New Defence Policy to Consider Input and Suggestions from Military Families

Though no concrete details have emerged as of yet, the Department of National Defence (DND) has assured military families that their input and suggestions will be taken into consideration as the government formulates the new defence policy.

Earlier this year, the DND received more than 20,000 suggestions through social media and an online consultation portal during the public consultations for Canada’s new defence policy. Among the suggestions, recognizing and supporting military families was a common theme across the country.

“Military families are the backbone of our great institution; something which Minister Sajjan certainly knows first-hand. As we move forward analysing what we heard during the public consultations, we will absolutely take military families, and the MFRC’s feedback into consideration. We remain fully committed to working with military families and providing them with the care and support that they deserve, and thank them for all the work they do to support our soldiers and veterans,” said Jordan Owens, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of National Defence.

According to the DND, support for military families was a concern that was echoed by many of the town halls held by local members of parliament, many of which were attended by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.

Also during the public consultation period, every MFRC across the country banded together to submit a formal brief to the DND for consideration.

The policy will also take into consideration suggestions from allies, experts, and key stakeholders.

The new defence policy is expected to be released early 2017.