Message to the Canadian Armed Forces from the Chaplain General
May 5, 2020 – Defence Stories
Dear members of the Canadian Armed Forces;
Before speaking about the current COVID situation affecting all of us, I must first refer to recent events that have affected Nova Scotia and shocked all Canadians. Two weeks ago, Nova Scotia was shaken by a terrible mass shooting, our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected by this tragedy. As this community and Canada were beginning to recover from this event, we are confronted by yet another tragedy that has befallen our Nova Scotia friends and families. The Canadian Armed Forces recent helicopter crash was also from the Halifax, Nova Scotia area; we keep in our prayers the six Canadian Armed Forces members involved in the tragic Operation REASSURANCE accident, as well as their families, colleagues and the crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton. In adversity, we come together. We know from experience how difficult it is to lose a comrade-in-arms, a friend, a loved one. People, whether of a particular faith or none, find resources within themselves to cope with pain. Spiritual resilience is key to finding and maintaining hope in times of distress. At this time we can be reminded that prayer is one of the greatest sources of strength and hope; prayer connects us beyond ourselves. People, while still being required to be physically distant, are coming together nonetheless. This is a sign of hope. Tragedy can so very often bring out the best in human beings in response to what has been the worst. We are a people who have reason to keep hope even in the darkest days.
The current pandemic is another challenge that we share. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have died, and with those who are suffering. The Defence Team is grateful for all those involved in the response. I think of the Canadian Rangers deployed in the North and the military working in the long term care facilities in Quebec and in Ontario. Their presence is a sign of hope.
I have been encouraged by how, together, we have taken up assigned tasks and duties during this pandemic. For some it has been the task to preserve the force by remaining at home, maintaining health, and standing ready. For others it has been to carry out essential work, at home and abroad. None of us imagined that we would ever be called upon to respond in these ways to the needs of the country in a time of pandemic.
At this time when much of Canada has paused and is physically distancing, the CAF continues its essential work around the world, and here at home on Operation LASER by responding to requests for assistance received by the Government of Canada.
The CDS, and CAF leadership at all levels, continue to provide clear direction as to what is required in order to remain safe while supporting our families, friends, communities, and our country as a whole. By remaining vigilant we are seeing that our actions are fighting the pandemic and flattening the curve. This is truly a sign of hope.
As this week is Mental Health Week, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that paying attention to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, remaining connected to family and friends by creative means, and being prepared to respond to the Chain of Command, are all positive ways we can carry out our current duties. These are healthy activities which contribute to much needed balance across a spectrum of health factors. When our present posture ends I hope we can find gratitude for the deeper connections we may have made during this time.
For those who are experiencing challenges in one or more areas the following CAF resources are available: Military Family Support Program through the Family Information Line1 and CAFConnection.ca, Support our Troops, CAF Member Assistance Program (CFMAP)2 the new COVID-19 mental health web page that contains mental health resources for Defence Team members, and chaplains who are available 24/7. I have directed chaplains to be familiar with all resources, so that they, and your Chain of Command, can facilitate assistance for any member, or family, who is in need.
I want also to highlight and thank military families. In many instances our families are required to take on additional work and tasks, and many military spouses are doing this on their own while their CAF member is away from home in support of Operation LASER. Military families are truly the strength behind the uniform, without them, none of us could do what we do on behalf of the CAF in support of Canada.
May we take solace in the words of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, and Head of the CAF who in her COVID-19 message on 5 April 2020 wrote: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.3
Better days will return, and we will be together again. Until then, please continue to look after yourselves, your families, and your brothers and sisters in arms. You remain in my prayers and in the prayers of all your chaplains.
1. Family Information Line 1-800-866-4546 (International 00-800-771-17722)
2. 1-800-268-7708
3. Queen’s message to the Commonwealth on the coronavirus pandemic, 5 April 2020