Canada Company Announces National Program to Assist Canadian Forces Personnel into Civilian Employment

TORONTO, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada Company today officially launched its Military Employment Transition Program (MET), a national initiative established to help Canadian Forces personnel find jobs after they leave military service.

The program will build and strengthen relationships between Canadian employers and the Canadian military to help veterans enter the civilian workforce and address the unique challenges they often face.

"The MET will address a significant need by providing members of the Canadian Forces with tools, assistance and support to prepare for and be successful in today's competitive work environment," says Honorary Colonel Blake C. Goldring, Founder and Chairman of Canada Company. "As Canadian Forces personnel make the transition to civilian life, this program will connect them with committed potential employers and career opportunities. It will also help employers make more informed hiring decisions when it comes to recruiting from the pool of former Canadian Forces people."

"Canada Company has done a tremendous job of showing that Corporate Canada cares for the men and women of the Canadian Forces. I am thankful for the way they've stepped-up to assist our veterans, those who have contributed to Canada's security and are now ready to transition to a civilian career," says General Walt Natynczyk, the Canadian Forces' Chief of the Defence Staff. "A smooth shift from military service to civilian life can be difficult sometimes. We appreciate that the MET program will complement our own efforts to make that move easier and more successful. Blake Goldring and Canada Company have shown us once again that there are truly many ways to serve."

The program will include a secure web portal which will offer relevant information and resources for Canadian Forces personnel. It will provide formal orientation and information to participating employers, including "certification" for dealing with CF personnel as they go through their transition. And it will offer ongoing liaison between the Canadian Forces Chief of Military Personnel and participating Canadian companies in a broad range of sectors to help ensure both sides are aware of available and required skills, with a view to finding successful and long-term matches.

There are currently more than 40 employers across the country participating in the program. The MET is looking to attract ongoing sponsorship through at least 300 certified Employer Partners over the next three years.

"We know the transition back to civilian life is not always easy," says MET Project Director Shawn Thompson. "At the same time, we know former Services personnel represent an amazing pool of talent and skills which can be of enormous benefit and value to civilian businesses. Our mission is to facilitate those matchups and enable them to succeed."

About Canada Company:
Canada Company is a charitable, non-partisan organization that serves to build the bridge between business and community leaders and the Canadian military. Its goal is to ensure that the men and women in the Canadian Forces receive the widest support, care and recognition that they deserve. More information is available at: http://www.canadacompany.ca

Luc Levasseur
NATIONAL Public Relations
416 848 1379
[email protected]