Women - Veterans Affairs Canada

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Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Prepare for post-service life, training and education, and finding a job.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/education-and-jobs/find-new-job">Find a new job</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Find jobs for Armed Forces Veterans, and other career-related services and information.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/education-and-jobs/prepare-release">Prepare to release</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Learn about services and benefits to help you and your family as you leave the military.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/education-and-jobs/go-back-school">Go back to school</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Get support for education, training and related expenses.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-home" aria-expanded="false" href="#">Housing and home life</a> <ul id="vac-mnu-home" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/housing-and-home-life" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Housing and Home Life - Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Getting help at home, assistance with at-risk housing situations, and long-term care.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/housing-and-home-life/help-home">Help at home</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Get help to remain independent and self-sufficient in your home and your community.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/housing-and-home-life/risk-housing-situation">At-risk housing situation</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Get help if you are experiencing homelessness or your housing situation is unstable.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/housing-and-home-life/long-term-care">Long-Term Care</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Financial support for the costs of long-term care.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-rcmp" aria-expanded="false" href="#"><abbr title="Royal Canadian Mounted Police">RCMP</abbr></a> <ul id="vac-mnu-rcmp" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Options available to you as a member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/disability-pension-programs-and-services">Disability pension programs and services</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Financial payments provided for a service-related illness or injury.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/medical-costs">Medical costs</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Get help paying for healthcare services and expenses related to your health needs.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/talk-professional-now">Talk to a professional now</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Get support right now from a mental health professional by calling 1-800-268-7708.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/talk-someone-who-can-relate">Talk to someone who can relate</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">There are peer support networks for members or Veterans of the CAF or the RCMP living with an operational stress injury (OSI).</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/you-and-your-family">You and your family</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Services for you and your family when you leave the RCMP.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/transition-interview">Transition interview</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Leaving the RCMP can be a big change for you and your family. Schedule a transition interview to learn how we can help.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-member" aria-expanded="false" href="#">Remembrance</a> <ul id="vac-mnu-remembrance" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/remembrance" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Remembrance - Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Veterans want Canadians to understand the price of freedom. They are passing the torch to the people of Canada, so the memory of their sacrifices will continue, and the values they fought for will live on in all of us.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts">Wars and conflicts</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">A closer look at Canada's military history from the South African War to the present.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/people-and-stories">People and stories</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Learn the stories of soldiers, Veterans, volunteers, and others who have served Canada.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/classroom">Classroom materials</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Resources, lesson plans, and activities for the classroom.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/commemorative-events">Commemorative events</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Upcoming events that commemorate the sacrifices of Canadian Veterans.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/medals-decorations">Medals and decorations</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Medals and other decorations that honour Canadians who have served.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/memorials">Memorials</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Memorials and war cemeteries in Canada and around the world that honour Canadians who have served.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/commemorative-events/commemorative-partnership">Funding Programs</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Funding for projects that recognize traditional and modern-day Canadian Veterans and those who died in service.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial">Search for family and friends who died in service</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">The Canadian Virtual War Memorial is a registry of Canadians who died in service to our country.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/remembrance/heroes-remember-interviews">Video interviews</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Explore our collection of Heroes Remember interviews to hear personal stories from those who were there.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/transparency/atippr/Pages/Access-information-military-files.aspx">How to find service records</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Those who wish to access military service records must do so through Library and Archives Canada.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-rights" aria-expanded="false" href="#">Veterans' rights</a> <ul id="vac-mnu-rights" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/veterans-rights" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Veterans' rights - Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Knowing your rights and getting help if you are not satisfied with a decision made by the Department.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/veterans-rights/how-appeal">How to appeal</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Independent assistance if you are not satisfied with a decision made by the Department.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/veterans-rights/veterans-bill-rights">Veterans Bill of Rights</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">An expression of the rights Veterans have long identified as important.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/veterans-rights/access-information-and-privacy">Access to Information and Privacy</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Processes requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/veterans-rights/ethical-issues-and-concerns">Ethical issues and concerns</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">What to do if you believe that a public servant has violated the Values and Ethics Code.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca">Veterans Ombudsman</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Works toward ensuring that Canada's Veterans and their families are recognized and supported in a fair, accessible, and timely manner.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a id="forms-link" role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-forms" aria-expanded="false" href="/en/about-vac/resources/forms">Forms</a> <script> document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () { const formsLink = document.getElementById("forms-link"); if (formsLink) { formsLink.addEventListener("click", function (event) { event.preventDefault(); window.location = "https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/resources/forms"; }); } }); </script> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-about" aria-expanded="false" href="#">About VAC</a> <ul id="vac-mnu-about" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/about-vac" class="menu-type menu-header h2">About VAC - Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">What we do, who we are, news releases, legislation and research</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/who-we-are">Who we are</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Departmental officials and the organizational structure.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/what-we-do">Our values</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">A closer look at the core values that guide our business approach for the delivery of programs and services to our clients and stakeholders.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/public-engagement">Public engagement</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">To seek consultation on issues of importance to Veterans and their families.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/what-we-do/resources">Resources</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Additional information and tools related to services and benefits from the Department.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/what-we-do/research">Research</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Access to the Research Directorate and information about funding.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/reports-policies-and-legislation">Reports, policies and legistlation</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Find reports, legislation and policies for departmental programs and services.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/jobs-veterans-affairs-canada">Jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Explore open jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/about-vac/terms-and-conditions">Terms and conditions</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Summarizes the privacy policy and practices used on the website.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-news" aria-expanded="false" href="#">News and media</a> <ul id="vac-mnu-news" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/news-and-media" class="menu-type menu-header h2">News and media - Page principale <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Media relations contact, news releases, articles, backgrounders, facts and figures.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/alerts">Alerts</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Notices about service disruptions, class actions or other issues that may impact Veterans or the Department of Veterans Affairs.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/services-and-benefits-videos">Services and Benefits videos</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Rehabilitation services can improve your health and help you adjust to life at home, in your community or at work.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/submit-access-information-and-privacy-atip-requests">Submit Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) requests</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Make requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1497023592283&typ=newsreleases&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=">News releases</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">News Releases are used to give details about an announcement, event or key milestone.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1497023539392&typ=backgrounders&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=">Backgrounders</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Backgrounders provide background or context information on a topic of interest.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1497023567687&typ=mediaadvisories&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=">Media advisories</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Media Advisories are used to inform media of an upcoming event, giving details of who, what, when, where, and why.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/media-kits">Media kits</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Information packages for media.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1622657048512&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=">Statements</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">A statement replaces a news release if there will not be an event. The statement itself embodies the event (it is the announcement that would have occurred at an event) that the news release would have otherwise described.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/articles">Articles for Veterans and families</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Discover articles about Veterans and their journey from service to civilian life, and of the people or organizations who support them.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/salute">Salute!</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Salute! is now a monthly e-newsletter.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/facts-and-figures">Facts and Figures</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Current and forecasted statistics about Veterans and other clients of Veterans Affairs Canada.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/news-and-media/infographics-and-infobytes">Infographics</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Visual representations presented in a straightforward and engaging manner.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive-search/news-results.html?_=1497023342709&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=">Search for archived news articles</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Search for all archived news products from 2015 and earlier.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="vac-mnu-contact" aria-expanded="false" href="#">Contact us</a> <ul id="vac-mnu-contact" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical" class="row"> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" href="/en/contact" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Contact us - Main page <span class="mrgn-lft-sm fa fa-angle-right" title="expand"></span></a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm"><strong>Call toll-free: 1-866-522-2122</strong></p> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30, local time.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/contact-us/emergency">Is this an emergency?</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Mental health, financial, homeless, and family issues.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/contact-us/my-vac-account">My <abbr title="Veterans Affairs Canada">VAC</abbr> Acccount</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">A simple and secure way to do business online.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/contact-us/talk-mental-health-professional">Talk to a mental health professional</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">The VAC Assistance Service provides free and confidential psychological support that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/contact#office">Find a location nearest you</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Area Offices, CAF Transition Centres, Bureau of Pensions Advocates and Service Canada Centres.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <hr class="hidden-xs" /> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/contact#other">Other inquiries</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Services and Benefits, ATIP, BPAs, Media relations, Learning resources, Outsite of Canada?</p> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-md-6"> <a role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" class="h3" href="/en/contact-us/help">Help</a> <p class="hidden-xs hidden-sm">Our web site has been designed to provide you with different ways to find information on our programs and services.</p> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <div id="vac-mva" class="col-lg-4 col-md-5 col-sm-6 col-xs-7 pull-right mva-container"> <p class="wb-inv">My VAC Account / Mon dossier ACC</p> <a class="btn btn-success pull-right mva-button" href="/eng/e_services?utm_source=header&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=MVA"><span class="fas fa-folder-open mrgn-rght-md" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"></span><span class="small">My VAC Account</span></a> </div> 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open="open"> <summary><h3 class="h6 mrgn-tp-xl text-gold">Women in the Canadian military</h3></summary> <ol class="mrgn-tp-md mrgn-lft-md mrgn-rght-md list-unstyled lst-spcd"> <li><a href="#00">Introduction</a></li> <li><a href="#01">The First World War</a></li> <li><a href="#02">The Second World War</a></li> <li><a href="#03">Women's stories</a></li> <li><a href="#04">Post-Second World War</a></li> <li><a href="#05">Sacrifice</a></li> <li><a href="#06">Legacy</a></li> <li><a href="#08">Women's memorials</a></li> </ol> </details> </div> </div> </div> <div id="lesson-plans" class="mrgn-bttm-md hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <h2 class="h3 mrgn-bttm-0">Classroom materials</h2> <p class="small mrgn-tp-0 mrgn-lft-sm"><a href="/eng/remembrance/classroom/">Classroom materials main page</a></p> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-container"> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-parent brdr-bttm-blue-grey article panel panel-default"> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-icon"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/gen/icon-lesson-bookmark.svg" alt="" class="img-responsive mrgn-tp-md mrgn-bttm-md" /> </div> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-text"> <h3 class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-md">Lesson plan - Ages 12-18</h3> <p class="h4 mrgn-tp-sm mrgn-rght-md pddg-lft-0"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/information-for/educators/learning-modules/women-and-war/military">Women in the Canadian military</a> </p> </div> </div> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-parent brdr-bttm-blue-grey article panel panel-default"> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-icon"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/gen/icon-lesson-bookmark.svg" alt="" class="img-responsive mrgn-tp-md mrgn-bttm-md" /> </div> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-text"> <h3 class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-md">Lesson plan - Ages 12-18</h3> <p class="h4 mrgn-tp-sm mrgn-rght-md pddg-lft-0"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/information-for/educators/learning-modules/women-and-war/homefront">Rationing in Canada and Home Front War Posters</a> </p> </div> </div> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-parent brdr-bttm-blue-grey article panel panel-default"> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-icon"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/gen/icon-lesson-bookmark.svg" alt="" class="img-responsive mrgn-tp-md mrgn-bttm-md" /> </div> <div class="widget-lesson-plan-text"> <h3 class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-md">Lesson plan - Ages 12-18</h3> <p class="h4 mrgn-tp-sm mrgn-rght-md pddg-lft-0"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/information-for/educators/learning-modules/women-and-war/remembrance-dog-tags-women">Remembrance Dog Tags Lest We Forget Her: Canadian women who have died in service</a> </p> </div> </div> <hr class="visible-sm visible-xs"> <div class="mrgn-tp-md"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/360x110-timeline-women-in-uniform.jpg" class="img-responsive full-width bg-light-grey" alt="Two pilots in green military uniforms holding flight helmets. In the background is a yellow helicopter."> <a href="/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/women-veterans/timeline"><h3 class="h4 mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-tp-md">Timeline – Women in uniform</h3></a> <p class="small">Women have been members of the Canadian military since the late 19<sup>th</sup> century. Explore a timeline of this proud tradition of service. </p> </div> <div class="mrgn-tp-md"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/360x110-nursing-sisters-arromanches.png" class="img-responsive full-width bg-light-grey" alt=""> <a href="/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/women-veterans/nursing-sisters"><h3 class="h4 mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-tp-md">Canadian Nursing Sisters</h3></a> <p class="small">Canadian women's first military contributions were as nurses who tended to the sick and wounded in times of conflict. They were called "Nursing Sisters".</p> </div> <div class="mrgn-tp-md"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/360x110-war-brides.png" class="img-responsive full-width bg-light-grey" alt=""> <a href="/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/canadian-war-brides"><h3 class="h4 mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-tp-md">Canadian War Brides</h3></a> <p class="small">The term "war bride" refers to the estimated 48,000 young women who met and married Canadian servicemen during the Second World War.</p> </div> <div class="mrgn-tp-md"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/360x110-canadian-red-cross.png" class="img-responsive full-width bg-light-grey" alt=""> <a href="/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/red-cross"><h3 class="h4 mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-tp-md">Canadian Red Cross</h3></a> <p class="small">The Canadian Red Cross is a well-known organization that has long helped those in need. Its history is intertwined with our country's military efforts and many Canadians volunteered with the Red Cross during the war years.</p> </div> <div class="mrgn-tp-md"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/360x110-nursing-sisters-margaret-lowe-funeral.png" class="img-responsive full-width bg-light-grey" alt=""> <a href="/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/women-veterans/fallen"><h3 class="h4 mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-tp-md">Lest we forget her</h3></a> <p class="small">Canadian women who have died in service.</p> </div> <div class="mrgn-tp-md"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/360x110-women-videos.jpg" class="img-responsive full-width bg-light-grey" alt=""> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/women/interviews"><h3 class="h4 mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-tp-md">Videos</h3></a> <p class="small"></p> </div> <div id="historical-sheet" class="row mrgn-bttm-lg hidden-sm hidden-xs"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/500x250-skyhawks.jpg" alt="" class="historical-sheet-thumb img-responsive mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-md" /> <div class="historical-sheet-container "> <div class="mrgn-tp-md mrgn-rght-md mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-lft-md "> <h2 class="h6 mrgn-tp-md mrgn-bttm-sm">historical sheet</h2> <h3 class="h4 mrgn-tp-0 mrgn-bttm-lg">Women in the Canadian military</h3> <a href="/pdf/features/women/whm-fhm.pdf" class="btn-primary-outline btn btn-block" onclick="ga('send', 'event', 'PDF', 'Download', 'Women in the Canadian military');" rel="external"> <span class="fas fa-arrow-down mrgn-rght-sm"></span> Open PDF </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-xs-12"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/500x250-cecilia-butler.jpg" alt="" class="historical-sheet-thumb img-responsive mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-md" /> <div class="historical-sheet-container "> <div class="mrgn-tp-md mrgn-rght-md mrgn-bttm-md mrgn-lft-md "> <h2 class="h6 mrgn-tp-md mrgn-bttm-sm">historical sheet</h2> <h3 class="h4 mrgn-tp-0 mrgn-bttm-lg">Women on the home front</h3> <a href="/pdf/features/women/whh-fhf.pdf" class="btn-primary-outline btn btn-block" onclick="ga('send', 'event', 'PDF', 'Download', 'Women on the home front');" rel="external"> <span class="fas fa-arrow-down mrgn-rght-sm"></span> Open PDF </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="RightColumnDiv" class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-8"> <div class=""> <h1 id="wb-cont" class="mrgn-tp-xl mrgn-bttm-sm pddg-all-0">Women</h1> <p class="lead mrgn-bttm-lg">In the face of distinct challenges, women have proven their commitment to Canada's freedom with their dedication and bravery.</p> <div class="mrgn-bttm-md"> <span class="h6 mrgn-rght-sm">Share:</span> <a href="javascript:Void(0);" data-sharer="facebook" aria-label="Facebook" data-url="http://205.193.120.2/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/women"><span class="fab fa-facebook-f share-button text-light-purple"></span></a> <a href="javascript:Void(0);" data-sharer="twitter" aria-label="Twitter" data-title="Women - Veterans Affairs Canada" data-url="http://205.193.120.2/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/women"><span class="fab fa-twitter share-button text-light-purple"></span></a> <a href="javascript:Void(0);" data-sharer="email" aria-label="Email" data-title="Women - Veterans Affairs Canada" data-url="http://205.193.120.2/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/women" data-subject="Women - Veterans Affairs Canada" data-to=""><span class="fas fa-share share-button text-light-purple"></span></a> </div>  <div class="content-img-wrapper"> <img class="img-responsive full-width" src="/images/feature/women/military_sheet1.jpg" alt="Nursing Sisters voting at a Canadian Hospital in France"> <div class="caption bg-light-grey"> <p>Photo: Nursing Sisters at a Canadian Hospital in France voting in the Canadian federal election. December 1917. Credit: Library and Archives Canada PA-002279</p> </div> </div>  <h2 id="00">Women in the Canadian military</h2> <h3>Introduction</h3> <p>Canadian women have played an important role in our country's military efforts over the years, overcoming many barriers to serve in uniform as nurses and in an expanding variety of other roles. This service continues today, with women now serving in all Canadian Armed Forces trades.</p> <p>.</p> <div class=""> <figure class="wb-mltmd mrgn-bttm-0"> <video poster="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/multimedia-center/Women-in-War.jpg" title="Canadian women and war"> <source type="video/mp4" src="http://video.vac-acc.gc.ca/social-media/VAC_2015_RM_Women_in_War_Full_Eng_Final_HD_1.mp4" /> <track src="https://veterans.gc.ca/video/multimedia-center/4.0/html5/videofile-11276.html" kind="captions" data-type="text/html" srclang="en" label="English" /> </video> </figure> </div> <h3 id="01">The First World War</h3> <p>Canadian women's first military contributions were as nurses who tended to the sick and wounded in times of conflict. They were called <a href="/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/women-veterans/nursing-sisters">"Nursing Sisters"</a> because they were originally drawn from the ranks of religious orders. More than 2,800 Canadian Nursing Sisters served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the <a href="/eng/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/first-world-war/">First World War</a>, often close to the front lines of Europe and within range of enemy attack. With their blue dresses and white veils, they were nicknamed the "bluebirds" and were greatly respected because of their compassion and courage. Canadian women were not permitted to serve in other military roles during the First World War.</p>  <div class="content-img-wrapper"> <img class="img-responsive full-width" src="/images/feature/women/military_sheet2.jpg" alt="A Wren operates Direction Fiding equipment"> <div class="caption bg-light-grey"> <p>A "Wren" operating Direction Finding equipment at HMCS Coverdale station near Moncton, New Brunswick. August 1945. Photo: Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada PA-142540.</p> </div> </div>  <h3 id="02">The Second World War</h3> <p>The <a href="/eng/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/">Second World War</a> would see Canadian women returning to serve again as nursing sisters. This time, approximately 4,500 nurses were attached to all three branches of Canada's military, with more than two-thirds of them serving overseas. Second World War nursing sisters wore a military uniform with a traditional white veil. These young women were commissioned officers and were respectfully addressed as "Sister" or "Ma'am." In fact, Canada's military nurses were the first in any Allied country to have officer status. Canadian women would also serve in other military roles during the war, however, and some 50,000 eventually enlisted in the air force, army and navy.</p> <ul> <li> <h4>Royal Canadian Air Force - Women's Division (RCAF-WD)</h4> <p>On July 2, 1941 the Women's Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was created—a first for our country. By the end of the war it totalled some 17,000 members. The RCAF did not train their female recruits to be flying instructors or combatants (indeed, the spirit of their participation is best described by the division's slogan, "We serve that men may fly"). They were initially trained for clerical, administrative and support roles. As the war continued, however, women would also work in other positions like parachute riggers and laboratory assistants, and even in the very male-dominated electrical and mechanical trades. Many RCAF-WD members were sent to Great Britain to serve with Canadian squadrons and headquarters there.</p> </li> <li> <h4>Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC)</h4> <p>The CWAC was officially established on August 13, 1941 and by war's end, it had some 21,000 members. Initially, CWAC members' duties were quite traditional and they worked as cooks, cleaners, tailors and medical assistants. However, these duties would expand to include more traditionally male jobs such as driving trucks and ambulances, and working as mechanics and radar operators. While most CWACs served in Canada, three companies of female soldiers were posted overseas in 1943.</p> </li> <li> <h4>Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS)</h4> <p>The <a href="/eng/video-gallery/video/5609">Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service</a> (whose members were familiarly known as the "Wrens" after the nickname of their British Royal Navy counterparts), was officially established on July 31, 1942. The last Canadian military branch to recruit women, the Wrens grew to number some 7,000. They initially performed clerical and administrative tasks so more men could be made available for duty at sea. Eventually, Wrens would expand on these roles as well to do things like being on-shore radar operators and coding technicians.</p> </li> </ul> <div id="03"> <hr class="mrgn-tp-lg"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-12"> <h3 class="mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-0">Women's stories</h3> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories" class="small">People and stories main page</a> <div class="mrgn-tp-0 glide glide-2"> <div class="glide__track" data-glide-el="track"> <ul class="glide__slides"> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/maryse-carmichael/maryse-carmichael-profile-510x340.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/maryse-carmichael/maryse-carmichael-profile-510x340.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/maryse-carmichael"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/maryse-carmichael/maryse-carmichael-profile-510x340.jpg" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Maryse Carmichael</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">For a young Maryse Carmicheal, the sky wasn’t the limit—it was only the beginning. </p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/joan-buchanan-340x510.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/joan-buchanan-340x510.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/they-proudly-served/joan-buchanan"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/joan-buchanan-340x510.jpg" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Sergeant (Ret’d) Joan Buchanan</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">Joan Buchanan immigrated to Toronto from Jamaica when she was 17 years old. She later joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Her military career was both rewarding and challenging.</p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/joceylne-eastman/jocelyne-eastman-profile-510x340.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/joceylne-eastman/jocelyne-eastman-profile-510x340.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/jocelyne-eastman"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/joceylne-eastman/jocelyne-eastman-profile-510x340.jpg" alt="Raymond Goodchild" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Jocelyne Eastman</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">“We sacrificed equally. And some of us lost our lives equally.”</p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh-profile.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh-profile.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh/ellanore-parker-murney-pugh-profile.jpg" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Ellanore Parker and Murney Pugh</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">The couple served together at hospitals in France during the First World War where they helped soldiers wounded on the Western Front. </p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/miriam-freedman-thumb.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/miriam-freedman-thumb.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/miriam-freedman"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/miriam-freedman-thumb.jpg" alt="Miriam 'Mimi' Freedman" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Miriam "Mimi" Freedman</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">Eager to do her part upon the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, Miriam Freedman joined the London Ambulance Service in England in the opening weeks of the conflict. She would later join the Canadian Women's Army Corps as a driver. </p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/mary-laura-wong.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/mary-laura-wong.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/mary-laura-wong"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/mary-laura-wong.jpg" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Mary Laura Wong</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">Mary Laura Wong (Mah) enlisted with the CWAC (Canadian Women's Army Corps) in Vancouver, British Columbia where she was employed as a teletype keyboard operator.</p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/340x510-maxine-bredt.png')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/340x510-maxine-bredt.png'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/history/faces-of-freedom/maxine-bredt"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/340x510-maxine-bredt.png" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Lieutenant (Ret'd) Maxine Llewellyn Bredt</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">Maxine Llewellyn Bredt served while Canada was at war, over seven decades ago, and she has been a relentless volunteer for her fellow Veterans since then.</p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/naomi-fong-340x510.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/naomi-fong-340x510.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/naomi-fong"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/naomi-fong-340x510.jpg" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Bombardier (Corporal) – (Ret’d) Naomi Fong</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">Naomi Fong always aspired to serve her country and community. She enlisted in the Army Reserve while studying to be a paramedic. She served in uniform for almost ten years.</p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide"> <div class="article panel mrgn-tp-md"> <div class="veteran-profile" style="url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/patti-gray/patti-gray-profile.jpg')"> <div style="position:relative; background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(46, 46, 64, 0), rgba(46, 46, 64, 1)),url('https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/patti-gray/patti-gray-profile.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 100% 100%;"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/patti-gray"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/remembrance/people-and-stories/patti-gray/patti-gray-profile.jpg" alt="" class="img img-responsive full-width" style="position: relative; z-index:-1"> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pddg-all-lg"> <h4 class="h3 text-white" style="z-index:0">Patti Gray</h4> <p class="text-white small" style="z-index:0">Recognition and fulfillment in life after service, and after a long journey.</p> <div class="pstn-bttm-xs pstn-rght-xs" style="z-index:1; width: 0px; height: 0px; border-top: 60px solid transparent; border-bottom: 60px solid transparent; border-left: 60px solid #57BD84; transform: rotate(45deg) translate(50px, 21px);"> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <hr> </div> <h3 id="04">Post-Second World War</h3> <p>After the Second World War, the Canadian military shut down the women's organizations. With the onset of the Cold War and the <a href="/eng/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/korean-war/">Korean War</a>, however, the military soon faced a shortage of personnel and some 5,000 women were again actively recruited. While only a handful of nursing sisters were sent to Korea, some servicewomen back in Canada filled the same kinds of roles they had during the Second World War. Their numbers began to decline in the mid-1950s, however, as new technology reduced the requirement for personnel in many trades.</p>  <div class="content-img-wrapper"> <img class="img-responsive full-width" src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/RCAF.jpg" alt=""> <div class="caption bg-light-grey"> <p>An important aspect of the Korean War was the return of Canadian and American wounded, who were supported by nurses from the USAF, USN and RCAF. RCAF nurse, F/O Joan Drummond (left), and USAF nurses watch medical attendants care for a wounded soldier.</p> <p>Photo: Department of National Defence</p> </div> </div>  <p>With the unification and modernization of the Canadian military in the late 1960s, the doors finally began to open for good for women to enlist and enter non-traditional roles. Today, women deploy on combat missions, captain vessels and command flying squadrons—their career paths as open as those of men.</p> <h3 id="05">Sacrifice</h3> <p>Canadian women who chose to serve in the cause of peace and freedom during the war years had to endure and overcome the inequalities of the Canadian society of the day. For example, women's pay remained lower than that of men of similar rank during the Second World War and military women sometimes faced criticism from those who felt that a woman's place was in the home.</p> <p>When women chose to enlist in the military, they also volunteered to potentially put themselves in dangerous situations where their lives were on the line. Canada's nursing sisters in particular found themselves in peril, as they often served in field hospitals close to the fighting. More than 40 of these brave women died during the First World War, losing their lives in enemy bombardments of field hospitals, attacks on shipping and due to the sickness that often comes with the harsh conditions of war. The Second World War would see many more women participate in the military with one nursing sister, Sub-Lieutenant Agnes Wilkie, dying when the ferry SS Caribou was torpedoed by a German U-boat while crossing from Cape Breton to Newfoundland. Seven RCAF-WD members also died in service during the war.</p> <p>These dangers continue today as the evolving roles of women in the Canadian Armed Forces move them into perilous new duties. Captain Nicola Goddard, a forward artillery observer, died in a firefight in <a href="/eng/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/afghanistan/">Afghanistan</a> in 2006. She was the first Canadian woman to be killed while serving in a combat role.</p>  <div class="content-img-wrapper"> <img class="img-responsive full-width" src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/Goddard.jpg" alt=""> <div class="caption bg-light-grey"> <p>Captain Nichola Goddard. Photo: Department of National Defence.</p> </div> </div>  <h3 id="06">Legacy</h3> <p>During the First and Second World Wars, many women felt they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enlist and help their country in any way that was needed. Their changing roles during these turbulent years helped lead to great changes in the way society looked at women. Their service and sacrifice during the First World War helped influence the decision to grant federal voting rights to many Canadian women in 1917. The efforts of these pioneering women helped open the door for the women who now serve in a broad array of roles in the Canadian Armed Forces today.</p>  <div class="content-img-wrapper"> <img class="img-responsive full-width" src="/images/image-gallery/websized/image162.jpg" alt=""> <div class="caption bg-light-grey"> <p>Sergeant Viviane Jean Baptiste of the 34th Field Engineer Regiment helps the Canadian Armed Forces medical team by translating the symptoms of the patients who require treatment due to the earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010.</p> <p>Photo: Department of National Defence</p> </div> </div>  <div id="08"> <hr> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-12"> <h2 class="mrgn-bttm-0 mrgn-tp-0">Women's memorials</h2> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/" class="small">Memorials main page</a> <div class="glide glide-2"> <div class="glide__track" data-glide-el="track"> <ul class="glide__slides wb-eqht mrgn-tp-md mrgn-bttm-md"> <li class="glide__slide brdr-tp"> <div class="hght-inhrt brdr-bttm-primary brdr-thin-tp-blue-grey brdr-thin-rght-blue-grey brdr-thin-left-blue-grey article panel"> <div style="position:relative"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/9363"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/veterans/550x375-nursing-memorial.png" alt="" class="full-width img-responsive "> </a> </div> <div class="mrgn-lft-lg mrgn-rght-lg mrgn-bttm-lg"> <p class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0"><span class="text-jade fa fa-map-marker mrgn-rght-sm"></span>Ottawa, Ontario, Canada</p> <h4 class="h3 mrgn-tp-md"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/9363">Nurses' Memorial</a> </h4> <p>Located in Parliament Hill's Hall of Honour, the Nurses' Memorial honours nurses' contributions to Canada, including the Nursing Sisters who gave their lives in the First World War.</p> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide brdr-tp"> <div class="hght-inhrt brdr-bttm-primary brdr-thin-tp-blue-grey brdr-thin-rght-blue-grey brdr-thin-left-blue-grey article panel"> <div style="position:relative"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/4547"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/remembrance/memorials/550x375-memorial-elizabeth-smellie-plaque.jpg" alt="" class="full-width img-responsive "> </a> </div> <div class="mrgn-lft-lg mrgn-rght-lg mrgn-bttm-lg"> <p class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0"><span class="text-jade fa fa-map-marker mrgn-rght-sm"></span>Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada</p> <h4 class="h3 mrgn-tp-md"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/4547">Colonel Elizabeth Smellie Plaque</a> </h4> <p>This plaque was erected in 1975. It is dedicated to Colonel Elizabeth Smellie.</p> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide brdr-tp"> <div class="hght-inhrt brdr-bttm-primary brdr-thin-tp-blue-grey brdr-thin-rght-blue-grey brdr-thin-left-blue-grey article panel"> <div style="position:relative"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/8363"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/remembrance/memorials/550x375-memorial-dutch-tulip-celebration-garden.jpg" alt="" class="full-width img-responsive "> </a> </div> <div class="mrgn-lft-lg mrgn-rght-lg mrgn-bttm-lg"> <p class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0"><span class="text-jade fa fa-map-marker mrgn-rght-sm"></span>Ottawa, Ontario, Canada</p> <h4 class="h3 mrgn-tp-md"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/8363">Dutch Tulip Celebration Garden</a> </h4> <p>This memorial is dedicated to the Canadian Nursing Sisters of the Second World War and Sharon Nield (Director nursing Policy 1943-2002).</p> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide brdr-tp"> <div class="hght-inhrt brdr-bttm-primary brdr-thin-tp-blue-grey brdr-thin-rght-blue-grey brdr-thin-left-blue-grey article panel"> <div style="position:relative"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/5507"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/remembrance/memorials/550x375-memorial-women-army-corps.jpg" alt="" class="full-width img-responsive "> </a> </div> <div class="mrgn-lft-lg mrgn-rght-lg mrgn-bttm-lg"> <p class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0"><span class="text-jade fa fa-map-marker mrgn-rght-sm"></span>Kitchener, Ontario, Canada</p> <h4 class="h3 mrgn-tp-md"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/5507">Canadian Women's Army Corps Memorial Monument</a> </h4> <p>Located in Kitchener, Ontario, the Canadian Women's Army Corps Memorial Monument honours the women who served in the CWAC between 1941 and 1945.</p> </div> </div> </li> <li class="glide__slide brdr-tp"> <div class="hght-inhrt brdr-bttm-primary brdr-thin-tp-blue-grey brdr-thin-rght-blue-grey brdr-thin-left-blue-grey article panel"> <div style="position:relative"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/6350"> <img src="https://public.cdn.cloud.veterans.gc.ca/images/2019-redesign-remembrance/remembrance/memorials/550x375-memorial-women-naval-service.jpg" alt="" class="full-width img-responsive "> </a> </div> <div class="mrgn-lft-lg mrgn-rght-lg mrgn-bttm-lg"> <p class="h6 mrgn-bttm-0"><span class="text-jade fa fa-map-marker mrgn-rght-sm"></span>Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada</p> <h4 class="h3 mrgn-tp-md"> <a href="/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/6350">Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service Memorial</a> </h4> <p>Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this memorial is dedicated to the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS).</p> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <hr> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> </div> </div>  </section> <div class="pagedetails container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 mrgn-tp-md"> <dl id="wb-dtmd"> <dt>Date modified: </dt> <dd class="small"><time property="dateModified">2024-11-08</time></dd> </dl> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 wb-share" data-wb-share='{"lnkClass": "btn btn-primary pull-right"}'></div> </div> </div> </main> <footer id="wb-info" class="animated fadeIn"> <div class="container mrgn-bttm-xl"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-4"> <nav class="col-x-12 wb-navcurr" aria-labelledby="aboutvacnav"> <h3 id="aboutvacnav">About <abbr title="Veterans Affairs Canada">VAC</abbr></h3> <ul class="list-unstyled mrgn-bttm-xl"> <li><a href="/eng/about-vac/what-we-do/accessibility">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="/eng/about-vac/news-media">News and media</a></li> <li><a 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Call us.</h3> <p><a href="tel:18665222122" class="btn btn-default btn-block">Toll-free: 1-866-522-2122</a> <a href="tel:18339210071" class="btn btn-default btn-block">TDD/TTY: 1-833-921-0071</a></p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <h3>Have feedback for VAC?</h3> <p><a href="https://letstalkveterans.ca/" class="btn btn-default btn-block">Let's Talk Veterans</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <h3>VAC Assistance Service</h3> <p class="mrgn-bttm-lg text-off-white">The <a href="/eng/contact/talk-to-a-professional">VAC Assistance Service</a> can provide you with psychological support. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is for Veterans, former RCMP members, their families, and caregivers and is provided at no cost. You do not need to be a client of VAC to receive services.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <p><a href="tel:18002687708" class="btn btn-default btn-block">Toll-free: 1-800-268-7708</a></p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"> <p><a href="tel:18005675803" class="btn btn-default btn-block">TDD/TTY: 1-800-567-5803</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <h3>Contact the Veterans Ombudsman</h3> <p class="mrgn-bttm-lg text-off-white">You have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy by Veterans Affairs Canada. If you feel that any of your rights have not been upheld or a decision is unfair, you have the right to <a href="https://ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/en/contact-us">make a complaint to the Veterans Ombud</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="brand"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <nav class="col-sm-9 col-md-10 ftr-urlt-lnk" aria-labelledby="aboutnav"> <h2 id="aboutnav" class="wb-inv">About this site</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/eng/help">Help</a></li> <li><a href="/eng/resources/stay-connected/social-media">Social media</a></li> <li><a href="/eng/resources/stay-connected/mobile-app">Mobile applications</a></li> <li><a href="/eng/about-vac/terms-and-conditions">Terms and conditions</a></li> <li><a href="/eng/about-vac/terms-and-conditions#privacy_notice">Privacy</a></li> </ul> </nav> <div class="col-xs-6 visible-xs text-left mrgn-tp-sm"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="/GCWeb/assets/2018-redesign/Canada_wordmark.svg" alt="Symbol of the Government of Canada"></a> </div> <div class="hidden-xs col-sm-3 col-md-2 text-right mrgn-tp-sm"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="/GCWeb/assets/2018-redesign/Canada_wordmark.svg" alt="Symbol of the Government of Canada"></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </body>  <script src="/GCWeb/slick/slick.min.js"></script> <script src="/js/glide-js/glide.min.js"></script> <script defer src="/js/glide-js/glidejs-sliders-init-script.js"></script>    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/GCWeb_5.0.1/GCWeb/css/wet-boew.min.css" type="text/css">    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/2018-redesign/2020-redesign-custom-min.css" type="text/css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/2018-redesign/2019-custom-animations-min.css" type="text/css">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/GCWeb/slick/slick-min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/GCWeb/slick/slick-theme-min.css">   <noscript> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/noscript.min.css"></noscript>  <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/sharer/sharer.min.js"></script>   <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/top-min.js"></script> <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/slide-anims-min.js"></script> <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/search-eng-min.js"></script> <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/fontawesome/solid.min.js"></script> <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/fontawesome/fontawesome.min.js"></script> <script defer src="/js/2019-redesign/fontawesome/brands-redux.min.js"></script> <script src="https://kit.fontawesome.com/e7e22bdcff.js" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/2018-redesign/animate/animate-redux.min.css"> <script src="/GCWeb_5.0.1/js/wet-boew.min.js"></script> <script src="/GCWeb_5.0.1/js/theme.min.js"></script> <script> $(window).on('load', function () { /* First CSS File */ var delaySheet = document.createElement('link'); delaySheet.rel = 'stylesheet'; delaySheet.href = '/css/jquery-ui/1.12.1/jquery-ui.min.css'; delaySheet.type = 'text/css'; var godelay = document.getElementsByTagName('link')[0]; godelay.parentNode.insertBefore(delaySheet, godelay); /* Third CSS File */ var delaySheet3 = document.createElement('link'); delaySheet3.rel = 'stylesheet'; delaySheet3.href = '/css/2018-redesign/timeline-min.css'; delaySheet3.type = 'text/css'; var godelay3 = document.getElementsByTagName('link')[0]; godelay3.parentNode.insertBefore(delaySheet3, godelay3); /* Fourth CSS File */ var delaySheet4 = document.createElement('link'); delaySheet4.rel = 'stylesheet'; delaySheet4.href = 'https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Merriweather%7CBarlow:600%7C'; delaySheet4.type = 'text/css'; var godelay4 = document.getElementsByTagName('link')[0]; godelay4.parentNode.insertBefore(delaySheet4, godelay4); /* Fifth CSS File */ var delaySheet5 = document.createElement('link'); delaySheet5.rel = 'stylesheet'; delaySheet5.href = '/GCWeb_5.0.1/GCWeb/css/theme/theme-desktop.min.css'; delaySheet5.type = 'text/css'; var godelay5 = document.getElementsByTagName('link')[0]; godelay5.parentNode.insertBefore(delaySheet5, godelay5); /* Sixth CSS File */ var delaySheet6 = document.createElement('link'); delaySheet6.rel = 'stylesheet'; delaySheet6.href = '/css/2019-redesign-remembrance/newStyle.css'; delaySheet6.type = 'text/css'; var godelay6 = document.getElementsByTagName('link')[0]; godelay5.parentNode.insertBefore(delaySheet6, godelay6); $( ".wb-eqht" ).trigger( "wb-update.wb-eqht" ); }); </script> </html>

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