Unblurring the Lines of Responsibility: The Puzzle of Veteran Service Provision and its Gendered Implications

Abstract

The ever-increasing representation of women in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has sparked discussion about the gendered implications of military-to-civilian transition. Women are now the fastest growing cohort of veterans in Canada and represent nearly 16% of the military. As the demographics of the military change in Canada and elsewhere, so too will the face of veterans. Despite the Government of Canada's clear mandate to include gender-based analysis in all policies and programs, has this really been accomplished in the field of veteran service provision? We grapple with this challenge by problematizing the division of labour in veteran services and programs, examining whether programs have been responsive to gender mainstreaming commitments from the federal government. Finally, we demonstrate how a gender-based analysis can enhance services. We conduct a comprehensive environmental scan and create an original database for veteran services and programs in Ontario. A total of 211 individual programs and service offerings were examined and coded, with 5 found to integrate gender considerations into their program delivery. Our analysis is further supported by focus group data from 52 veterans. In addition to generating important recommendations for veteran service providers and employers tied to our data analysis, we also provide further best practices drawn from the experiences of two close allies, the United States, and Australia.

Women Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police: A scoping review

“…Only 6 have women Veterans as the sole focus. 4,[6][7][8][9][10] Information about RCMP women is less robust than information about CAF women.…”

“…79 One study, which reviewed 211 Veterans' programs and services from a variety of providers in Ontario in 2018, found that only five programs made gender considerations or were specifically for women. 10 The same review found gender-blind or gender-neutral programs and services for Veterans best serve men because they are in the majority and asserts that there is clearly a need for programs and services tailored to the needs of women Veterans.…”

“…Two qualitative sources used focus groups, one of which spoke to Veterans and one to RCMP members. 10,58 One source relied on interviews, which spoke to CAF members. 57 More qualitative research is needed to explore the needs and experiences of women CAF and RCMP Veterans.…”

Canadian Veteran chronic disease prevalence and health services use in the five years following release: a matched retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data

“…Lessons learned from the health and health care use patterns of military Veterans could then be applied in the public health system to improve outcomes in the general population of Canada and support overall population health. As well, further analysis of age, sex and gender differences in Veteran outcomes will be important as our understanding of required supports for members of the military and their families continues to grow [ 61 , 62 ].…”