WELL-SUPPORTED, DIVERSE, RESILIENT PEOPLE AND FAMILIES We have placed an unprecedented focus on ensuring our people and their families are well-supported, diverse and resilient – physically, psychologically and socially. This starts from the moment military members join the Canadian Armed Forces, continues throughout their careers, and extends to that crucial time of transition when members step out of the uniform. Offering steadfast support to our people not only builds a strong and agile defence organization, but also acknowledges the sacred obligation the Government of Canada has to our military personnel, Veterans, and their families. Military families make an incredible contribution to the operational effectiveness of the Forces – they are the strength behind the uniform. Tax Relief for Deployed International Operations Canadians know that when our women and men in uniform deploy, they, and their families, make great sacrifices on behalf of their country. With this in mind, in order to ensure that Canadian Armed Forces members are treated equally on deployment, all troops deployed on any named international operations1 will be exempted from paying federal income tax on their salary to the level of Lieutenant-Colonel.2 This is in addition to the allowances awarded to compensate for hardship and risk. Diversity and Inclusion To support the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces, we will substantially improve recruitment, retention, and training of personnel. We will better forecast occupational requirements and engage in more targeted recruiting, including capitalizing on the unique talents and skill-sets of Canada’s diverse population. The Canadian Armed Forces will increase the proportion of women in the military by 1 percent annually, to move from the current 15 percent to 25 percent representation by 2026. $144.8 million to Support Military Family Resource Centres We will ensure that military members and their families are well supported, from the moment they join, throughout their careers, and as they transition out of the military. We are committed to providing more flexible, tailored benefits and support that are personalized to the unique circumstances and needs of each member throughout this journey. This includes the implementation of specific initiatives to help minimize the disruptions associated with frequent relocation. $198.2 million for new Total Health and Wellness Strategy We will favour a more comprehensive approach to care – known as “Total Health and Wellness” – and will consider psychosocial well-being in the workplace, the physical environment, and the personal health of members (including physical, mental, spiritual, and familial). Reinvention of Canadian Armed Forces Transition We will transform the way the Canadian Armed Forces supports the transition of personnel, whether returning to active duty or transitioning seamlessly to post-military life and the services of Veterans Affairs Canada. And, we will create a new Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group that represents a fundamental reinvention of the way transition is managed. This Group – composed of 1,200 personnel, including specialized staff and holding positions for ill and injured – will work in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada to provide our people with the individualized care they need and deserve. 1 The Chief of the Defence Staff is the authority to designate named operations. 2 This measure, which also applies to police, will be retroactive to January 1, 2017. The change requires an amendment be made to the Income Tax Act. Notice of this intent has already been given. 12