Veterans in Ontario

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

  • 149,000
    approximate number of Veterans residing in Ontario

Employment

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 up to $3,000 a year in financial assistance to Ontario’s eligible Veterans, their spouses and dependent children 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:

  • home-related items, such as repairs, furniture, replacement/repair of roof and furnace
  • housing-related items, such as first and last month’s rent or moving costs
  • mental health supports and health-related items, such as hearing aids, glasses, prescription and dental needs
  • specialized equipment, including assistive devices, wheelchairs and prosthetics
  • personal items, such as clothing and personal care products
  • employment-related supports, including work clothing such as work boots, and short-term courses to help improve access to the job market

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 a specialized unit at Perley Health 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.

Programs, services and supports

Services for military families

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.

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, benefits for survivors, homelessness prevention support, mental health resources and more.

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.

Government benefit finder tools

Find Ontario government benefits and Canadian government benefits for you and your family, including survivors and caregivers.

Awards

We are partnering with the Ontario Command of The Royal Canadian Legion to create an award for veterans.

The award will recognize the valuable contributions and service veterans make in their broader community.

Legislation

The Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, received Royal Assent on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The Act allows us to amend other laws, so that we can:

  • expand provincial recognition
  • condemn acts of stolen valour
  • increase financial and community supports
  • open more career pathways