Minister Blaney Meets with Corporate Canada - Harper Government and Corporate Canada Working to Remove Barriers for Veterans

TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today participated in events organized by the True Patriot Love Foundation, and the Veterans Transition Advisory Council (VTAC), a team of corporate champions committed to removing the barriers that Veterans face during the transition to civilian employment.

"We are proud to work with corporate Canada to help Veterans successfully transition from military to civilian life," said Minister Blaney. "By working together with the True Patriot Love Foundation and the Veterans Transition Advisory Council, we will help ensure that transitioning Veterans have opportunities for new and rewarding second careers."

The day began with a "From Battlefield to Boardroom" conference, which saw human resources executives from corporate Canada gather to learn more about the value and experience of military Veterans. The conference was followed by the inaugural Veterans Transition Advisory Council meeting.

Led by the True Patriot Love Foundation, the Veterans Transition Advisory Council includes representatives from leading national companies who will raise awareness of the skill sets Veterans have to offer to the private sector. The Council will also provide strategic recommendations to Minister Blaney and to the broader private sector to improve the transition from military to civilian employment.

"The True Patriot Love Foundation is honoured to partner with the Government of Canada in delivering support to military members," said Shaun Francis, Chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation and the Veterans Transition Advisory Council. "The inaugural From Battlefield to Boardroom Conference, along with the Veterans Transition Advisory Council, will help to create an environment where our Veterans will flourish in their new civilian roles."

The Veterans Transition Advisory Council's work lends itself to the new initiatives the federal government has undertaken to enhance opportunities for Veterans to transition to the civilian workforce, including the Helmets to Hardhats Canada initiative launched in January 2012.

The Council's work also builds upon the Veterans Transition Action Plan, launched last fall by Minister Blaney. The plan consists of new measures for cutting red tape for Veterans, enhancements to service delivery, post-military career opportunities for Veterans, ground-breaking research on the needs of releasing Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and enhanced cultural awareness.

"Our Government is dedicated to ensuring Canada's Veterans continue to prosper as they re-enter civilian life," said Minister Blaney. "We commend the True Patriot Love Foundation and the members of VTAC for their leadership in these initiatives and are proud to support them."

For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, visit veterans.gc.ca.

Image with caption: "The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, with members of the Veterans Transition Advisory Council at the inaugural meeting (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130129_C9558_PHOTO_EN_23123.jpg

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information:

Media inquiries:

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Hilary Coles
Manager of Communications and Public Relations
True Patriot Love Foundation
416-628-4972

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649