Veterans in Ontario

A Veteran is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has completed basic training and was released from service.

  • 149,200
    approximate number of Veterans residing in Ontario

Employment and financial assistance

Ontario Public Service jobs

You have a wide range of skills and experience, including high-quality leadership and team-building skills, that are valued in government. As a Veteran, you can apply to internal (“restricted”) competitions for non-represented (for example, non-unionized) positions in the Ontario Public Service (OPS).

Employment Ontario

Access to free training programs and employment services. Employment Ontario services are free and available online, via live chat, phone or in person at hundreds of service offices across Ontario.

Jobs in the skilled trades

If you have a Canadian Forces Certificate of Military Achievement with a Qualification Level 5 (QL5) or Developmental Period 2 (DP2) rating in 1 of 9 eligible military trades, you can apply to have it matched to a civilian trade through a streamlined Trade Equivalency Assessment with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).

Financial assistance

The Soldiers’ Aid Commission provides financial assistance to Ontario’s eligible Veterans and their families in financial need.  Learn more about the financial assistance available and find out if you’re eligible.

Eligible Veterans and family members can apply for assistance with:

  • employment supports
  • housing
  • housing-related items
  • health-related items
  • specialized equipment and assistive devices to support mobility or health and safety
  • personal items and services
  • basic needs such as clothing and personal care products

Programs, services and supports

Military families: services and support

Find services to help military families get settled in Ontario, including our assistance hotline, how to obtain a driver’s licence or a health card, and information on vehicle registration, job opportunities, schools and more.

Find mental health support

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Learn about supports available to you, and how to get help when you need it.

Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offers financial assistance, services and benefits to qualifying:

  • current members of the CAF and RCMP
  • former members of the CAF and RCMP
  • families of current and former members of the CAF and RCMP

You can apply for disability benefits, financial benefits, rehabilitation, pension advocacy, education and training supports.

There are health, financial and family supports available, with benefits for survivors, homelessness prevention support, mental health resources and more.

To get more information:

True Patriot Love Foundation

Canada’s foundation for the military community, working to support military members, Veterans, and their families at every stage of your journey.

Find other benefits and programs

Find out what benefits and services may be available for you and your family, including survivors and caregivers.
Search for:

Housing

Find your local service manager

Find contact information to access housing programs in your municipality or district.

Apply for Long-Term Care

Find information about the process of applying to long-term care homes in Ontario. Beds in some long-term care homes are designated as Veterans’ priority access beds.

In Ottawa there is also a specialized unit for Veterans.

Veterans who served in the Second World War or Korea have less stringent admission criteria for regular long-stay beds than other applicants to long-term care homes.

Remembrance Day

Learn about ways to remember and find details about the annual Queen’s Park ceremony.