QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Veterans Affairs
Educational Programs
February 15, 2024
Thank you for being with us, minister.
I am familiar with the Veterans Affairs Commemorative Partnership Program, and I have no doubt that you share my view that it’s important for us as a society to honour our veterans, commemorate our rich military and peacekeeping legacies and engage with Canadian youth in the hopes of instilling in them a sense of pride and respect for our Armed Forces.
There is currently a recruitment challenge among the Canadian Armed Forces. Are there specific educational programs in place at Veterans Affairs that would help fuel a sense of pride and, perhaps, make the Armed Forces a more attractive career choice for Canadian youth?
Thank you so much. Yes, like you, I feel that the Commemorative Partnership Program through Veterans Affairs Canada is a very important initiative that we undertake both nationally and internationally.
With respect to your specific question about helping recruitment, I believe you are absolutely right. As the Minister of Veterans Affairs, I certainly see the work we do with respect to commemorating our elderly veterans who served in the First World War, Second World War and Korean War. However, we must do a better job of commemorating our modern-day veterans as well, which will also encourage younger Canadians to join the Armed Forces.
Therefore, we’ve undertaken initiatives to make sure that more work is done in that area. I hope we are going to see increased excitement from our younger generations with respect to joining Armed Forces. At this point in time, on average, about 8,200 members of the Canadian Armed Forces are retiring each year. We have to make sure we do our part in recruiting new members. I think that commemoration is certainly a way forward. I look forward to continuing that work.
Thank you for that answer. As you mentioned, many initiatives exist to educate future generations of Canadian youth about the history of wars and conflicts and Canada’s contributions to maintaining and protecting peace and security. One such initiative that comes to mind is the International Forum for Peace, Security and Prosperity, a great Canadian initiative. Can you speak to us more specifically about your department’s work in engaging with youth and whether you are familiar with this forum?
I am familiar with the forum but certainly cannot give you a dissertation on it. I have certainly met with some individuals who have taken part.
With respect to the engagement of our youth, it is absolutely a priority. Just this morning, I met some individuals who are involved with the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. They talked to me about the different types of programs that exist out there, such as the Cadets Program. We really have to roll up our sleeves and make sure our young people are more involved and informed with respect to the different opportunities and programs that exist.
Again, if we want to recruit and retain members of the Canadian Armed Forces, we have to make it appealing to them and reach them where they are. All of these types of programs and initiatives are absolutely beneficial for our younger population.
