National Defence and CAF Ombudsman Addresses Seamless Canada Steering Committee

Above image: The National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman Gregory Lick.

The growing concern over housing for military members and spousal employment were among the issues highlighted by the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman in his address to the Seamless Canada Steering Committee (SCSC).

In his address, Gregory Lick, the Ombudsman, boldly told the committee that the recent picture of CAF families “is not pretty.”

“I heard requests for help: help finding affordable housing, help finding a family doctor, help finding a job, help after their children fell off waiting lists to see specialists when posted across the country, help finding childcare,” said Lick.

The address detailed the many disheartening challenges military families face, based on 33 outreach activities conducted over the last year and meetings with 3,500 constituents.

However, Lick also highlighted the positive work Seamless Canada has committed to in the last few years.

Housing Crisis

During his address, Lick mentioned how many military members live in deteriorating single quarters and families are on endless waitlists for military housing.

“Many members are on long waitlists for military housing, forcing them to live on the economy. This is a terrible situation to be in, especially for lower-ranked members, since there is a lack of local, suitable, and affordable accommodations across Canada,” noted Lick.

In some of the most dire of situations, Lick stated he met a family that had been homeless for five months.

For some families, the financial situation goes beyond the housing crisis. Some families have to decide between paying for rent and paying for their food, shared Lick.

Spousal Employment

For years, military families have faced the challenge of spousal employment. Carrying a job from province to province is difficult for spouses, and professional and educational credentials do not easily transfer provinces and territories.

Spousal employment is a critical issue, considering the rising cost of living and inflation.

“No CAF members nor their families should ever have to worry about putting a roof over their heads or to wonder where their next meal is coming from. When members worry about their basic needs every day, it impedes their ability to keep Canadians safe,” said Lick.

Federal Government Initiatives

Currently, the federal government is undertaking an initiative to reduce internal barriers for skilled workers by encouraging provinces and territories to streamline trade certification standards.

“I urge you to support this in every way you can. This initiative would assist military families immensely, who, as you know, move across the country often. In return, this could help address skilled worker shortages across Canada,” commented the Ombudsman.

Lick also shared another federal government initiative to encourage provinces and territories to “support early childhood educators by developing workforce strategies to better support their recruitment, retention, and recognition.”

Positive Under-Ratings of Military Family Services

The Ombudsman also took time to congratulate and highlight the positive under-ratings of Military Family Services and Seamless Canada.

Lick touched on some of the initiatives, including the new CAREERCoach+ program, which allows military spouses and partners to access career coaches. Additionally, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services has partnered with Kids & Company for a pilot project to provide emergency backup childcare to military families.

SCSC 2024 Meeting

The 2024 SCSC meeting, held on May 22, brought together the Minister of National Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and representatives from provinces and territories across Canada.

The meeting was co-chaired by Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the MND, and Minister Mary Wilson from New Brunswick.

Launched in 2018, Seamless Canada works with provinces and territories to address the challenges of military families. A SCSC meeting has been held every year since 2018.