Honouring diversity throughout Canada’s military heritage

Ottawa – Today, the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement to announce Veterans Affairs Canada’s social media and web strategy celebrating diversity within Canada’s military:

“At Veterans Affairs Canada, we believe that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths. We also believe that Canada’s military history is best told through the stories of those men and women who served in it. This is why we are launching a new web-based initiative that will highlight diversity within our Veteran population. Throughout each year, Veterans Affairs Canada will profile an array of Veterans’ stories from different backgrounds on our website and social media channels.

“This February, we implemented a social media campaign to help pursue our goal of shining greater light on the diversity that has been—and continues to be—so important to Canada’s military. Get to Know Your Veterans, a new section of the Veterans Affairs Canada website, is an online space to showcase the diverse cultures, religions, genders, and ethnicities of Canadian Veterans.

“We encourage Veterans and family members from all backgrounds and with service in all theatres to share their stories. I would like to put a special emphasis on those who have served in more recent operations to allow Canadians to get to know them better and learn what they have achieved. Help us show Canadians what the diverse men and women of Canada’s military have achieved by working together for the betterment of our country, and others around the world.

“There was a time in Canadian history when society was far less inclusive, and many Veterans overcame great challenges just to enlist and serve in our military. Their perseverance helped to shape our proud and diverse nation, solidifying what we now know as the ‘Canadian way of life’. We are forever grateful for their service and will continue to tell their stories to future generations of Canadians.”

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Contacts:

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@vac-acc.gc.ca