National Defence announces increased support to military families
News Release
January 24, 2018 – Winnipeg, MB – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, today announced $6 million per year in new funding to modernize the Military Family Services Program and provide additional support to military families. The modernization and additional support is part of the broader Comprehensive Military Family Plan outlined in Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the goal being to augment support and services and enhance family life for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families.
The announcement was made at the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) in Winnipeg. Parliamentary Secretary Romanado met with service providers and military families and saw firsthand how the new funding will benefit military families. These benefits will include extended childcare hours, expanded youth programs, and the provision of additional mental health services (including couples counselling and women’s workshops), among other enhanced services.
The announced funding will benefit military communities across Canada, as MFRCs expand the programs they offer to military members and their families including services such as child and youth programs, health care access, mental health services, community integration and outreach, and deployment and relocation support.
The Government of Canada recognizes that military families make an incredible contribution to the operational effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces and is committed to providing them with the support and services they require to manage the unique challenges and stresses of military life.
Quotes
“Today we are reaffirming our commitment to care and support our people. The additional funding to MFRCs is a key Defence Policy investment that will help ease the stresses, burdens, and challenges associated with military life by providing CAF members and their families the support they require when and where they need it. Canada’s defence depends on our people and their families; looking after their health and welfare is our priority.”
– Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan
“Providing support to military families is a priority for this government. Last summer, I met with families in Winnipeg and listened to what is important to them. Today, I am pleased to announce that additional resources are being put to work to support our families. As a military family member myself, I appreciate how important this help can be.”
– Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“The additional funding provided through the Strong, Secure, Engaged defence policy allows Military Family Resource Centres to enhance existing services and programs and introduce new ones. Given the important role families play in supporting our military, it only makes sense for us to focus our attention on services and programs that directly address issues related to them. This funding will therefore go a long way to enhance the support provided to the children, youth and spouses we serve.”
– Joël Roy, Executive Director, Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre
Quick Facts
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Military Family Services is the primary funder of the thirty-two (32) MFRCs, which are located on bases/wings and units located across Canada, with additional service points in the United States and Europe. They are responsible for connecting with families and delivering the programs and services of the Military Family Services Program in their local communities.
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MFRCs are mandated to deliver the Military Family Services Program and are in place to help families of CAF members manage the uniqueness of Canadian military life. Through various programs and services, including counseling and support groups, MFRCs also provide information and referral services to local civilian resources.
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MFRCs are third party, not-for-profit organizations that provide family support and access to community programs and services to CAF military families. MFRCs are managed by a volunteer board of directors whose members are elected by the community.
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This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment, defined in Canada’s new Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, to providing the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families the best care and support possible.
Associated Links
Contacts
Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: byrne.furlong@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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