Harper Government Improves Veterans' Access to Federal Public Service Jobs

Measures give priority hiring and new employment opportunities in the federal public service to Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans

TORONTO, March 4, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today joined Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans at Denison Armoury, in Toronto, to announce new government measures that will help move Veterans to the front of the line when it comes to hiring qualified Canadians for federal public service jobs.

The consolidated Veterans Hiring Act builds on previous government commitments as well as new ones outlined in Economic Action Plan 2014 to help Veterans find meaningful employment after their time in uniform is complete. In recognition of their service to Canada, Canadian Armed Forces personnel and honourably released Veterans will be given more access to federal public service job opportunities. As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada is proposing changes to the Public Service Employment Act to enhance employment opportunities in the federal public service for Veterans.

Beginning a new, meaningful career is an important part of a successful transition from military to civilian life when Canada's men and women in uniform conclude their service. Qualified Veterans who have at least three years of military service will be given preference in advertised, external hiring processes for five years after the date of release. Additionally, Veterans and CAF personnel with at least three years of military service will be allowed to participate in advertised, internal hiring processes for a period expiring five years after their release date.

These new measures build on the Government of Canada's recent announcement that Veterans of the CAF who have medically released due to a service-related injury or illness will get the top level of priority consideration for job openings in the public service. This means eligible Veterans whose military service is cut short by a career-ending injury or illness suffered in the line of duty will be given statutory, priority access in the federal public service. Additionally, the duration of priority access for all medically released CAF personnel would be extended from two years to five years.

All proposed changes are expected to come into force in 2014-15.

Since 2012, the Government of Canada has also been working successfully with corporate Canada and other organizations to help Veterans find employment in the private sector.

Quick Facts

• Veterans have skills, training and experience that make them exceptionally strong candidates for federal public service jobs.
• These new measures will give Veterans and releasing CAF personnel the ability to apply for internally posted positions, and give qualified Veterans preference over other candidates in external hiring processes. Candidates must be qualified to perform the jobs they are pursuing.
• On average, each year, approximately 7,600 Canadian Armed Forces Regular and Reserve Force personnel leave the military, including approximately 1,000 who medically release.
• The average age of CAF Regular and Reserve Force personnel at release is 37.
• Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, injured Veterans can get financial assistance of up to $75,800 to help them re-train for new career opportunities.
• Veterans taking part in VAC's vocational or rehabilitation programs may receive the Earnings Loss Benefit, which ensures a Veteran will continue to receive a fair income while they focus on their health or on re-training.

Quotes
"These measures will create new opportunities for men and women who have served their country to continue working for Canadians through the federal public service. As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that Veterans have access to a broad range of programs and services to help them achieve new success after their time in uniform is complete. This initiative will do just that."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"The Harper Government wants to ensure that our Canadian Armed Forces members have access to high-quality employment when they are done serving. Our men and women in uniform acquire a number of skills during their service to Canada that make them ideal employees. Creating job opportunities within the federal public service is an important step in helping them transition to civilian life."
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence

"Our Government is proud of the efforts of our men and women in uniform. This announcement builds upon our commitment to Canada's Veterans by ensuring their continued success while benefiting our country as a whole."
The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board of Canada

Related Products

• Budget 2014 - The Road to Balance: Creating Jobs and Opportunities
• News Release - Government of Canada Announces Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans
• Backgrounder - Priority consideration for federal public service jobs for medically released Veterans with a service-related injury

Associated Links

• Hire a Veteran
• Priority Job Appointment in the Public Service

Image with caption: "Minister Fantino makes the announcement on new channels of access to public service jobs for Canadian Armed Forces personnel through the newly tabled Veterans Hiring Act, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Toronto. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO/Veterans Affairs Canada (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140304_C9045_PHOTO_EN_37533.jpg

Image with caption: "Minister Fantino (centre right) is joined by Veterans stakeholders and Canadian Armed Forces personnel at the Denison Armoury in Toronto, Tuesday, March 4, 2014, following the press conference on priority hiring for Veterans in the federal public service. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO/Veterans Affairs Canada (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140304_C9045_PHOTO_EN_37535.jpg

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468