Resources
While we believe strongly in the results of our program, we recognize that there is no perfect solution for every person or situation. The resources listed on this page offer free or specialized programs for former CF and RCMP members, but are not endorsed or verified by the VTN.Please use your best judgment to verify that any health care professionals you engage have the specialized training to be appropriate for your situation.
Crisis and Support Services
For immediate crisis, call 9-1-1.
Member Assistance Program – 1-800-268-7708 (Available 24/7)
Health Canada counselling/crisis line for CAF members, staffed by professional psychologists with specific training around suicide and military-related traumas.
Family Information Line – 1-800-866-4546 (Available 24/7)
Confidential, bilingual 24/7 phone counselling and resources for CAF members, families, and Veterans.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) – 1-833-456-4566 (Available 24/7)
Talk Suicide Canada provides nationwide, 24-hour, bilingual support to anyone who is facing suicide.
Text 45645 (available 4pm to midnight ET)
For residents of Quebec: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Sexual Misconduct Response Centre – 1-844-750-1648 (Available 24/7)
The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) provides support services to people affected by sexual misconduct who are currently serving and former Canadian Armed Forces individual members and chain of command or current public service employees, executives and management in the Department of National Defence.
Hope for Wellness Help Line for all Indigenous peoples – 1-855-242-3310 (Available 24/7)
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Support Our Troops: Emergency Financial Assistance
For veterans and their families under financial distress.
Veterans Affais Canada: Financial Crisis or Emergency – 1-866-522-2122
Helping veterans who are facing a financial crisis or emergency.
TDD/TTY 1-833-921-0071 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, local time)
The Royal Canadian Legion’s Help for Homeless Veterans –1-877-534-4666
The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to helping Veterans and their families in need find homes. There are national and provincial programs that offer financial assistance and support for homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness.
Vets Emergency Transition Services – 1-888-228-3871
VETS Canada is committed to helping homeless and at-risk veterans reintegrate into civilian life.
Legacy Place Society
Assisting with nightly stays of Military and First Responders at 3 confidential crisis houses in Alberta during times of medical, marriage or safe respite for individuals or families in crisis.
Operational Stress Injury Clinics
In this directory of OSI clinics, each clinic provides assessment, treatment, prevention and support to serving CAF members, Veterans and RCMP members and former members.
CCPA-Certified Counselors
Find a counselor in your area with the specialization you want.
Veterans Affairs Canada
VAC offers coverage for a variety of services ranging from physio to PTSD treatment, including family supports.
Legion
The Legion’s Service Officer Network helps in directing to numerous programs and services available for Veterans and their families. They can provide assistance in submitting claims to Veterans Affairs Canada.
Sinai Health System – Treatment Programs for Veterans with Chronic Pain & PTSD
The Function and Pain Program (FPP) treats and rehabilitates Veterans with complex chronic pain issues. This includes Veterans suffering from depression, PTSD, chronic pain and substance abuse.
DVA Clinic – 1-800-866-4546
Ottawa based Dignified Veteran Assistance Clinic. Health care services designed to accommodate the needs of Veterans and First Responders within the complex healthcare and benefits system. Created by Veterans, for Veterans.
Canadian Support Workers Association (CANSWA) and Ontario Personal Support Workers Association (OPSWA)
Service providers for Veterans Affairs Canada, CANSWA and their Ontario chapter, OPSWA, constitute the Professional Association for Personal Support Workers, Health Care Aids, Personal Care Aids, Personal Care Assistants, Home Support Workers within Canada and Ontario.
Landing Strong
Landing Strong is a non-profit organization in Nova Scotia dedicated to promoting resilience and assisting recovery from PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries. Their community consists of military members, veterans, first responders, and those who support them.
OSI-CAN
A joint project of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatchewan Division) and the Royal Canadian Legion (Saskatchewan Command), OSI-CAN is dedicated to helping serving members and Veterans of the CAF, Allied Armed Forces, RCMP and Community First Responders.
MissionVAV
A web-based health promotion program developed by health professionals from the McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program (CHIP) designed to improve the wellbeing (lifestyle habits around physical activity, weight loss, stress management, and sleep) of Canadian veterans and their families. Our primary objective is to help each veteran attain the best possible physical and mental health free of charge. Results from earlier Missions have been impressive, with significant improvements in daily physical activity (30%), reductions in stress levels (20%), and an average weight loss of ½ pound each week.
Traumatic Stress Recovery Program
Residential programs for veterans, first-responders, and military personnel.
Family Information Line – 1-800-866-4546
Confidential, bilingual 24/7 phone counselling and resources for CAF families.
COPE
“COPE” or “Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday” is a new and innovative program that uses the power of the “group” to learn how to manage PTSD in the home.
Veteran Family Program
The Veteran Family Program (VFP) is designed specifically to support the needs of medically released CAF members, medically released Veterans, released as of April 1, 2018, and their families.
Directory
OSISS (Operational Stress Injury Social Support)
OSISS provides a national peer support network for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families experiencing an operational stress injury (OSI).
Canadian Mental Health Association
CMHA is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians.
CF Morale and Welfare Services Directory
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering selected public morale and welfare programs, services, and activities to eligible members and their families on behalf of the Chief of Military Personnel.
Joint Personnel Support Unit
The Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) provides personal administrative support and programs to ill or injured CAF members of the Regular and Reserve Force who have a medical condition that precludes them from returning to their normal place of duty for a period of six months or more.
Integrated Personnel Support Centres
Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence work together through the IPSCs to help Canadian Armed Forces personnel (Regular and Reserve), Veterans and their families.
Facebook Pages
Canadian Survivors of MST
Sponsored and supported by the United Federation of Canadian Veterans, this group is for men and women who have survived Military Sexual Trauma. Family of MST survivors are also encouraged to join. This closed group challenges and finds ways to support each other and advocate on behalf of MST survivors. To join this group please send an email to itsjust700@gmail.com and specify you would like to join the Canadian Survivors of MST Facebook group.
Women Warriors
This page is designed for Female Soldiers and veterans from all countries. It is for support, advice and sharing experiences.
Canadian Forces Silent Ranks
This is a group where spouses, family members & friends of our injured CF members can talk about challenges.
Veterans 3B Support Group
This group was created to assist medically releasing and released CF members through the process of release.
Veteritas
Bilingual resources and information for French-speaking Veterans.
“It’s Just 700”
Peer support services & resource directory for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors.
Honour House
Honour House Society is a refuge for Canadian Forces personnel, emergency services personnel and their families to stay, free of charge, while they are receiving medical care and treatment in the Metro Vancouver area.
Outward Bound Veterans
Outward Bound Canada’s Veterans’ Program is designed to help Canadian military veterans face the challenges they often encounter post-deployment, through inspiring journeys of healing and self-discovery in the Canadian wilderness.
1.888.OUTWARD (688.9273), Ext 205, email: veterans@outwardbound.ca
Sheepdog Lodge
Sheepdog Lodge is a rustic log cabin retreat for Combat Veterans and First Responders to reconnect and recuperate.
The Stable Grounds
A London Ontario based therapy centre, providing residential 30, 60 and 89 day programs for Public Safety officers and Veterans.
Citadel Canine Society
Citadel Canine Society is a non-profit Society incorporated in British Columbia that strives to make the lives of veterans and first responders better by reducing occupational stress through delivery of trained service dogs.
Courageous Companions
Courageous Companions is a registered charity which provides quality trained certified Service Dogs to Military Veterans and First Responders who suffer with physical and/or psychological operational injuries as a result of their service.
Wounded Warriors Service Dogs
Wounded Warriors offer background, advice and guidance in consideration of service dogs.
BC Equine Program To Assist Veterans With Occupational Stress Injuries
This program addresses veteran’s social isolation and emotional regulation through working with horses. The team includes an experienced horse trainer, a psychologist and researchers. Programs run in Langley on week-ends and evenings. If you are interested please contact: Dr. Colleen Haney, Researcher/Psychologist, at colleen.haney@ubc.ca or Dr. Marla Buchanan, Professorship for the Royal Canadian Legion Yukon/BC Branch – Trauma Researcher at marla.buchanan@ubc.ca.
Tranquil Acres
Tranquil Acres is a therapeutic equestrian centre in the Ottawa region for people with varying social, emotional and mental health needs who want to experience the transformative powers of horses as teachers and healers.
Can Praxis Equine Therapy
Can Praxis is a therapeutic equestrian program designed for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD/OSI and their spouse/partner/family member.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs. Their program supports the psychological health and family relationships of service members, veterans and their families.
Small Blessings Animal Ministry
Small Blessings offers Equine Assisted Learning, Life Coaching, and a quiet place to get away from it all without having to go far away from it all. Veterans can receive two 30-minute visits (or combine into 1 hour if travelling a long distance) with their equines to unwind, rest and have fun. Visits are guided by Certified Life Coach and Certified Equine Guided Coach Mari Lalana.
Legion Military Skills Conversion Program
The Legion Military Skills Conversion Program is designed to help accelerate and advance the civilian careers of former and current Reserve Force and Regular Force Canadian military members.
Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur (POE)
POE offers training, financing and mentoring needed to start and sustain a successful business for CF members and Veterans within 2 years of release.
Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats offers apprenticeship opportunities for anyone who has served (or is currently serving and transitioning to a civilian career) in either the Regular or Reserve Force of the Canadian Forces.
Commissionaires Canada
Commissionaires Canada is the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, offering both employment and training in career growth opportunities.
Global Container Terminals Canada
GCTC is one of the top terminal operators in North America, with established facilities in the ports of Vancouver and New York/New Jersey. They recognize military training in lieu of university education, and have hired our graduates for a variety of trades from technicians to management. Mention the VTN in your application.
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC)
P&WC is a global leader in aerospace engines, that value the excellence, dependability, adaptability, integrity and accountability learned in the military. At P&WC, you will have the chance to upgrade your skills, advance your career, give back to your community and earn recognition for your achievements. Mention the VTN in your application.
Sean Smith – That Social Media Guy
Sean Smith is a Social media coach offering LinkedIn organization and online coaching for veterans establishing themselves in the business world. Contact through email (Sean@thatsocialmediaguy.com) or phone (1.250.203.4126)
GardaWorld
As a global leader in security and cash services, GardaWorld encourages former and current military men and women to join its team and explore careers in armoured truck transport, aviation security, physical security, management and administration.
Edge4Vets | Jobs for Veterans
Edge4Vets assists Veterans in translating strengths from the military into tools for performance in the civilian workplace.
FORCES@WORK
Forces@WORK is an employment placement service offered through Prospect Human Services. We help ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces transitioning members, medical releases, reservists, veterans and their immediate family members with pre-employment services, and assist in securing civilian jobs that will maintain their quality of life.
Canada House Clinics
Canada House Clinics (formerly Marijuana For Trauma) was founded in 2013 by Canadian Forces veterans Fabian Henry and Mike Southwell. Their clinics help Canadians access medical cannabis to treat their common to complex health conditions.
Spartan Wellness
A network of Veterans, Physicians, Specialists and a support team of administrators to ensure you are aware of available options to get care for yourself and your family.
Medical Marijuana Consulting Clinic
From education to medical cannabis authorization to assistance with VAC coverage for your medical cannabis and special assessments for increased coverage, Medical Marijuana Consulting is here for all your medical cannabis needs. Their team works with hundreds of Canadian Veterans and First-Responders to support them through their medical cannabis journey.
The Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative
The Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative (the Dallaire Initiative) is a global partnership based at Dalhousie University whose mission is to progressively eradicate the use and recruitment of child soldiers.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting and available almost everywhere.
Calgary Veterans Association Food Bank
The Calgary Veterans Association Food Bank is a community of Veterans helping Veterans by providing aid and a place to connect with fellow Vets.
Canadian Women Transcendental Meditation
Find your inner peace and balance with the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program: easy to learn, enjoyable to practice and scientifically verified to reduce stress.
Harassment Prevention And Resolution Guidelines
Created by the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces (“NPF”) and the Director General Personnel and Family Support Services (“DGPFSS”) to provide a harassment free workplace and supportive work environment.
PTSD Coach
The PTSD Coach Canada app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma.
OSI Connect
OSI Connect is a free mental health learning and self-management mobile app developed to help OSI patients and their families understand the nature of operational stress injuries (OSIs) and to provide help through the OSI Clinic Network across Canada.
#VTN
#MST
