Veterans Affairs launches online campaign celebrating diversity

Minister Hehr announces new government outreach initiative

OTTAWA, March 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Veterans Affairs Canada launched a new section of veterans.gc.ca that will encourage Veterans to submit their stories and help Canadians get an in-depth perspective into the diversity that has become the foundation of the Canadian Armed Forces today. This new section, called Get to Know Your Veterans, is an online space to showcase the diverse cultures, religions, genders, and ethnicities of Canadian Veterans. Throughout each year, Veterans Affairs Canada will profile an array of Veterans' stories from different backgrounds and experiences on its official website and social media channels. We encourage Veterans, especially those from modern day conflicts, to come forward with their stories and help Canadians get to know them and what they were able to achieve in the name of their country.

Quotes

"At Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Government of Canada, we believe that diversity is one of Canada's greatest strengths. Canada's military history is best told through the stories of those diverse men and women who served in it. This new online initiative is meant to help as many Canadians as possible celebrate their contributions as part of our military history."

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• This new web-based service provides instant access to Veterans' stories through either visiting veterans.gc.ca or following Veterans Affairs Canada on social media.
• Veterans Affairs Canada is an avid supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) initiative to have a Canadian military that better reflects the diversity of Canadian society.
• Canadian Armed Forces numbers show that there has been an increase in the percentage of visible minorities enrolling in the CAF. In 2004, the percentage was 2.3, and 12 years later, it is 9.7 over the first three quarters of fiscal year 2016/17.

Related Products

• Honouring diversity throughout Canada's military heritage

Associated Links

• Get to Know Your Veterans

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca