Government of Canada delivers greater employment opportunities for Veterans and Member of the Canadian Armed Forces

No Canadians have earned more admiration and respect from their fellow citizens than our Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. They make me very proud to be Canadian.
 
The Government of Canada has already shown, through many measures, how much we value our CAF personnel. It pleases me to share that we are making some new reforms that again demonstrate clearly that even when they no longer wear our nation’s uniform, their country is still here for them.

The Veterans Hiring Act was introduced in Parliament a few weeks ago. Through this Act, which is expected to come into force in 2014-2015, members of the Canadian Armed Forces with three years of service time who have been granted honourable release will have greater access to rewarding new employment opportunities in the federal public service. This is an important step forward that enables those men and women who want to continue to serve Canada to do so once their time in uniform in complete.

Also, through the Veterans Hiring Act, members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are medically released due to a career-ending injury or illness suffered in the line of duty, will now go to the front of the line for job openings they are qualified to fill in the federal public service. This priority entitlement will be theirs for a full five years, extended from the current two years. This gives Veterans time to upgrade their education and skills if needed.
For both options, Veterans and releasing CAF personnel must still apply and qualify for positions.
 
For some time now, the federal government has been working alongside corporate Canada to ensure Veterans are connected with opportunities in the private sector. As Defence Minister Rob Nicholson recently noted: “Our men and women in uniform acquire a number of skills during their service to Canada that make them ideal employees. Creating job opportunities within the federal public service is an important step in helping them transition to civilian life.”

Many Canadian companies already deeply value Canada’s Veterans for their leadership, professionalism and teamwork, as well as their organizational and management skills. These abilities, learned and practiced so thoroughly while enlisted, are all transferable to a career in the public service – and the Government of Canada wants to be sure our Veterans have the opportunity to make a smooth transition from military to civilian life.

The Government of Canada hopes the opposition parties and government unions will join us in making this goal a reality.
 
You can find more detailed information at: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/ps-hiring.

-30-

The audio version of Garry's April 14, 2014 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here