News

Sign up for October’s employment webinar series

If you are looking to learn more about the employment opportunities that are available to you after service, please register online to join us for a series of employment webinars later this month. Sessions will be from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT. on October 26-29.

Read more about this webinar series...

You’ll learn about Career Transition Services, the Education and Training Benefit and the federal hiring process. You’ll hear from a variety of organizations to learn about what they do and how they can help you. You’ll also hear directly from Veteran employees about their experience joining the organization and building a new career after military service.

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. Once registered, a schedule will be sent to you by email closer to the event.

Programs and services

When your income changes, let us know

To prevent over-or underpayments when you are receiving the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB), it is very important that you report any new or changing sources of income to us as soon as possible.

The IRB is a monthly, taxable payment that helps Veterans while they are taking part in our Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program or if they are found to have a Diminished Earnings Capacity.

New RCMP Veteran and family resources from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families

New resources focused on RCMP Veterans and families — co-created with former RCMP members, RCMP family members and other community members — are now available from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.

Read more about these resources...

These new resources include:

• Practical guides on operational stress injury for RCMP Veterans and Families: Information about what an operational stress injury is, how it can impact on daily life and well-being, how to access supports and practical strategies for recovery and to build resilience
• Summary report on a RCMP mental health dialogue series: What RCMP Veteran and family community members shared in a series of sessions on mental health, transition from service, access to care, identity, family well-being and community connection

The goals are to deepen understanding of the mental health needs and experiences of both RCMP Veterans and family members, share what the community has said about how to strengthen well-being after service, and offer hope for recovery and renewed purpose.

You can access the resources here.

More ways to connect with DCSRC’s Peer Support Program

When people think of the Peer Support Program for Defence community members affected by sexual misconduct, they often think of peer-support groups. While these groups remain an important part of the program, it also offers other ways to connect, explore wellness practices and take part in meaningful, positive experiences.

Make tax filing easier with SimpleFile

If you haven’t filed your 2025 taxes, it’s not too late to still get the benefit and credit payments you qualify for. If you have a lower income and a simple tax situation, SimpleFile is a free, fast, and secure way to file your taxes.

You may have received an invitation to use SimpleFile from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in September—either in your CRA account or by mail. No invitation or you can’t find it? You may still qualify. Use CRA’s eligibility questionnaire to see if you can use the digital option.

Free help with VAC forms

We are here to help you. Call us toll-free at 1-866-522-2122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm local time). Send us a My VAC Account secure message. Need a My VAC Account? Register today. Request an in-person appointment using our online booking form or by calling 1-866-522-2122.

Engagement

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Canadians reflected on the lasting impacts of residential schools and honoured the strength, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.

Here at Veterans Affairs Canada, this included recognizing the service and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans and continuing our work towards reconciliation. We are proud to work with Indigenous communities and partners to better understand and support the needs of Indigenous Veterans and their families.

From coast to coast to coast: Indigenous voices

Indigenous Peoples have a long and proud history of military service in Canada. Across generations and regions, Indigenous Veterans have served and brought honour to their communities and their country.

For Ojibway-Cree (First Nations) Veteran Corporal (retired) Jocelyne Eastman of Alberta, military service and Indigenous identity have always gone hand in hand:

"You can be both, and you should be proud to be both, because as an Indigenous person, you are still contributing to society in the most positive way."

From Ontario, Métis Veteran and Warrant Officer (retired) Brian Prairie has worked to promote the recognition and visibility of Métis Veterans for many years:

"We've always been here, we've always served, and we belong."

From Nunavut, Inuk Canadian Ranger Corporal Solomon Awa continues to serve by sharing Inuit knowledge and helping protect Canada's North:

"I'm proud of being part of the [Rangers], because I can be serving Canada as well as serving Inuit in Nunavut."

Recognizing and celebrating Indigenous voices is an important part of the journey toward reconciliation—ensuring their stories, experiences and contributions continue to be honoured and heard as we remember Canada's military history.

Veterans’ stories

Tania Pendergast: Real true grit

For most of her life, Tania Pendergast thought true grit meant pushing past her mental and physical limits. As an Army Signals Officer, she built a successful 20-year career leading complex organizations and mentoring officer cadets.

A diagnosis of service-related PTSD changed the way she looks at healing and led her to explore her natural creativity. Read Tania's story about military service, invisible injuries and discovering that self-compassion can be every bit as courageous as pushing through the pain.

Read Tania's story here.

Shona Mitchell: The impact of determination and resilience

When Shona Mitchell joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997, it was supposed to be a summer job. The Edmonton music student auditioned for the Ceremonial Guard Band after spotting a poster, and nearly 30 years later she is still serving.

She became a basic training instructor, then later transferred to the Armoured Corps, a move that required her to demote rank and start over in a new role. Despite facing major challenges, including sexism and misconduct, she persevered with the support of mentors, friends and family, becoming the first female armoured sergeant in her unit's history.

Read Shona's story here.

Commemoration

Honouring Women in uniform

This Women's History Month, discover how women helped challenge stereotypes, overcome barriers and shape the Canadian Armed Forces we know today.

In our new educational video, "Her story: Canadian women in uniform," watch how women's roles and opportunities in the Canadian military have changed over time. Every woman who served has a story. Together, these stories form a lasting legacy of service and strength that continues to inspire future generations.

Explore our new collection of educational resources aimed at helping youth learn about the important contributions of Canadian women in military service.

Commemoration calendar

October and November 2026