December 2024

News

VAC recognized for its research on Veteran health

At this year’s Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR)  Forum, two members of the VAC Research team received awards for their work in Veteran health research. 

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Funding available for research on women Veterans: Deadline January 14

A new opportunity is 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 these populations. This joint program is a partnership between Veterans Affairs Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada, the Canadian Forces Health Services and the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research.

We are currently seeking researchers for funding opportunities for:

“The review of the experiences and biopsychosocial impacts of the menopause transition (perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause) on women Veterans.”

Researchers are invited to apply for a new grant funding opportunity we are sponsoring to conduct a scoping review on the available peer-reviewed research and grey literature on the experiences and biopsychosocial impacts of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause on women Veterans’ health and well-being outcomes.

The due date for applications is 14 January 2025 at 11:59 PM (PST).

Visit our website for more information and to download the application forms.

E-mail us if you have questions.

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Engagement

Introducing Canada’s first Women Veterans Council

Every serving CAF and RCMP woman and woman Veteran has a story—and their stories and lived experiences help us understand how we can better support women Veterans for years to come. This month, Minister Petitpas Taylor announced the 12 members of Canada’s first Women Veterans Council.

The council, built by women for women, will make recommendations to the Minister, shaping Government of Canada programs and supports for women Veterans. The council was first announced at the 2024 Women Veterans Forum in Montreal. Learn more about the Women Veterans Council.

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Programs and services

Peer support services for those affected by military sexual trauma

Connect with others who have been affected by military sexual trauma with our Peer Support Program, which offers formal and informal peer support groups and engaging peer-support activities. Peer support groups provide a safe space to share experiences, build resilience with your peers and feel supported and less alone in your journey.

Groups are hosted virtually in English and French. They are available to you if you are at least 18 years of age and:

• a Canadian Armed Forces member.
• a Veteran.
• a Cadet or Junior Canadian Ranger; or
• a current or former employee of the Department of National Defense.

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), offers peer support groups in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada. To ensure everyone’s safety, everyone taking part will review the participation process with a peer-support staff member.

For more information or to join an upcoming group, please email the SMSRC or call the 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648. Visit the SMSRC website or follow them on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn to stay up to date on winter services and registration dates. If you have experienced sexual misconduct or MST, you can get immediate support by calling SMSRC’s 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648. You may also qualify for VAC benefits and services—visit our page on military sexual trauma to learn more.

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Resources for loved ones of Veterans impacted by military sexual trauma

When a loved one experiences military sexual trauma, you may find yourself on the front line of support. The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families offers a suite of resources designed to help family and friends navigate their own journey.

The following resources were created with input from Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma, family members, service providers, and other subject-matter experts:

• Primer for friends and family members – Understanding the small details of military sexual trauma can be helpful. It can impact your loved one, you and your family in different ways. It is important to recognize the level of support you are able to provide.
• Conversation guide – Practical ideas and tips to help you have a conversation about military sexual trauma. Learn how to discuss it in a way everyone can feel safe, supported and hopeful.
• Disclosure guide – It can sometimes feel challenging to tell others about military sexual trauma—even trusted loved ones. While there’s no pressure to tell others, and it is important to make sure there’s consent before doing so, knowing tips and strategies can help. This guide includes tips for talking with children and teens in an age-appropriate way.
• Self-care for family members – Family members can experience burnout or compassion fatigue. This guide can help you set boundaries. It may help you to think about activities or actions you can take to care for your own well-being. Atlas has also developed resources for Veterans impacted by military sexual trauma and their service providers. You may want to share these with loved ones.

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Attend the Atlas Institute’s Veteran Family Summit 2025

Join Veterans, Veteran families and the providers who serve them on January 23 and 24, 2025, for the Veteran Family Summit. This free, virtual event focuses on the needs and experiences of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veteran families.

The Veteran Family Summit provides families with access to knowledge, resources, and supports specific to their unique needs. This year’s summit includes conversations about moral injury, the impact of sleep on life and work, parenting with a post-traumatic stress injury, and much more.

Created with input from Veteran families and those who support them, this two-day event features speakers from across Canada. Register now to hear real-life stories of Veteran family members and get practical resources and information about mental health and well-being. Simultaneous French interpretation will be provided throughout the summit and two sessions will be offered in French. Visit the Atlas Institute’s website to learn more and register.

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Sign up for January’s virtual employment event

If you are a Veteran, releasing CAF member or reserve member looking to learn more about what jobs may be available to you after service, please register online to join us for our digital employment workshop from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT January 21-23, 2025.

You will learn about programs and services that you may qualify for, like Career Transition Services and the Education and Training Benefit. You’ll also hear from companies and organizations like Babcock International, Ibiska Telecom and Experis to learn about what they do and the job opportunities they currently offer.

This is your chance to access our employer database and talk with recruiters. Ask your burning questions and see what career options are open to you. Once registered, a schedule will be sent to you by email closer to the event.

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Money matters – Debt management

A 2022 survey showed that Veterans tend to carry higher levels of debt than other Canadians and are more likely to have a mortgage. While this is not surprising given frequent relocations during service, it highlights the importance of skills in managing debt over their life course.  

Many Canadians need to borrow money to do things like buy a house, get an education, buy a car or pay for home renovations. By itself, credit is neither good nor bad. However, higher consumer debt (e.g., credit cards, car loans etc.,) can pose challenges if not kept in check.

Did you know that the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has developed an online course to help individuals understand credit and debt management? Resources on financial management are also available through SISIP Financial, part of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS).  There is a free pre-recorded webinar session on mastering credit which discuss relevant credit and debt management topics.

Do you need more advice about your finances?

If you would like to speak with a certified financial counsellor about your particular financial situation, there are resources available in your community to help. For example, Credit Counselling Canada has developed information specifically for Veterans and their families. Getting help is free and confidential. If you would like to learn more, please visit their Veterans page.

Veterans who received a Disability Benefit in the past year may also be eligible for funding or reimbursement of fees they incurred to obtain financial advice.

VAC recognizes and supports the mental, physical, and financial well-being of Veterans; however, VAC does not provide financial advice. This content is being shared for information purposes only.

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Spotlight on women Veterans

Jocelyne Eastman

Indigenous. Woman. Veteran. These are all things Corporal (retired) Jocelyne Eastman has always been proud to embrace as her identity and in service to her country.

She knew Indigenous Veterans had historically been stripped of their identities during service, and she didn’t want that to happen to her. “All those important pieces that make an individual can sometimes be lost in service,” she said.

Eastman remembered her uncle’s story of his Navy service where he, like many others, was forced to choose between being his Indigenous or military identity. Eastman vowed to never make that choice. She embraced both paths and continues to help others do the same. Read Jocelyne’s story.

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Stronger together: Connecting with women Veterans post-service

Julie Bastarache says she joined the Forces for adventure and to help people. At first, she found the pace of work stressful, but quickly adapted thanks to her team. She has always enjoyed working as part of a team and finds peace in that comradery. After 24 years of service, she still values peer support—but for different reasons.

“We lived in a man’s world in the Canadian Forces,” she said.

Women currently represent 16.3% of the Canadian Armed Forces—still greatly outnumbered by their male counterparts. Despite a long history of service, women service members and Veterans continue to face inequities. As a Veteran, Julie visited the Pepper Pod, a retreat centre in Chelsea, Québec. The Pepper Pod provides a supportive community for women Veterans, soon-to-be Veterans and spouses of Veterans.

“Being with each other, as women, is what allows us to talk about what we went through when we were in the Forces, and to feel supported,” Julie says. She believes this peer support helps validate women Veterans’ experiences and is an important reminder that they were there and their service matters. Julie describes the Pepper Pod as one big family, adding “if I need to have a sister, I know they’re going to be there for me and I’m going to be there for them.”

Learn more about the Pepper Pod and their work through the Veteran Homelessness Program.

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Veterans’ stories

Clive Milner

In 1958, wooed by a recruitment poster depicting a pilot standing in front of a jet, a young farmer applied to the Royal Canadian Air Force. He passed the aircrew selection and waited.

Meanwhile, a recruiting sergeant encouraged him to join the army.

“Three weeks later, I got a card from the Air Force saying, come to pilot training. I took it to the company commander,” Clive Milner said. “He looked at it, looked at me, tore it in half, and said, ‘you're in the army now, son.’”

Read Clive’s full story.

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Commemoration

Nominate someone outstanding for the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

As the year comes to a close, take time to think about the outstanding work done by volunteers to support, recognize and remember Canada’s Veterans.

From organizing annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, to bringing Veterans to their medical appointments, volunteers provide crucial day to day acts of support and recognition.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their dedication to Veterans and the Veteran community? Nominate them for the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. The nomination deadline for the 2024 calendar year is 31 January 2025.

Please note: Nominations received after this date will be considered for the 2025 calendar year.

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Commemorating No. 2 Construction Battalion

To recognize the members of No. 2 Construction Battalion, their families, descendants and communities, funding is available through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program. Projects can include things such as developing a monument, installing a commemorative plaque, ceremonies of remembrance or educational materials.

The story of No. 2 Construction Battalion—the largest Black military unit in Canadian history—is one of determination and resilience.

During the First World War, while fighting for the right to serve, the segregated battalion performed non-combat support roles. Despite the discrimination that members of the Battalion experienced, their contribution to Canada’s war effort was unmistakable, but often overlooked.

Organizations can submit applications for funding now until 30 January 2025, for projects beginning on or after 1 April 2025. Funding is provided by the Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces to address one of the recommendations outlined by the National Apology Advisory Committee.

Learn about program guidelines and how to apply.

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A little bit of home for Christmas on the front lines

“Trusting you will have a good time at Christmas and that we shall soon see your dear old face.” — From Emily Adams’ letter to her son, Sergeant George Walter Adams of the 257th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, 26 December 1918.

During the First and Second World Wars, letters were one of the only ways for soldiers and their loved ones to communicate with each other.

For many soldiers, receiving a Christmas card during the holidays from a far-away loved one provided a brief but welcome moment of happiness. Discover more stories about Christmas on the frontlines.

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Rwandan genocide survivor Pascal Kanyemera looks back, and ahead

On a warm spring afternoon in April 1994, 16-year-old Pascal Kanyemera heard classical music drifting in the windows of his school in Western Rwanda.

“In Rwanda, if someone dies, they always played classical music,” he remembers.

When the music stopped, a voice on the loudspeakers announced that a plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana, a member of the Hutu majority, had been shot down while preparing to land in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. “I assumed everything would be OK—I didn’t know what was coming.”

Read Pascal’s story.

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Commemoration calendar

January

January 7: A Labrador helicopter from the Search and Rescue Unit at Vancouver airlifted 184 passengers stranded in trains by Fraser Canyon snowslides (1966)

January 8: HMCS Camrose and HMS Bayntun sink the German submarine U-757 in the North Atlantic (1944)

January 8: Operation Recuperation, 15,000 CAF members were deployed in response to the Eastern Canada ice storm to help provide shelter, administer medical care, restore power grids and contribute to recovery efforts (1998)

January 12: 7.3 earthquake in Haiti, Canada responded with Operation Hestia to provide relief and emergency medical services (2010)

January 14: A North Star aircraft from the Experimental and Proving Establishment (No 412 Squadron), based in Rockcliffe, Ontario, completes the first non-stop trans-global flight in a flying time of 125.2 hours (1950)

January 16-27: The Canadian 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment participated in Operation Blackcock to clear German forces from the Roer (1945)

January 26-31: The First Canadian Army attempted to clear a strong German position on the Maas River in the Netherlands with Operation Elephant and fought the Battle of Kapelsche Veer (1945)

January 30: Two CF-188s strafe an Iraqi fast patrol boat, making the first aerial attack by Canadian pilots since the Korean War (1991)

January 30: The Canadian Cavalry Brigade, under the Command of Brigadier J.E.B. Seely, is formed from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), 2nd King Edward's Horse  and Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Brigade (1915).

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