Harper Government and Corporate Canada Working to Help Veterans Transition to Post-Military Careers

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, together with Helena Gottschling, Senior Vice-President, Leadership and Organizational Development, Royal Bank of Canada, joined the True Patriot Love Foundation and the Treble Victor Group in their third annual Veterans on Bay Street event today. This unique event, highlighting post-military careers, provides an opportunity for former military professionals to network with one another and to connect with community business leaders.

"Our Government wants to ensure that Canada's heroes have the care and support they need after serving our country," said Minister Blaney. "Veterans Affairs Canada assists Canadian Veterans in transitioning from military to civilian life. I applaud the Treble Victor Group, the True Patriot Love Foundation, and the Royal Bank of Canada for demonstrating their commitment to Veterans as well as men and women in uniform of the Canadian Forces."

Minister Blaney spoke about how the numerous programs available through the New Veterans Charter, implemented in 2006, that responds to a range of transition challenges—from vocational rehabilitation to assistance with career transition. "As a government, we are continually exploring opportunities to work with private and public sector organizations to help Veterans become successful in the civilian workforce" said Minister Blaney.

"True Patriot Love is proud to be working with Veterans Affairs in leading this initiative which will engage Canadian corporate leaders to provide solutions to the systemic barriers that prevent Veterans from making a smooth transition to civilian employment," said Shaun Francis, Founder and Chair, True Patriot Love. "Today in Canada, the tremendous skills developed over the course of a military career, such as the ability to think on your feet, loyalty, teamwork and leadership, are often overlooked or misunderstood by employers. We owe it to the men and women who have put themselves in harm's way in the name of freedom and democracy to solve this problem, and this can only be accomplished if government, charities and the private sector work together."

The True Patriot Love Foundation and the Treble Victor Group are true leaders at bringing awareness to the transition of military to post military careers for men and women in uniform of the Canadian Forces.

"The true impact of war is finally being addressed at home and unemployment must continue to be on our radar if we truly want to help Veterans in their transition from military to the work force," said Don Ludlow, Vice President, Royal Bank of Canada and Founding Member of Treble Victor Group. "Having left the Forces myself, I know firsthand the value that initiatives like the Battlefield to Boardroom career conference have in combating the challenges that exist in the transition process. Clearly, getting understanding and support from those who have successfully transitioned from the military ensures that our soldiers can reach their full potential in their second careers and continue to make great contributions to Canadian society."

"Over the course of their careers, men and women in uniforms of the Canadian Forces develop highly transferable skills. A military resume should not limit or be a barrier to working in corporate Canada as many skills are applicable, such as leadership, human resource management, team work, excelling under stress and project management, to name a few," said Helena Gottschling, Senior Vice-President, Leadership and Organizational Development, Royal Bank of Canada. "There are many talents and skills acquired through one's military career that often get overlooked and we're endeavouring to jump over that hurdle."

This annual event brings awareness to employment-related issues Veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. Another event, a career conference for Veterans, will be hosted by the True Patriot Love Foundation and the Treble Victor Group on January 29, 2013, in Toronto.

For more information on the True Patriot Love Foundation, please visit www.truepatriotlove.com; the Treble Victor Group, please visit www.treblevictor.org; and Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca. 

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649