Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
My name is Commodore Daniel Bouchard, commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group.
I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered here on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation, and to take this opportunity to remind myself, and everyone here with me, of our commitment to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous leaders and people across the land.
I want to begin by thanking the committee for your interest in better understanding the transition process and support that we provide to our members as they make the important decision to take off their uniform. This is an important topic because first and foremost, we have a duty to take care of our people who put service to Canada before self.
As the commander of the Canadian Armed Forces transition group within chief military personnel, I can assure you that I am committed to ensuring our members receive the supports they need during this important life change. More specifically, within the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, I'm responsible for military career transition, which provides services to serving or retired members; healthy, ill and injured members; and families of a deceased member.
Given the unique nature of our jobs, sometimes our members become significantly ill or injured. Whether their injury is physical or mental, they may require enhanced support through a return-to-work program or a transition within the Canadian Armed Forces or to post-military life. That is one of the reasons why “Strong, Secure, Engaged” in 2017 directed us to create the Canadian Armed Forces transition group. My organization delivers personalized, professional and standardized casualty support and transition services to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families to enable seamless transition and enhance well-being. This includes special attention to those who are ill and injured personnel, their families and the families of the deceased.
I am proud to inform you that the transition group will be reaching full operational capability by 1 April, 2024, becoming the default transition process for all regular force members transitioning out of the military. We are currently in the process of extending our services to members of the primary reserves, cadet organizations, administration and training service, and rangers. That means that all the 27 transition centres located across the country will integrate one-stop centres where releasing members and their families can use the applicable services we offer, delivered by trained professional staff, who will offer a personalized transition experience to each member.
We recognize that each individual of the Canadian Armed Forces has their own unique experience and identity factors that need to be considered. That is why we have a tailored transition process that is founded upon the seven domains of well-being, which are purpose, finances, health, social integration, life skills, housing and physical environment, and cultural and social environment.
In addition, we have also developed and implemented several digital tools in support of transitioning members and their families, which are available at the “Digital Transition Centre” and can be accessed via the Internet at Canada.ca, military career transition. These include a transition app; “My Transition 101” training; a skills and education translator; the second career assistance network, which is available online; and “My Transition Guide: Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life”.
Among the many resources, I want to highlight the three key programs that we deliver to help support CAF members, veterans and their families.
There's the operational stress injury social support program, also known as OSISS, which provides peer support to CAF members, veterans and their families who are living with an operational stress injury.
Next is the helping our peers by providing empathy program, also know as HOPE, which supports our members and military families who have lost a loved one. With continuous peer support and education on grief, the program helps bereaved individuals to better understand and provide coping strategies during the process of grief unique to our profession.
Finally, Solider On, is a Canadian Forces morale and welfare services program that contributes to the recovery of ill and injured members and veterans by providing opportunities and resources through sport, recreational and creative activities.
These are just a few examples of the great work that my organization is doing, in close collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada and our valued partners, to ensure our members and their families are informed, prepared and empowered for a successful transition. Our members give their best to Canada, as each of us is sworn to do. That is why the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces is committed to ensuring that our members have a seamless transition experience and have the supports they need to navigate this important career and life change.
Thank you once again for this opportunity to appear before you today. I look forward to your questions.