Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative

We will evaluate employers as Veteran Ready through three main categories:

1. Leadership and Commitment
2. Recruiting and Hiring Veterans
3. Support Veterans as Employees

Joining the Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative is simple.

• Review the Terms and Conditions to understand your commitment.
• Reflect on what your organization is already doing to support Veteran – every effort matters.
• Submit your application and confirm your information.
• If approved, your company will receive a recognition toolkit, including a digital badge to proudly showcase your commitment to Veteran employment. This toolkit will be sent to the primary point of contact on the application, and it is their responsibility to shared broadly within the company.

Ready to stand out as a Veteran Ready employer?

Apply now and help build a stronger employment ecosystem for Canada’s Veterans. Once your online application is received by VAC, a decision will be made in approximately 10 to 15 business days. We will notify you of the outcome by email.

It may take up to 5-10 business days for the list of recognized employers to be officially published and updated on our website.

You can contact the Veterans Employment Unit at VAC by email at employerrecognition-reconnaissanceemployeur@veterans.gc.ca

• Service after Service: The National Veterans Employment Strategy | Veterans Affairs Canada
• Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC)
• Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS)
• Join the Hire A Veteran LinkedIn group to directly connect with Veterans and post job opportunities
• Employment and Social Development Canada’s Job Bank for Veterans

A. The information provided to VAC is protected by the Privacy Act. We will only collect the information needed to administer the Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative.

Information is collected and used to:

• Process applications;
• Determine status as a Veteran Ready in the Veteran Employer vices and initiatives your company conducts;
• Communicate with your company about events hosted by VAC;
• Inform your company about other available resources.

A. Employer information such as the organizations:

• name,
• phone number
• website
• employer’s recognition status

may be shared with VAC’s core partners:

• Canadian Armed Forces (CAF),
• Chief of Reserves and Employment Support,
• Canadian Forces Moral and Welfare Services (CFMWS)
• Base Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC).

This helps them share their programs or initiatives and get in contact with you for questions concerning Veteran employment programs.

If at any time individuals are concerned about VAC’s handling of their personal information, they have a right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

A. The application includes general organization information and questions related to Veteran hiring activity. VAC may request additional information to confirm your Veteran employment activities; we encourage you to have supporting documentation ready for the application.

Examples of supporting documentation may include:

• Links or examples of your HR policies or recruitment systems.
• Examples of your support the Veteran community through at least one annual activity.
• A copy or examples of your Veteran Hiring Strategy.
• Mentoring or training module examples.
• Examples of the process for onboarding Veterans.

A. No. Veterans do not need to provide any extra information beyond what is usually shared when applying for a job. Veterans are encouraged to highlight any military experience and how it relates to the job they are applying for.

A. VAC does not oversee employment relationships or workplace practices of participating employers. An employer's participation in the Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative reflects their commitment to supporting Veteran employment and workplace inclusion. However, recognition under the initiative does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

If you have a negative experience with an employer, we encourage you to:

• Raise the issue directly with the employer and review the organization's workplace policies, complaint procedures, and available supports, such as Human Resources, Labour Relations, or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), where appropriate.
• Contact your union representative, if applicable.
• Seek advice from the appropriate provincial or territorial employment standards, human rights, or labour relations body, if applicable.
• Contact VAC if you have concerns about an employer's participation in the Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative.

Note: VAC is not responsible for how employers interact with Veterans, and any decisions or actions based on this information are at the user’s own risk.

A. Employers complete an online questionnaire to self-assess their company’s support for Veteran employment. The questionnaire is based on a Criteria Grid that outlines both scoring and mandatory requirements.

Each application is assessed based on criteria that determines whether an employer is recognized as Veteran Ready. The general criteria are:

• Demonstrates measurable support for Veterans in the workplace through policies, programs, accommodations, mentorship opportunities, or dedicated workplace initiatives.
• Recognizes and values military skills, experience, service and training in hiring and talent management practices.
• Demonstrates tangible actions to recruit, onboard, support, develop and retain Veterans.
• Demonstrates leadership in Veteran employment through public commitment, performance measure or public reporting.
• Has formal policies, programs, benefits, or supports in place that contribute to long-term Veteran career progression, and workplace success.

Veterans Affairs Canada reviews the application against the criteria to verify the status.

Company size is also considered, since the expectations and thresholds differ for small/medium and large organizations. For accountability, the process is repeated and validated every three years.