December 2022

Let us know what you think about Salute! by emailing us.

In this edition:

Programs and services

• Mental health supports are available
  For many Canadians, taking care of mental health can be challenging—especially during the holiday season.
• LifeSpeak tips: the holiday season and loneliness
  While the holiday season is often seen as a time of togetherness and joy, it can also be a time when many feel isolated and lonely.

Veterans’ stories

• He proudly served – and still protects
  After retiring from a 36-year military career, working with the Corps of Commissionaires and beating cancer, Lt. Colonel (Ret’d) James Ostler is ready to slow things down.

Commemoration 

• Leadership, heroism and self-sacrifice
  On 19 December 1941, when Japanese forces attacked Mount Butler, south of the city of Hong Kong, Osborn showed his true colours.
• The Christmas truce of 1914
  In the midst of brutal fighting, Christmas spirit came to the front lines.
• Commemoration Calendar

Engagement 

• Participants needed for research study at McMaster University
  Researchers at McMaster University are seeking Regular Force Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces who identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community to participate in an important study.
• Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation
  Nominate someone today!
• Veteran family virtual summit 27-28 January 2023
  The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families is hosting a free, two-part virtual summit dedicated to providing information, tools and resources about Veteran Family mental health.

Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund

• Canadian organizations help Veterans with support from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund

Season’s Greetings from VAC

Let’s Talk Veterans allows more people to have their say on issues related to Veterans and their families. This consultation platform allows the Veteran community and Canadians to provide VAC with direct feedback that helps us improve our programs and services.

Do you know other Veterans, family members or others who would benefit from the information in this newsletter? Please share it with your friends and contacts.

View the latest issues of Salute! online.

Sincerely,

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Team

Veterans Affairs Canada

November 2022

Let us know what you think about Salute! by emailing us.

In this edition:

Programs and services 

• Understand and improve mental health
  Learn about the many dimensions of mental health and strategies to help build resilience through a series of online resources.
• Call for applications: Community support grants for organizations supporting those impacted by military sexual misconduct
  Call for applications launched for new Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program.

Veterans’ stories

• Major (Ret’d) Kristin Topping: Change in the culture
  Kristin Topping shares her experience and advice for all CAF members, from new recruits to those about to release.

Commemoration 

• Boots on the ground in Eastern Canada
  In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, people from all over, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces, came to the aid of Atlantic Canadians.
• Veterans’ Week 2022 is November 5 to 11
  In the lead up to Remembrance Day, we invite you to share your story and the stories of our Veterans.
• Commemoration calendar

Engagement 

• Nominate someone you know for a Minister’s Commendation
  Find out how to nominate someone you know who deserves to receive a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in formal recognition of their contributions.
• Welcome to The Legion
  Inviting serving or retired CAF or RCMP members and their eligible family members who have not yet joined the Legion to a free year of membership.

Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund

• Reminder: The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund deadline is 14 November 2022
  Funding is available for organizations supporting the well-being of Veterans and their families.

Let’s Talk Veterans allows more people to have their say on issues related to Veterans and their families. This consultation platform allows the Veteran community and Canadians to provide VAC with direct feedback that helps us improve our programs and services.

Do you know other Veterans, family members or others who would benefit from the information in this newsletter? Please share it with your friends and contacts.

View the latest issues of Salute! online.

Sincerely,

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Team

Veterans Affairs Canada