Survey reveals need for second careers after life in the Canadian Forces
Canadians wrongly believe that most veterans retire with pensions
The Commissionaires survey also revealed other misconceptions about veterans. Most Canadians believe that the average member of the Canadian Forces serves longer than 12 years. Fully 35 percent of survey respondents believe that the average veteran retires after 20 years of service. Only 14 percent of respondents knew that the average length of service for members of the Canadian Forces is in fact 11.5 years. This means that most veterans must pursue new employment opportunities after they retire from military service to make ends meet.
"Clearly, most Canadians think that members of the Canadian Forces stay for the better part of their working lives. But we see the real story every day. Most vets retire long before they're even eligible for a pension, so they have to pursue second and even third careers," observed Paul Guindon, Chairman of Commissionaires. "That's why Commissionaires was founded in 1925 with the social mandate to provide meaningful employment for vets. Since then, we've hired tens of thousands of former Canadian Forces personnel."
Many of the veterans hired by Commissionaires over the years have no pensions and insufficient savings to finance retirement. So many vets end up searching for civilian jobs, which can be a challenge for those who have only known life in the Canadian Forces.
"Making the transition from service in the Canadian Forces, back to civilian life, is often very difficult," noted
For the second year in a row, eighty-nine percent of respondents believe that Canadians have an obligation to ensure that veterans find meaningful employment after they have left the Canadian Forces.
To view and download Commissionaires B-roll footage, go to: http://www.thornleyfallis.com/commissionaires/
About the survey
The survey was conducted in
About Commissionaires
Commissionaires was founded to provide meaningful employment for former Canadian Forces and RCMP personnel. The organization has long been recognized as Canada's premier security provider, protecting people and property for public and private sector clients from coast to coast. While employing leading-edge technology in delivering security services, Commissionaires has remained true to its roots by providing employment to those making the transition to civilian life after active service in the military and police forces. The organization also hires many reliable and responsible individuals without military or police experience. Commissionaires' services and security solutions include: security guarding, enforcement, identification services, training and security consulting. The integrity, strong work ethic, proven skills and discipline of Commissionaires give clients confidence and security everyday, everywhere.
For further information: Donna D'Arcy, Commissionaires, T (416) 364-4496 x444, C (416) 458-0276, [email protected]; Terry Fallis, Thornley Fallis Communications, T (416) 515-7517 E322, C (416) 414-6630, [email protected]
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