Minister of National Defence video message for The Month of the Military Child
Video / April 30, 2021
Transcript
April is the Month of the Military Child. Let’s recognize the strength and courage of our children and the children of our Veterans … because there’s a special set of challenges that comes with being part of a military family.
While service to the Canadian Armed Forces creates unique demands on all members of the family, the children of our members in uniform must cope with issues that their friends do not. Frequent moves separate them from schools, sports teams, clubs and places they know… and family members can be absent for a long time on training, and exercises and deployments, which can add extra stress and worry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on our children. Distance learning, fewer opportunities for play dates, and birthdays just aren’t the same as they were. And in the background, parents are anxious about what will happen next. We’ll get through it together, like we always have. The Defence community is as strong as our kids.
Over the years, the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada have worked hard to support our military families. 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 in Europe. Military children have special programs designed just for them, like deployment workshops and opportunities for socializing.
The Children’s Education Management program has been reducing the impact of relocation on schooling for military families since 1947. Veterans Affairs Canada provides eligible students with educational assistance for up to four years, in certain very difficult situations. And the Veteran Family Program gives medically released Veterans and their families access to the same services at Military Family Resource Centres.
Now, more than ever, being able to connect with each other and get help if you need it is critical. Last year, we introduced a crisis texting service for the 78,000 children and youth of Canadian Armed Forces members. This gives them access to confidential mental health and well-being support. Military children with cell phones can access this service 24/7, across Canada, in English and French, and it’s free of charge.
This month, we encourage all Canadians to join us in paying tribute to military children for their character and determination.
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