Veterans Affairs Canada Minister Kent Hehr was in Toronto September 26, 2016 to officially launch the Transitions to Communities program on behalf of the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour at the Royal Canadian Military Institute. The launch event was well attended by veterans and local and national leaders.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is very proud to provide this new innovative national project, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada ($2,900,000.00), in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada which is supporting the project with community level support and supporting the research component of this project. The Transitions to Communities program will provide services to about 450 Veterans at three pilot site locations (Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal).
The project aims to reach out and actively engage vulnerable veterans, including those veterans experiencing mental health issues, veterans who are currently homeless, those who have no meaningful support or social networks, veterans who are in crisis, no eligibility to vocational rehabilitation services, or otherwise not participating, long-term separation from the work force, and veterans who have become involved in the justice system. We will reach out to veterans who have, for a variety of reasons, been reluctant previously to come forward to become engaged with services.
For veterans who are experiencing obstacles reintegrating into civilian life after serving in the Canadian Forces, this program will provide a supportive process that will enable them to re-adjust to the new realities, while providing them with the direct supports needed to address their emotional and physical challenges. Veterans will develop specific coping skills and abilities to assist them in living satisfying, hopeful and meaningful lives.
More Information: Supporting Veterans – Creating Positive Change Brochure PDF (Français PDF)
“Living with mental health issues can be extremely difficult, not only for those who have them, but also for their loved ones. This skills training and support project will make a real difference in the lives of the participants. These proud Canadians need to know that when their service to our country has concluded, we are there for them. They need to know that they are not alone.”
– The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Left to right: Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Phil Upshall MDSC National Executive Director
Left to Right: John Starzynski MDSC President, Phil Upshall MDSC National Executive Director, VAC Minister Kent Hehr, Dave Gallson MDSC Associate National Executive Director, Debbie Lowther Vets Canada
Phil Upshall MDSC National Executive Director
