Government of Canada Announces Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced new legislation intended to provide medically released Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who were injured in service to Canada the top level of priority consideration for job openings in the public service. The announcement was made at a news conference held at the 5^th Annual Tribute Dinner hosted by True Patriot Love Foundation.

"Medically released Veterans have made a significant sacrifice in their service to Canada and they have the skills, training and experience that make them ideal candidates to continue strengthening Canada through public service," said Minister Fantino. "I am delighted to confirm that the Harper Government is getting Canada's priorities right and leading by example by improving employment opportunities for Veterans."

Every year, many military members transition out of the Canadian Armed Forces. For those Canadian Armed Forces members who cannot deploy and meet the demands of operations, finding meaningful employment is a key factor in making a successful transition to civilian life.

"On behalf of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, I welcome this additional support for Regular Force and Reserve Force members who have sacrificed so much for our country," said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence. "The goal of Canadian Armed Forces support and care is to retain as many members as possible. However, this change will provide meaningful employment options to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are medically released."

When a position becomes open in the public service, different groups have different levels of access. In spring 2014, when the legislation is expected to come into force, those Regular Force and Reserve Force members who are medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces for service-related reasons will receive a statutory priority for a period of five years. This will provide Veterans with the highest level of priority consideration for public service positions, above all other groups, in recognition of their sacrifices and service to Canada.

Those full-time Regular or Reserve Force Veterans who release for non-service-related medical reasons will continue to receive their existing level of priority. However, the duration of their access will be increased from two to five years, allowing them a longer period of priority entitlement for positions.

Veterans who will make use of this measure must qualify for the positions they are seeking. The changes will apply to medically released Veterans who received a priority entitlement on or after April 1, 2012.

"The leadership skills, experience and expertise that our personnel develop in uniform is second to none, and makes them an invaluable asset to any new organization they choose to join," said Shaun Francis, Chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation. "We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada to ensure that soldiers, sailors and air personnel can continue to build on the incredible commitment they have already shown to Canada."

In addition to the proposed legislative and regulatory changes, the Government of Canada continues to work with corporate Canada to help Veterans find new opportunities to successfully make the transition from military to civilian life. Partnering with corporate Canada allows Veterans to put the training and skills acquired during their service to good use in the civilian workforce.

Veterans Affairs Canada's supports and services offer the right care at the right time to achieve the best results for Veterans and their families. Find out more at veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada