Five members of the Women Veterans Council within the Canadian Armed Forces have resigned due to what they perceive as a lack of necessary conditions to carry out meaningful and impactful work. The council, consisting of 12 members, was established last year following a recommendation in the 2024 Invisible No More Report. This report highlighted the neglect of unique medical and physical needs of female veterans by military and veterans programs.
Jessica Miller, one of the departing CAF members, expressed concerns about ongoing sex-based discrimination within the government and armed forces, emphasizing the insufficient attention given to the Invisible No More recommendations. In an open letter to the Canadian women veterans community, the five resigning members cited a lack of clear mandate, engagement mechanisms, decision-making influence, and dedicated resources hindering their effectiveness.
Miller, a retired sergeant from Sweets Corner, N.S., described the council’s early promise to address long-neglected areas concerning women, such as improved equipment, disability support, and women’s health issues. However, she highlighted the council’s inability to engage meaningfully with the community due to restrictions like non-disclosure agreements and lack of direct communication channels.
The departing members expressed feeling marginalized and undervalued, especially given their diverse expertise within the council. They raised concerns about inadequate responses from government officials and a perceived disconnect between promises of collaboration and the reality of their operational limitations. The Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada acknowledged the resignations and thanked the departing members for their contributions while affirming a commitment to addressing challenges faced by women veterans.
Conservative MP Blake Richards noted a concerning pattern of members leaving advisory roles within the armed forces, suggesting a lack of effective action and respect for their input. The departure of these council members raises questions about the effectiveness and inclusivity of veteran support mechanisms within the Canadian military.