City of Ottawa launches new Veterans Task Force

The City of Ottawa is launching a new task force, aimed at helping local veterans transition back into civilian life.

The Veterans Task Force is co-chaired by City Councillor Matthew Luloff, who also serves as Council Liason for Veteran and Military Issues, and  André Thivierge, a 30-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran who retired in 2013.

The force's goal is to support and enhance services available to veterans, including three pillars: health, housing and second careers.

The city says each of the three pillars of will be enhanced by partners in each of the fields, including Veteran's Affairs Canada, Solider On and Multifaith Housing Initiative.

Minister of National Defence Harjit Sanjjan believes the task force represents an essential framework to establish government partnerships and effectively respond to veterans' needs.

“I know that councillor Matt Luloff has tirelessly advocated for veterans, having served in Afghanistan himself,” Sanjjan explains. “This initiative provides a crucial avenue for veterans to access the social services they need.”

Meanwhile, councillor Luloff believes, given the time of year on top of the ongoing pandemic, this is the right time to launch the task force.

“Starting after Halloween, all the way through New Years, is a particularly tough time with the isolation and the loneliness during the holidays,” Luloff says. “We find ourselves during this pandemic even further isolated without the ability to reach out, to show up at somebody's door.”

In the meantime, Luloff adds there are several mental health resources available through Veterans Affairs. Those in immediate crisis can also contact the Ottawa Distress Centre or the Veteran's crisis line.