Minister’s Foreword

People are at the core of everything the Canadian Armed Forces and the entire Defence Team does to deliver for Canadians. It is why our Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, puts an unprecedented focus on our people. The Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy—built around our people, helps us support individuals in their personal health and wellness goals and promotes innovative approaches to health aimed at respecting individual differences, while advancing a shared understanding of health and wellness for all Defence Team members.

At any given time, our Defence Team members can be called upon for the defence of Canada and to protect Canadians, both at home and abroad. The success of Canada depends on our Canadian Armed Forces and the entire Defence Team, who are devoted to serving our country. It is our duty to improve the lives of these dedicated Canadians

This strategy will help ensure that Defence Team members are confident, well supported, prepared and equipped to deal with the challenging work we ask of them by supporting the adoption of healthier lifestyles and creating healthy work- places built around professionalism and an inclusive culture. We must continue to work together to build a workplace that is safe, free from racism and hateful conduct, and where every person is treated with the same dignity and respect that we protect and defend every day in service to Canada.

Leaders and managers within the Defence Team have one of the most important roles in promoting health and wellness among our Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees—they contribute to the success of this strategy by encouraging participation in health and wellness activities, supporting individuals’ health and wellness goals, and by fostering a healthy, safe, and respectful workplace environment. We all have a part to play and I challenge every member of the Defence Team to read this strategy and to consider how making a dedicated personal investment in your own health and wellness can contribute to positive changes across the entire Defence Team. I thank all of you for your dedicated service and I trust that this strategy will provide you with the tools and support you require to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

The Honourable Anita Anand

Minister of National Defence