Military Spousal Employment Network Recognition Event
12 June 2025
Robyn Hynes
National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Interim Ombud
Good morning everyone,
It’s such a pleasure to be here with you today.
Thank you to the CFMWS and the Military Spousal Employment Network for the kind invitation—and for the important work you do every day to connect talent with opportunity.
As mentioned, I’m Robyn Hynes, the Interim Ombudsperson for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. We are an independent oversight body, providing information, education and referrals. We investigate and report on issues impacting the Defence community to bring about long lasting positive change.
I’ve had the privilege to observe firsthand the experience of military families having worked with the Defence community for over 17 years—at both DND and Veterans Affairs.
I’ve seen and heard from members and their families about the challenges they face from recruitment, through their careers, during transition to civilian life, and beyond. The stories often echo each other—some difficult, some hopeful, all deeply human.
And today, I speak to you not just as the interim ombud, but as someone who believes deeply in the role you play—as employers—in shaping a more resilient and inclusive Defence community.
Our office travels often. Since 2020, we’ve visited 31 bases and wings across the country. We meet with families and hear their stories—about uprooted lives, employment barriers, and the quiet resilience it takes to start over every few years. I’ve spoken with spouses facing difficult situations—juggling childcare with job interviews, reapplying for credentials, or navigating career pauses they never asked for, planned for or expected.
Stories that remind us that behind every uniform is a family, and behind every strong family is a network of support that chooses to show up.
In 2013, our office published a very important report called “On the Homefront”. This report provided recommendations to the Minister of National Defence on how to better support military families. Some of these recommendations laid the foundation for important initiatives, such as Seamless Canada. At that table, provinces and territories meet with the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to discuss ways to support military families as members are posted across the country and outside of Canada over the course of their careers. Spousal employment has been identified as one of the major areas of focus.
More than ever, cost of living is one of the major considerations for a military member, which impacts their career choices. It can be a barrier to recruitment, a barrier to staying in the CAF, and a reason for end of career decisions. The cost of moving, finding new childcare, or entering unfamiliar housing markets can limit a member’s willingness or ability to take on new roles. When spouses are able to find meaningful work that matches their skills and ambitions, it eases the financial pressure and opens doors to new possibilities for the entire family. More stability at home means more stability for the Defence team.
Military families are not looking for handouts or special treatment. They need a hand up – meaningful support and opportunity to navigate the barriers that come with every move.
And this is where the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN) comes in. That is where you, the valued private and public sector partners come in. As we have heard, military spouses can be unemployed or underemployed because of postings into difficult employment markets. Career disruption is a constant for almost every military spouse.
But the talent in this community is remarkable. According to a Statistics Canada study based on the 2021 Census, nearly 79% of women military spouses or partners held a postsecondary degree, compared to approximately 66% of women in non-military couples. These are highly educated, highly capable individuals ready to contribute.
The challenge is not talent. It’s access.
The Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN), and the employers who make it work, are doing more than filling positions. You’re restoring momentum for people whose careers have been put on hold. You’re making space for possibility, for dignity, and for economic stability.
At our office, we walk the walk.
We’ve hired several military spouses—and it’s been a tremendous gain for us. This is a group that brings adaptability, loyalty, and fresh perspective.
They are a workforce hiding in plain sight.
Family-related challenges are one of the reasons why members leave the military. Some of these decisions are unavoidable—but some are not. Spousal employment is one area where progress can make a real difference, and you are already part of that progress.
And know that you're not in this alone. If one of your employees, a military spouse or family member, is facing a challenge related to military life, our office is here for them. We are the only independent recourse mechanism for military families in Canada. And we are here to help.
So, from all of us—thank you. Thank you for seeing the potential, for opening doors, and for helping military families build a future they can count on.
Merci