October 25, 2007
Ottawa - The Government of Canada today announced new measures to help retiring Canadian Forces Veterans make the successful transition from the military to new civilian careers. The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs; Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence; and Bram Lowsky, General Manager, Right Management, formally launched the national contract for the Job Placement Program.
"This Government has achieved a lot in a very short time for our Veterans-we announced Canada's first Veterans Ombudsman, launched the Veterans Bill of Rights, and introduced the new Veterans Charter," said Minister Thompson. "Today's Job Placement Program launch is another step in the right direction. This program will help our Veterans make smooth transitions into civilian life and find new rewarding careers."
Available to current or former members of the Canadian Forces released within the last two years, including certain Reservists, the program offers job-search training, individual career counselling and job-finding assistance.
"This program will be a key tool to support our members leaving military service and will also help us in our ongoing effort to recruit Canada's finest men and women to join the Canadian Forces," said Mr. Hawn, on behalf of Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
"Once a CF member sits down with a coach and builds a plan identifying their transferable skills along with an active job search campaign, the likelihood of a successful transition becomes very evident," said Mr. Lowsky. "In fact, our United Kingdom program helped over 96% of Veterans gain employment within six months of leaving the military. We're very proud of our record and the services we provide."
The value of the contract with Right Management is for up to $18.5 million over the next four years. Right Management is a career transition and consulting firm operating in more than 40 countries.
To learn more about the program please call Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122 or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468
Richard Roik Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs 613-996-4649
Monika Morrow VP & National Practice Leader, Transition Services Right Management 416-926-1324 ext.240 monika.morrow@right.com
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
