during the Somme Offensive (1916)

September 15: Battle of Britain Sunday

September 15-16: Canadian peacekeepers saw heavy action in the Medak Pocket, Croatia (1993)

September 19-20: Newfoundland Regiment lands in Gallipoli (1915)

September 26: Beginning of Canadian participation in the UN Mission in the Congo (1999)

October

October 1: Battle of the Ancre Heights began, the Canadians were tasked with taking Regina Trench (1916)

October 2: Battle of the Scheldt began to secure the approaches to Antwerp (1944)

October 2: HMCS Iroquois was hit by shore-based enemy fire during the Korean War, killing 3 Canadian sailors (1952)

October 3: First Canadian contingent sailed for Britain to serve in the First World War (1914)

October 7: Canada begins Operation Apollo as part of the International Campaign against Terrorism (2001)

October 13: “Black Friday” for The Black Watch, the Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, which suffered high casualties during the Battle of the Scheldt (1944)

October 14: The ferry SS Caribou was sunk off the coast of Newfoundland after being torpedoed by U-69 (1942)

October 22-24: Royal Canadian Regiment saw heavy action during the Second Battle of Hill 355 (1952)

October 26: Canadian voyageurs arrived at Wadi Halfa and began work navigating up the Nile River in rowboats (1884)

October 26: Canadians launched the first of several attacks at Passchendaele (1917)

October 30: First Canadian contingent sailed from Québec City to serve in the South African War (1899)

---

Engagement

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, remember Veterans like Russ Moses

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. During this time, we think about the many Indigenous families and communities impacted by residential schools, including those people who served Canada despite the challenges they faced.

Many Indigenous Veterans, like Russ Moses, joined the military as a way to escape their childhood circumstances.

Despite service and sacrifice during and after the world wars, many Indigenous people continued to deal with systemic racism. When they returned to Canada, Indigenous Veterans did not receive the same benefits, honours, and respect as other Canadian Veterans. At VAC, we are committed to helping the Government of Canada’s reconciliation efforts by meeting with Indigenous partners to understand how best to improve support for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Veterans.

Outreach and partnership-building happens through the Indigenous Veterans Engagement Team at VAC. They look for opportunities to meet with Indigenous Veterans and partners across the country. If you would like to meet them, request a presentation on Veterans benefits and services or suggest ways for improvement, reach out by contacting us.

---

Called to serve: Veterans contribute to their communities through volunteering

The Veteran Volunteerism Initiative is a national program created by the True Patriot Love Foundation that partners with non-profit organizations to connect Veterans to volunteer opportunities in their areas.

“Every day, volunteers are needed across Canada to run activities, manage programs and execute the mission of tens of thousands of community organizations, big and small, in person or online peer support and food hubs, to disaster response and hospitals,” says Eleanor Taylor, Manager of Community Engagement and Advocacy for True Patriot Love.

Veterans have been connected to volunteer opportunities with community partners in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, as well as one national partner. True Patriot Love Foundation are also developing tools to help national volunteer organizations recruit more Veterans. True Patriot Love Foundation believes this initiative fills an important gap nation wide for non-profits, as well as the Veteran community.

True Patriot Love Foundation plans to develop a National Veteran Volunteerism Action Plan and framework to expand their efforts to connect Veterans to volunteer opportunities in their communities. Veterans Affairs Canada has supported this project through the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.

---

ANAVETS convention held in Quebec

Congratulations to Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) Dominion Command who have proudly led the way on remembrance, on their 56^th Biennial Convention which was held earlier this month in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

VAC officials joined delegates from across Canada for the event.

ANAVETS is the oldest continuously operating organization for military Veterans in Canada and ensures that the memory of those who served is never forgotten.

It’s difficult to know for certain when the organization began. While a charter was given in 1840 by Queen Victoria to create a unit in Montreal, many believe that units existed well before that time.

---

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook: VAC
• Facebook: Canada Remembers
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram
• LinkedIn