CFB Shilo celebrated its families and their support of the Military on Sept. 6  with an early appreciation day and Base open house. Family members of the CAF are recognized nationally on Military Family Appreciation Day, Sept. 20. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag)

Families of Canadian Armed Forces members are being recognized and honoured as serving alongside active personnel, with their continuous support, on Military Family Appreciation Day, Sept. 20.

“Military Family Appreciation Day is a cornerstone event for the Shilo Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). We continuously seek unique ways to connect with our military families and express our gratitude for their sacrifices,” Rob Lavin executive director of the CFB Shilo MFRC said.

“As a veteran, I am personally proud that we have the opportunity to say thank you in person at a community venue once a year,” he said, adding that CFB Shilo hosted its Military Family Appreciation Day early in conjunction with a base open house on Sept. 7.

Minister of National Defence Bill Blair said the countries military families, are thanked for thier valued support of our Canadian Armed Forces.

“Families are essential to the success of our operations, and we must show our sincerest gratitude for their contributions. Today and always, let us reflect on the sacrifices that military families make, and salute their resilience and devotion to Canada,”

Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence encouraged all Canadians to recognize the steadfast contributions family members play in the integral role of support to the CAF and Veterans.

“When Canadians serve, their families serve with them. Whether during difficult deployments or recovering from mental or physical injury or illness, military families play a vital role in the well-being of their loved ones … To all military families, we extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your invaluable support.”

A statement issued by the Ministers of National Defence and Veterans Affairs reads:

“Today marks the 6th annual Military Family Appreciation Day. On this day, we honour those who might not wear the uniform but play a critical role in keeping Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans strong, ready and supported.

While our CAF members serve, their families serve right along with them, bringing continuous support. While a CAF member must make sacrifices when called to duty, the family must make sacrifices at home. At other times, the military family serves as a safe harbour as they join their loved one at each posting. This support continues in the transition to the civilian world as our members begin their life after service.

As military members frequently relocate as part of their service, their families may face increased challenges in accessing housing, childcare and employment opportunities. Over the years, the Department of National Defence, the CAF, and Veterans Affairs Canada have taken meaningful action to address these challenges. Canadian military families experience their own unique struggles, needs and issues – and we are committed to supporting them at every step of their journey.

We recognize the critical role that military families play in supporting CAF members and Veterans, and we salute their outstanding contribution to supporting the well-being of Canada’s service members. Whether at home or abroad, they embody the best of Canada.”

Quick Facts
·                The Canadian Forces Housing Differential program, which came into effect last summer, provides a monthly payment to CAF members living off-base who require the most financial support – particularly lower-salaried members posted to the most expensive locations.
·                Our renewed Defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, commits $100 million over five years to enhance childcare services for CAF personnel and their families.
·                Earlier this year, we announced the launch of CareerCOACH+, a service to help prepare spouses and partners of CAF members for the challenges of finding and maintaining meaningful careers, given their highly mobile military lifestyle.
·                Seamless Canada enables discussions among federal, provincial, territorial, and private sector partners to help improve the coordination of services across Canada for CAF members and their families.

CFB Shilo celebrated its families and their support of the Military on Sept. 6  with an early appreciation day and Base open house. Family members of the CAF are recognized nationally on Military Family Appreciation Day, Sept. 20. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag)