Nearly Half of Women Veterans Council Resigns in Mass Departure
In a significant shake-up, nearly half of the Women Veterans Council has stepped down. This council, made up of 12 members, was established to advise the government on implementing crucial recommendations regarding the needs of female veterans.
Resignations Spark Concerns
Five members of the Women Veterans Council, all retired Canadian Armed Forces personnel, have tendered their resignations following an unsatisfactory meeting with Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight. The veterans expressed frustration over the government’s lack of engagement and support for issues specific to female veterans.
Issues Raised by Resigning Members
- Concerns about the government’s limited responsiveness to distinct needs of female soldiers, such as trauma from sexual assault.
- Frustration over funding cuts for research on female veterans’ health.
- Claims that the council lacked a budget and clear direction, hindering outreach efforts to other female veterans.
Retired Sergeant Jessica Miller, one of the resigning members, articulated their dissatisfaction, emphasizing a lack of supportive dialogue during the meeting. “We were just gaslit and we don’t know why,” she stated, underscoring the disillusionment felt by the council members.
Background on the Women Veterans Council
The Women Veterans Council was formed as part of the recommendations from the Invisible No More report, published in 2024. This report was a landmark study conducted by the House of Commons’ veterans affairs committee, focusing solely on the experiences of female veterans in Canada.
Insights from the Invisible No More Report
- The report included testimonies from over 93 witnesses, highlighting the physical and mental challenges faced by women in the Armed Forces and the RCMP.
- Injuries from improperly fitting combat gear were frequently mentioned, along with issues like service-related infertility.
Among the report’s 42 recommendations was the establishment of the advisory council aimed at addressing the unique challenges female veterans face.
Reactions to the Resignation
In her statement, Minister McKnight acknowledged the contributions of the departing members, expressing gratitude for their input in shaping discussions relevant to women veterans. However, she did not address concerns regarding the funding cuts or the council’s operational difficulties.
Blake Richards, the Conservative critic for veterans’ affairs, raised alarms about the implications of the treatment of veterans on military recruitment. He emphasized that poor treatment could deter potential recruits, leading to long-term consequences for military staffing.
The resignations raise important questions about the effectiveness of support systems in place for women veterans. As the government seeks to improve conditions, the experiences of the Women Veterans Council exemplify the urgent need for meaningful engagement and follow-through on sensitive issues affecting female soldiers.
