Military Employment Transition Spouse Program Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections Kerry M. Wheelehan, J.D, LL.M, Esq. Director, METSpouse - Canada Company

An employer network, administered by Canada Company and Military Family Services, where partnering employers are aware of the inherent employability of military spouses and explore accommodation for this mobile workforce. In turn, employers strengthen their workforce and enhance their organizational culture and reputation. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 2

What do we know about the What do we know about the Military Spouse Population? Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 3

Military Spouses in Canada are: 61,500+ military spouses are located across Canada in every province and territory, from metropolitan areas to remote towns. Map represents approximate military spouse populations. Please note 9,200 spouses are not included in the provincial numbers. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 4

Age of CAF Spouse 67% are between the ages of % are male 77% report English as their first language 23% report French as their first language 82% live off base in civilian homes 64% are the spouse of a Regular Force member 36% are the spouse of a Reservist Military Spouses in Canada are: Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 5 Diverse

62.14% have a postsecondary diploma or degree. Reported CAF Spouse Education Military spouses represent a variety of industries and professions Military Spouses in Canada are: Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 6 Educated and Skilled

Recent research found that there is an “infusion of a ‘can do’ spirit in overcoming obstacles and impediments among many non-serving partners…” CF Ombudsman Report Military Spouse Top Motivations for Employment Achieve personal fulfilment Maintain skills and career status Gain independence Pay bills and cover expenses “It can be done. You can find the job you want. You can be your own person” – Military Spouse Military Spouses in Canada are: Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 7 Motivated

The usual duration of a military posting is 3-5 years; however, postings vary based on circumstance. When surveyed, 20% of military spouses had been in their current location for 3-5 years and 30% for more than 5 years. Top feelings reported by spouses when their partner is deployed: CapableConfident In Control Military spouses are experts at adapting to change. Military Spouses in Canada are: Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 8 Adaptable and Mobile

What is the Military Employment Transition Spouse (METSpouse) Program? Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 9

Why have a METSpouse Program? Spousal employment is the leading challenge for military families across the country Corporate Canada’s strong interest to support military families METSpouse Program Objectives Establish an employer network where partnering employers are aware of the inherent employability of military spouses, Explore accommodation for the mobile military spouse workforce Empower military spouses to achieve sustainable and meaningful careers. METSpouse Program Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 10

METSpouse will mirror the existing MET program, with a few differences: o Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) participation o Focus on employment mobility, o Portability, telecommutability Initial recruitment focusing in 7 areas METSpouse Program Design Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 11

Contact your servicing Military Family Resource Center (MFRC): Halifax - Holly Rye Valcartier - Geneviève Godin Montréal - Estelle Auger National Capital Region - Amy LeGresley Toronto - Shawn Thompson Winnipeg - John Bailey Shilo - Christine Helgason METSpouse Program Registration Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 12

Official METSpouse Launch 1 April 2016 Venue: NCR MFRC Ottawa Attendees 10 VIPs, to include the CDS, General Jonathan Vance and Deputy Minister VAC, General (Ret’d) Walt Natynczyk 40 Military Spouses 23 Employer Partner Staff 7 Military-Friendly Partners Job Fair Media Exposure Canadian Military Family Magazine 580 CFRA Radio News Le Droit Canadian Department of Defence news channels Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 13

Shared Toolboxes Employer Partner Connections Hot Jobs Entrepreneurs Service Providers Education Opportunities Videos E-Mentors And More! METSpouse Website Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 14

What is Required of METSpouse Employer Partners? Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 15

Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections METSpouse Employer Partners 16

In addition to MET Employer Partner Requirements, we ask METSpouse partners to: Provide military spouses with pay equal to their civilian counterparts with the same level of qualifications; Explore and support labour mobility opportunities, when possible, if and when a military spouse relocates; Charge no fees or costs for military spouse employment opportunities; Identify an individual within the organization to act as the primary point of contact for the METSpouse program and who will participate in new employer training; Employer Partner Criteria Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 17

Employer Partner Criteria Provide METSpouse with quarterly hiring data including total hires and hires retained corporately when relocating; Ensure partnership information is communicated internally to all hiring managers and leadership (handouts); Sign a Terms of Reference document to demonstrate an organizational commitment to the METSpouse employer criteria. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 18

Why the METSpouse Program Is for You! Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 19

Start, continue, or change your career path; Enhance employment and networking opportunities; Fulfill your career dreams; Provide your family with a greater level of financial stability that keeps you strong and resilient. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections Why the METSpouse Program Is for You! 20 Empowerment

Check Out the METSpouse Program and Register Today! Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections 21