On this 5th Annual Military Family Appreciation Day, we recognize military families for the role that they play in supporting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans. Military families are essential to the success of our operations. Today and always, we salute their outstanding contribution to Canada's national security.
Canadian military families are an integral part of the Defence community. Bringing their resilient spirit to each new posting, they strengthen the places in which they set down new roots. Whether at home or abroad, military families represent Canadian values and embody the best of our country. Once members release from the military, families are there to support Veterans through their transition and help them embark on their new journey.
We recognize that military families have their own unique needs, experiences and issues - and we are committed to supporting families at every step of their journeys. Because military members frequently move as part of their service, their families may face increased challenges in accessing housing, healthcare, childcare and employment opportunities - and we are taking significant steps to address these challenges.
Today, there are more than 32 Military Family Resource Centres located at bases and wings across Canada, as well as services in the U.S. and Europe. In addition, for the past five years, through Seamless Canada, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF have been collaborating with federal, provincial and territorial partners to simplify relocation for CAF members and their families. Military Family Services has recently expanded national employment and training support services for military spouses, including career counselling and other employment help. Meanwhile, an Educational Counselling Team exists to assist children in military families, and our Personnel Support Programs' Hero in Training initiative helps children in military families during relocations, through workshops and team-building exercises.
In addition, Veterans Affairs Canada's Veteran Family Program offers medically releasing CAF members and their families a suite of transition support programs and services. Program coordinators work with each Veteran and their family to develop a personalized care plan with the programs and services that best meet their needs. Serving members, Veterans and their families can also benefit from the many resources for mental health available from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.
We will continue to invest in military families, and work with them to ensure that they have the support services that they need. Today and always, let us reflect on the sacrifices that military families make, and salute their resilience and devotion to Canada. Their contributions deserve our heartfelt thanks and recognition.
Quotes
"Today, on Military Family Appreciation Day, we thank military families for their unwavering support of our Canadian Armed Forces and recognize the outstanding role that they play in communities across Canada and around the world. Military families make a crucial contribution to Canada's national security, and today, we reaffirm that we will always do whatever it takes to support them."
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
"When someone serves in the Canadian Armed Forces, their family serves with them. On Military Family Appreciation Day, we recognize the absolutely essential support our military families provide to CAF members and Veterans, both at home and abroad. Thank you for all that you do."
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
