Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to all committee members for inviting me to testify in this important study.
In my last appearance before this committee, I explained, as an injured veteran who was medically released in April 2016, what the problem was and what actually aggravated my symptoms; it was not my transition at the career level or the health care I received. In fact, I had received excellent treatment from health care professionals, and my transition at the career level was smooth, since I was able to pursue a PhD in social work in order to overcome the identity crisis resulting from a non-voluntary medical release from the Canadian Armed Forces.
The challenge for me and for other psychologically injured soldiers when we were still serving was the inflexibility of the principle of universality of military service. There were no conceivable accommodations to address the fact that our injuries kept us from handling firearms. This policy should be relaxed in order to ensure retention of military members within the Canadian Armed Forces. Many of us would still be serving today if it were not for this policy that forced our release, and that may, when all is said and done, have deterred people from seeking help during their service.
According to the research I am doing for my PhD and my personal experience, the major challenge during transition is adjusting to one's new identity and to other people.
We aren't ready for that when we are pushed out the door; nobody is. It was truly never our intention to leave our military careers behind. Alas, when the decision to leave was made for us, it left us without an identity.
In 2012, the National Defence and Canadian Forces ombudsman wrote the following in his report:
Though demographics are shifting, a preponderance of CF members still joined the military in early adulthood and know only what it is to be a sailor, soldier or airman/woman. Not only has their military career been the only one they have ever had, but it is a major part of their identity. As a result, the notion of ‘returning to civilian life’ is invariably more complex and cathartic than the term suggests. More often than not it is an arrival to adult civilian life rather than a return, with all the uncertainty and trepidation that such entails.
The most important aspect to consider and what is currently lacking for a smooth transition is the absence of a new purpose in life, and I'm not necessarily talking about a job here. Upon release, we are faced with a void, and many of us see no reason to fill it. Our original purpose in life as military members is now rendered obsolete. It cannot be transposed into civilian life. We are then forced to find ways to reconnect with ourselves. As military members, we are constantly thinking as a team. In fact, we set aside our individualities during missions to achieve progress. However, when we transition to civilian life, it becomes extremely difficult to think for ourselves and by ourselves, since we have been conditioned differently.
Currently, no training is offered that could help our military members transition and prepare them to reconnect with themselves and recognize their own, distinct identities. I believe that the collaboration between the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada is a good thing. That being said, in order to fill the void I mentioned earlier, it would be important to reach out to community organizations that take on these issues.
Since I was in need of a new identity and a new purpose, I was put into contact with the founder of the Supporting Wounded Veterans Canada charity. I was then able to get help and support from a mentor for one year after my transition. This mentorship experience allowed me to find a new path towards self-fulfilment, to redefine my own values and needs, as well as to create a new purpose in life.
Since I receive disability benefits and cannot work full time, I am volunteering for this organization as their ambassador for veterans and coordinator of the mentorship program.
Our organization's mission is to help veterans who have been medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces regain meaningful civilian lives. To do so, we use a three-step program: rehabilitation through sporting activities, a one-year mentorship, and support to allow them to create new purpose in their lives. This can be done through a new job, if possible, a new passion, or even the creation of small business.
What veterans fear the most when they leave the Canadian Armed Forces is isolation, the loss of their community, and lack of purpose. For this reason, transition must be approached differently if we are to help veterans face these challenges. Their contact with other injured veterans during sporting events gives them the opportunity to build new support networks and bolster team spirit, which prevents them from being isolated. That is the right time to offer injured military members the support of a fellow community member. This person can act as their guide, help them broaden their view of the world and seize new opportunities. This can allow injured veterans to leave their comfort zone, which isn't always a good place from which to redefine oneself.
Once again, thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to speak before you.
Thank you.