Veterans Affairs Canada launches the Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative and What We Heard Report

Finding meaningful employment after service is a key part of a Veterans overall well-being

VICTORIA, BC, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Veterans have served our country with pride and dedication. While serving, they acquired skills and knowledge that make them valuable contributors to teams across all sectors.

Today, Jill McKnight, the Honourable Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, launched the Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative to recognize employers who support Veteran hiring and create workplaces where Veterans can thrive.

The Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative will also recognize qualifying employers by awarding a digital badge that can be proudly displayed on their company platforms.

Many employers have taken important steps in supporting Veteran employment outcomes. The time is right to give them meaningful recognition while encouraging them to share their best practices and grow our Canadian ecosystem of Veteran Ready employers. We encourage all employers outside the core federal public service who go above and beyond in hiring Veterans to apply now.

The Minister also published the What We Heard Report, which highlights the opportunities and barriers that Veterans face in the Canadian workforce. Developed through a series of employment focused Roundtables held in June and July 2026, the report outlines the valuable feedback we received through consultation with Veteran, CAF members, employers, industry leaders, educational institutions, Veteran-serving organizations, and government partners from across Canada. This report is an extension of the National Veterans Employment Strategy (NVES) and supports our path forward to better address employment barriers for Veterans.

Together, we can create opportunities that recognize the skills, experience, and potential Veterans bring to Canada's workforce.

Quotes  

"Veterans have demonstrated their commitment to Canada through service. They leave military life with valuable leadership, problem-solving, and project management experience, and a desire to continue making a difference in their communities. The Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative will help more employers recognize that potential, while the What We Heard Report will help guide our efforts to improve employment outcomes for Veterans. When Veterans succeed in their next chapter, employers, communities, and our country succeed alongside them."

Jill McKnight, The Honourable Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

"Helping Veterans translate the skills and experience gained through military service into meaningful civilian careers strengthens businesses, communities and Canada's economy. The Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative recognizes employers leading by example in hiring, training and supporting Veterans' career advancement. By highlighting these efforts, we can encourage more businesses to draw on Veterans' leadership, skills and expertise while creating lasting opportunities for those who have served our country. We thank Minister McKnight for championing this important initiative and recognizing the contributions Veterans continue to make to Canada's workforce and economy."

Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Quick Facts

• The National Veterans Employment Strategy was launched in June 2024 and outlines a comprehensive roadmap to build a robust ecosystem of services, programs and resources to help Veterans transition into civilian employment.
• The Government of Canada is committed to improving employment opportunities for Veterans, promoting their well-being and contributing to their success as they transition to life after service.
• Approximately 7,900 Canadian Armed Forces members transition from the military each year – about half seek new career opportunities.
• The Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative is a meaningful way to recognize employers who hire Veterans and create workplaces where they can thrive.
• Veteran Ready employers recognize the value of experience gained through service. By creating pathways that welcome and support Veteran talent, organizations gain access to highly skilled professionals who are accustomed to leading teams, managing complexity, and delivering under pressure.
• As employers compete for skilled workers, Veterans represent a key talent pool. Organizations that actively recruit and retain Veterans position themselves to access experienced professionals with diverse expertise and a strong track record of leadership and teamwork. To learn more about hiring Veterans contact Veterans Affairs Canada or join our LinkedIn Group.
• Hiring Veterans is about gaining proven talent. Veterans bring leadership, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to results that help organizations succeed in a rapidly changing world. If you are an employer interested in hiring Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada is here to help. 

Related Products

• Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative
• What We Heard Report: 2026 Veteran Employment Roundtables

Associated Links

Service after Service: The National Veterans Employment Strategy

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa

Contacts: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Adam Rogers-Green, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 343-573-0946, [email protected]