CORNWALL, ON, March 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, today gave the keynote address at the Military Families Matter event in Cornwall, Ontario.
"Our Government ensures Canadian Armed Forces personnel, Veterans and their families receive care and support where and when they need it," said Minister Blaney. "I commend the Vanier Institute of the Family and the Military Family Services Program for their commitment and dedication to ensuring that military families have access to the support and services they need."
The Vanier Institute of the Family and the Military Family Services Program spearheaded this interactive networking opportunity in an effort to connect community clinicians, researchers, community organizations and the general public, as part of their Military Families in Canada Initiative.
"The needs of ill and injured Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families can be increasingly complex," said Minister Blaney. "That is why our Government is taking action and cutting red tape so we can address those needs faster. We are committed to helping ill and injured military personnel who are transitioning to civilian life, as that immediate treatment and support can be particularly beneficial for their long-term well-being."
The goal of the initiative is to build awareness, capacity, competency and community with projects such as an online interactive knowledge network. Today's event allowed participants to identify best practices, explore knowledge exchange and determine training opportunities. It also included speeches from dignitaries and an introduction to the military family experience and to military family mental health. Participants viewed exhibits on health care, mental health, education, community, social services and met professionals such as family physicians, first responders, mental health nurses and teachers.
2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
Image with caption: "The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie (fourth from the left), was the keynote speaker during the Military Families Matter event in Cornwall today. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130326_C8429_PHOTO_EN_24868.jpg
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
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