CITY HALL – Mayor Jim Watson and Coun. Matthew Luloff, Council Liaison for Veteran and Military Issues, launched the new Veterans Task Force – a network of partners working to inspire social responsibility, proactive collaboration and support for veterans and their families.  

The Veterans Task Force aims to support veterans living in Ottawa who are facing challenges with their transition to civilian life.  

“As Canada’s capital city and home to the Department of National Defence, as well as many reserve units, Ottawa is fortunate to have veterans present in all areas of our region,” Mayor Jim Watson released in a statement yesterday (Oct. 28). “The City of Ottawa recognizes we have a role to play to help ensure the well-being of our veterans and their families. I am proud of the work Coun. Luloff has accomplished so far, and I look forward to seeing the results that come out of the Veterans Task Force.” 

The task force aims to create partnerships and networks that will make it easier for veterans and their families to secure housing. It will also encourage Ottawa employers to enhance second-career opportunities for veterans. The task force will advocate for veterans and their families, particularly those not supported by government programs, to receive adequate healthcare, including case-management services.  

Veterans Task Force partners include: 

• Veterans Affairs Canada 
• Military Family Resource Centre – National Capital Region 
• Multifaith Housing Initiative 
• Soldier On 
• Wounded Warriors 
• The Royal Canadian Legion 
• Soldiers Helping Soldiers 
• The Commissionaires and Respect Forum  

In addition to video messages from The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the official launch also introduced André Thivierge, who, along with Luloff, will co-chair the task force. Luloff and Thivierge unveiled the task force logo. 

“Speaking from my own experience in the military, I understand the challenges and barriers many veterans face as they transition from service to civilian life,” Luloff said. “While investments in research have resulted in a far greater understanding of those challenges, there remains much work to be done to provide effective and comprehensive transition support to our military men and women. I want to thank our Veterans Task Force partners as we work towards the goal of better supporting our veterans and their families.” 

For more information about the Veterans Task Force, or to speak to the task force co-chairs, contact D’Arcy McDonell, Veterans Task Force Media Liaison, at darcy.mcdonell@ottawa.ca. 

For more information on city programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).