Veterans’ Week, observed from Nov. 5 to 11, is a time to honour the courage and sacrifices of those who served and to renew our commitment to their well-being.
Every year, Nov. 5 to 11 is Veterans’ Week, a time for Canadians to honour the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, marks the final day of Veterans’ Week and recalls the end of hostilities during the First World War in 1918. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians pause for a moment of silence to remember.
Every veteran deserves timely access to benefits, high-quality, trauma-informed health care and systems that recognize the lasting impact of service. Despite progress, many still face long waits for benefit decisions and limited access to the mental health and transition supports they need.
As “Prioritize veterans in defence budgeting,” an article in Sage magazine, reminds us, renewed investments in Canada’s military must also include strong, sustained support for those who have already served. Modern equipment and new recruits are vital, but Canada’s defence strategy cannot succeed without caring for the people behind the uniform.
Women veterans, in particular, have been underserved by systems not built with their experiences in mind. Implementing the recommendations of Invisible No More is essential to achieving equity and dignity in veterans’ care. Veterans are also more likely than other Canadians to experience homelessness, and women who have faced military sexual trauma are at even greater risk. Targeted funding for veteran and women-specific housing, including supports for dependants, is needed to ensure every veteran has a safe place to live.
True remembrance honours service through action, ensuring every veteran is treated with fairness, compassion and respect.
For more information, visit our advocacy priorities page for veteran well-being and refer to our work with the Women Veterans Research and Engagement Network (WREN).
Follow our channels during Veterans’ Week for stories, resources and ways to support remembrance and take action for Canadian veterans and their families.
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