Reference: N14041E
Date: May 15, 2014
Ottawa – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, issued the following statement today, to mark the International Day of Families:
"Our government recognizes the vital supporting role families play in the lives of men and women in uniform, and how it can impact husbands, wives, children and parents who stand by their loved ones’ side. This is why it is important that the family members of Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel understand the services and benefits available to them.
"Our government is committed to supporting Canadian Armed Forces personnel, Veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life. Like Veterans, we recognize that family members may experience challenges as their loved ones’ transition to civilian life. A good way for family members to learn about our services and benefits is by attending the transition interview when the Canadian Armed Forces member is preparing for release.
"There is a wide variety of services for Veterans and their families – programs to help them after an injury or during the transition from military to civilian life, and many other services to help Veterans and their families throughout their lives.
"Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) Rehabilitation Program provides medical, psychosocial and vocational services to Veterans. Additionally, counselling and mental health services are also available to the spouse or common-law partner of a Veteran who is participating in the Rehabilitation Program. Mental health services are available for eligible family members, for instance, at the VAC-DND joint network of 17 mental health clinics located across the country.
"We want to ensure that Veterans and their families are always receiving the care and support they need, when and where they need it. And we will continue to recognize and remember Veterans and their families for their service and their sacrifices."
For more information on services available to families, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
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Nicholas Bergamini
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
