Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill Meets with Government of NB to Discuss Hiring Veterans

FREDERICTON, N.B., June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Veterans Affairs Canada

On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill met with officials from the Province of New Brunswick to discuss ways to work together to increase employment opportunities for Veterans.

Veterans Affairs Canada's Hire a Veteran initiative involves working hand-in-hand with corporate Canada and local businesses and public sector to match the world-class skills and expertise of Canadian Armed Forces' members and Veterans with meaningful career opportunities in the private and public sectors.

The New Brunswick Government recently committed $50,000 in support to the Helmets to Hardhats program which helps Veterans find meaningful jobs in Canada's building, construction and trades industries. In May 2014, New Brunswick Legislative Secretary for Military Affairs, MLA Brian Macdonald passed a Private Members Bill that extended priority hiring in the New Brunswick Civil Service to modern day veterans.

In October 2013, the Government of Canada announced new measures that will give qualified Veterans priority when it comes to hiring Canadians for federal public service jobs. In March 2014, the Government of Canada announced further enhancements allowing serving and recently retired members to access public service jobs.

Quick Facts  

• Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces are working together to maximize private sector opportunities for transitioning military personnel and Veterans. Through Veterans Affairs Canada's Hire a Veteran initiative, and Canada Company's Military Employment Transition Program, more than 200 private-sector employers have committed to hiring Veterans.
• Veterans Affairs Canada is working with corporate Canada to enhance employment opportunities for Veterans. Led by the True Patriot Love Foundation, the Veterans Transition Advisory Council, comprised of representatives from leading national companies, is identifying systemic barriers that prevent Veterans from making a successful transition from military to civilian employment.
• On January 6, 2012, the Government of Canada announced support for Helmets to Hardhats, a program that helps provide Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Reservists access to a range of careers within the construction industry, including apprenticeships in various building trades.

Quotes

"In recognition of their service, it is important we support Canada's Veterans as they transition to civilian careers. I was pleased to meet with the Government of New Brunswick to discuss our common goal of securing meaningful employment for those who stood up for Canada."

Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs

"Putting Veterans to work is a priority for both our governments, and it's great to be working together on this with Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill. Veterans make great employees, and we need their skills and experience to build the New Brunswick economy, particularly through innovation and responsible development of our natural resources."

Brian Macdonald, New Brunswick Legislative Secretary for Military Affairs MLA

Related Products

• Minister Fantino Applauds New Brunswick for Supporting Helmets to Hardhats
• Harper Government Improves Veterans' Access to Federal Public Service Jobs

Associated Links

• VAC's Hire a Veteran program
• Helmets to Hardhats Canada

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468