Minister O'Toole addresses Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) Membership
OTTAWA, May 26, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today delivered the keynote speech at the annual CANSEC WiDS / CADSI Memorial Golf Tournament luncheon, in support of the WiDS Memorial Scholarship. During the address, Minister O'Toole encouraged women to participate in the defence and security sector and highlighted the Government's Hire a Veteran initiative to support Canadian Armed Forces members in transition, Reservists and Veterans seeking civilian employment.
Minister O'Toole will meet industry representatives during his walkabout through the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) trade show (CANSEC 2015) tomorrow. He will take the opportunity to meet with employers who are currently hiring Veterans through the MET program and promote hiring a Veteran to the captive audience of current and potential military-friendly employers.
Quick Facts
- Each year, on average, 5,000 Regular Force personnel and 5,200 Primary Reservists are released from the Canadian Armed Forces.
- VAC offers services including Career Transition Services and Vocational Rehabilitation that support a Veteran's health and well-being during the transition to civilian employment.
- Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) is an organization that promotes the advancement of women leaders in defence and security professions across Canada.
Quotes
"I am very pleased to address Women in Defence and Security, encourage women to pursue professions in the defence and security sector, and highlight the Government of Canada's Hire a Veteran initiative. We are committed to helping Veterans transition to civilian life by working with partners to improve Veterans' access to job opportunities. By the same token, we encourage Corporate Canada to hire Canada's highly trained, professional Veterans who play an important role in Canada's economy. Their skill sets, including leadership, attention to detail, adaptability, risk assessment and ability to work in stressful situations, are also well-suited to the civilian workplace, making them sought-after employees."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"I am very am pleased by our continuing efforts to support those willing to risk their lives for Canada. Noting we collectively owe our men and women in uniform our thanks, we can demonstrate that thanks in a tangible manner by offering meaningful careers following their military service. In fact, thanks to the skills, dedication and experiences of retiring CAF members, those hiring veterans will continue to benefit from their service when they become members and leaders outside the military."
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence
Veterans are an incredible asset for Canadian businesses. Our Military Employment Transition Program gives Veterans the tools they need to translate their skills in the civilian workforce. We're so pleased to have the support of Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, as we continue to do this important work.
Angela Mondou, CEO, Canada Company
"WiDS brings together professionals from the Canadian Armed Forces, first responders, industry and government officials who work in various sectors of defence and security. Through the generosity of our membership at events like our CANSEC WiDS / CADSI Memorial Golf Tournament, we are able to recognize the contributions of female soldiers and first responders who have fallen in the line of duty, and support the studies of promising young women in memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
Jana Lee Murray, President, Women in Defence and Security (WiDS)
Associated Links
- Hire a Veteran
- Transition to civilian life
- Military Employment Transition (MET) Program, Canada Company
- National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
- Women In Defence and Security (WiDS)
Veterans Affairs Canada encourages Veterans and Corporate Canada to participate in the Hire a Veteran initiative and register for the Military Employment Transition (MET) Program #HireAVeteran #MET2MET
Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to ensuring Veterans are treated with the care, compassion and respect they deserve. Veterans and their families are at the centre of everything we do. #VeteranCentric
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Martin Magnan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468; Erika Paulson, Vice-President, Communications, WiDS, [email protected]; Media Contact, Donna Mills, Canada Company, 416-455-9034; Media Relations, Department of National Defence, Phone: (613) 996-2353, Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811, Email: [email protected]
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