ACVA Committee Report

New Democrats demand dedicated transition services for MST survivors

Supplementary Report of the New Democratic Party (NDP)

The topic of transition to civilian life after service in the military has been studied many times in Parliamentary committees. In addition to this study by the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA), the Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN) conducted a study in this 44^th Parliament entitled, “Military Health System and Provision of Health and Transition Services under the Canadian Forces Health Services Group,” which was presented to the House on November 24, 2023.[1] In the 42^nd Parliament, ACVA conducted the study, “Barriers to Transition and Measurable Outcomes of Successful Transition,”[2] and in the 41^st Parliament, ACVA conducted the study, “Continuum of Transition Services.”[3]

Even though there have been numerous studies on this topic, there has been almost no consideration for providing services for the needs of transitioning military members who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) and this must be addressed. This gap was clearly outlined through the testimonies of Veterans Stephanie Hayward and Vicky Lynn Cox. Ms. Cox explains how she was not supported through her transition.

“It was not until the announcement of Operation Honour in 2015 that I finally felt empowered to come forward and report the incidents I had endured. After reporting four cases, instead of receiving individual support for my recovery, I was abruptly pushed toward a transition out of the military, all while my perpetrators remained unpunished. Overall, the transition unit provided inadequate support, leaving me ill-prepared for civilian life and exacerbating the toll on my physical and mental health and that of my family.”[4]

Her negative experience was underscored by the testimony of Ms. Hayward who gave a suggestion on how an MST survivor could be supported at the time of transition.

“Maybe we should have someone actually talk to somebody, sit down with them if they're a victim of sexual assault within the Canadian Armed Forces and make sure they're entitled to the right to appeal or to make a separate application to somebody who's a third party. I just know that for 11 years I was barred from even applying for benefits, so I can imagine how many lives we have lost of women who didn't make it through.”[5]

In their testimonies, both Veterans gave many examples of how they were badly treated upon transitioning to civilian life and the negative outcomes that behaviour created for them and their family members.

New Democrats believe the Government must address the systemic gaps in support services for military personnel and their families to ensure a smoother transition to civilian life and to mitigate the adverse effects of military service. We agree with the recommendations contained within this report and suggest one more recommendation to address the gap with respect to transitioning MST survivors.

Recommendation

That the Government of Canada establish dedicated sexual misconduct services and supports at transition centres, accessible to both members and their families.

With this recommendation, the NDP prioritizes the well-being of Veterans to honour their service and to uphold the values of equity, dignity, and respects within our armed forces.