Survey reveals need for second careers for Canadian Forces veterans
Canadians wrongly believe that most veterans retire with pensions
VICTORIA,
The survey showed a majority of Canadians believe that half of our veterans retire with a military pension, and 28 percent believe that all veterans retire with a pension. The reality is that only 30 percent of veterans are entitled to a pension when they leave the Canadian Forces.
The Nanos survey also revealed other misconceptions about veterans:
35 percent of survey respondents believe that the average veteran retires after at least 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 after they retire from military service," said Stan Verran, CEO Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands and Yukon.
The survey results in British Columbia did not differ significantly from the national average, although there were minor variances. Still only 20% of BC respondents knew that less than a third of veterans retire with pensions when they leave the Canadian Forces. As well, 86.7 percent of BC respondents believe that Canadians have an obligation to ensure that our veterans find meaningful employment after their years of service in the Canadian Forces.
"This clearly shows that British Columbians understand we all have an obligation to ensure that veterans can find employment after their military careers," added Verran. "That aligns with our mandate to find meaningful work for veterans and I would add that our clients appreciate the skills, training and experience that veterans bring to the work site."
"Serving in the Canadian Forces was a big part of my life, so retirement at a relatively young age, was a big change," said Commissionaire Jean-Rene "JR" Byzewski who recently joined the Commissionaires in Victoria after having recently completed a mission in
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.
Commissionaires has remained true to its roots by providing employment to those making the transition to civilian life after active service in the military or RCMP. The organization also hires reliable and responsible individuals without military or police experience who wish to serve their communities. Commissionaires' services and security solutions include: security guarding, bylaw enforcement, criminal record checks, finger printing, pardon and US waiver applications, security and first aid 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: Kevin M. Carlé, Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands and the Yukon, (250) 727-7755 loc 104, [email protected]
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