Resources
If you are experiencing an emergency and require immediate assistance, dial 911.
We are pleased to share this collection of resources with you. The organizations and initiatives listed below provide support and services to Canadian veterans and their families. To preserve the information and sense of each organization, the descriptions provided were sourced directly from the linked websites. Thank you to the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families for their contribution to this resource list.
Veteran’s Affairs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) mandate is to support the well-being of Veterans and their families, and to promote recognition and remembrance of the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. VAC provides disability benefits, financial benefits, rehabilitation, pension advocacy, education, and training support.
Commissionaires Canada
Commissionaires Canada provides meaningful employment that meets the needs of veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families, and others who wish to contribute to the security and well-being of Canadians.
Commissionnaires du Québec
Commissionnaires du Québec contribute to the safety and well-being of Canadians by offering rewarding employment opportunities, prioritizing veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and members of their respective families.
Québec Veterans Foundation
The Québec Veterans Foundation supports essential programs dedicated to veterans overcoming significant challenges in their transition to civilian life. Their primary area of focus is related to operational stress injuries – physical and mental, homelessness, challenges associated with addiction, and suicide. They also fund therapeutic, social, and commemorative programs for World War II and Korean War veterans residing in long-term care at Ste. Anne’s Hospital in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
Perley Health
Perley Health is a unique and innovative community that empowers Seniors and Veterans to live life to the fullest. They provide clinical, therapeutic and recreational services to residents, tenants and people from across the Ottawa region. It is also home to more than 600 Seniors and Veterans in long-term care and in independent apartments.
Women in Defence and Security (WiDS)
Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) is a national not-for-profit organization that aims to promote and support the advancement of women in careers related to Canadian defence and security. Their community works together to transform culture.
The Memory Project
The Memory Project is a volunteer speakers bureau that arranges for veterans and Canadian Forces members to share their stories of military service at school and community events across the country.
Le Régiment de Hull
Le Régiment de Hull is a Reserve Armoured Corps unit that was formed on 7 August 1914 and that remains the only Francophone unit in the National Capital Region. The Regiment is housed in the Salaberry Armoury, which has been identified as a historic site.
https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/2-canadian-division/le-regiment-de-hull.html
Women Warriors’ Healing Garden
Women Warriors’ Healing Garden offers a variety of research-informed therapeutic programs in curated safe spaces. Programming includes peer support, peer support training and individual and group therapeutic activities. Care is provided at no cost for military members and veterans thanks to generous community and government partners funding.
Mission VAV
Mission VAV is an online health and wellness program for veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families. The program was designed to support veterans in adopting healthier lifestyles while building a deeper connection with the veteran community across the country. The Mission VAV program is available at no cost to all CAF veterans, their family members and supporters.
Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families
Atlas Institute works with veterans, families, service providers and researchers to bridge the divide between research and practice so veterans and their families can get the best possible mental health care and supports.
Peer Support Program Directory
This directory can be used to find peer support programs that are designed to support veterans and families.
Help for Homeless Veterans – Legion
The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to helping veterans and their families in need find homes. There are national and provincial programs that offer financial assistance and support for homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness. Trained Legion Command Service Officers can assist with finding suitable accommodation and financial assistance.
Member Assistance Program & Assistance Services for Families
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
1-800-268-7708 | TDD/TTY 1-800-567-5803 (available 24/7)
Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) provides support services to currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF); former members of the CAF; Department of National Defence (DND) public service employees; former DND public service employees; Cadets aged 16 and older; Junior Canadian Rangers aged 16 and older; families of the above aged 16 and older and members of the Defence community and caregivers who support those affected.
The SMSRC operates outside and independently from the CAF chain of command within the Department of National Defence and reports directly to the Deputy Minister.
Medavie Blue Cross
Helps those who qualify for the Treatment Benefits program from Veteran Affairs Canada to find a registered mental health care provider near them. A registered provider can bill Veteran Affairs Canada directly, so there is no need to pay out of pocket.
https://www.medaviebc.ca/en/support/information-caf-rcmp-vac
Public Service Health Care Plan
PSHCP provides insurance coverage to current members of the CAF and RCMP and their eligible dependents. Retired or past members of the CAF or the RCMP can obtain coverage for themselves as either a pensioner or if employed in the federal civil service.
https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/topics/benefit-plans/plans/health-care-plan.html
The Veterans Benefit Guide
The Veterans Benefits Guide is an online publication, offered by the Legion Magazine. It is aimed at Veterans and current military members and their Families, offering up-to-date information about the various benefits you may be entitled to and how to apply for them.
Family Information Line (FIL)
The Family Information Line is a service available to Families of CAF members, offering information, short term counselling services, referral, and crisis support through a trained counsellor.
- Canadians: 1-800-866-4546 (available 24/7)
- International: 00-800-771-17722 (available 24/7)
Employee Assistance Services (EAS) – RCMP
EAS is a confidential, short-term counselling service available to current RCMP members and their Families (spouses and unmarried children). Services are available 24/7.
1-800-268-7708 | 1-800-567-5803 (TTY)
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/family-corner/mental-health-wellbeing-and-support
Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)
OSISS is a Canada-wide peer-support network program, involving mentorship and shared knowledge. The program is aimed at CAF members, veterans and their families affected by an operational stress injury.
RCMP National Reintegration Program (NRP)
The RCMP National Reintegration Program (NRP) is an interactive and confidential program that helps build the confidence of regular members returning to operational duties after experiencing a traumatic or critical incident; transitioning from administrative duties; returning from extended leave (parental, suspension, physical or psychological injury/illness), or retiring.
The program is member-led, peer-driven, self-paced, and customizable to meet individual needs, with the goal of assisting members in building their confidence. It is available to both active RCMP members and those returning to the RCMP.
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/family-corner/mental-health-wellbeing-and-support
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Line
The VAC Assistance Line is a confidential 24/7 support service for Veterans, former RCMP members, their families, or caregivers. Support is available for a variety of well-being needs, from physical and mental health to work-related issues, to family and marital challenges, to bereavement.
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/contact/talk-to-a-professional
The Veteran Family Program
The Veteran Family Program is a suite of information, programs and services available to medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, medically released veterans, and their families. The program helps you better navigate the transition experience and any associated challenges. The Program is funded by Veterans Affairs Canada and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/releasing/veteran-family-program
Veteran Transition Network Support Programs
These programs are co-led by psychologists and counsellors who’ve received specialized training in military issues, and graduates who are veterans themselves. The program aims to support veterans as they transition to the civilian world.
