Government initiative launched to improve transition for military members and their families

Discussions have started between the Department of National Defence (DND) and provinces and territories on how to improve the coordination of services across Canada, including the relocation process for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families.

During a career in the military, CAF members and their families are required to move to bases and wings across the country. The Seamless Canada meeting creates the first step in opening lines of communication and lays the groundwork for cooperation between DND, CAF, provinces, and territories.

The Seamless Canada initiative was carried out to address the stressors affecting CAF member and their families during a relocation.

“Investing in the women and men of our Canadian Armed Forces is our top priority. Relocations are a difficult experience for CAF members and their families, and we are committed to resolving transition issues and easing that burden. We will continue to work collaboratively to find solutions that will improve the lives of Canada’s military families,” said Defence Minister, Harjit Sajjan, in a press release issued June 27.

The purpose of the meeting was to increase governments awareness of issues unique to CAF members and their families, establishing the conditions to improve the transition of military families between provinces and territories. Representatives from all 13 provinces and territories took part in this roundtable discussion.

“Delivering on our commitment to our people and their families is critical. I look forward to engaging with my counterparts in the provinces and territories on solutions that will enable military families to live as seamlessly as possible in Canada,” said Lieutenant-General Charles Lamarre, Commander of Military Personnel Command in a press release issued June 27.