Military and RCMP families

 
 

The Royal Canadian Legion stands behind the families of all who serve, and we advocate for their care and benefits

 
Military and RCMP families are the strength behind the men and women who serve, and they face unique challenges. Support for families is crucial and allows those who serve to deploy on operations safe in the knowledge that their spouse and children will receive the help required when needed. Families also play an important role in the reintegration of a service member following a deployment. When issues arise, it is usually a family member who senses it first and calls out for assistance. Families deserve our full attention as they are an integral component of the overall military family. The Royal Canadian Legion stands behind the families of all who serve, and we advocate for their care and benefits.
 
 
Poppy stories 2023_EN
 

Primary advocacy position(s) on this issue:


• Review the Caregiver Recognition Benefit to provide additional support and respite for families caring for a disabled Veteran.

• Provide greater education, counselling, and training for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues as a result of their service.

• We concur with the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) report and encourage Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to explore expanding and obtaining additional financial authorities to minimize the significant financial costs of obtaining mental health treatment for family members that some Veterans and their families experience. To ensure that family members, including former spouses, survivors and dependent children, have access to federal government-funded mental health treatment in their own right when the mental health illness is related to conditions of military service experienced by the family member, independent of the Veteran’s treatment plan and regardless of whether the Veteran is engaging in treatment.

• Expand the Military/Veteran Family Services Program to make services available to all Veterans and their families, not just ill and injured Veterans.