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The Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) and Queen’s University welcomed the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, to campus on Wednesday, where he announced a $25 million investment over 10 years to support the institution’s research activities.

“Queen’s is pleased to see the Government of Canada commit long-term operational funding for CIMVHR – allowing the institute to continue its important research and knowledge translation aimed at improving health outcomes for Canada’s veterans and their families,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “The university has long been supportive of the institute’s goals and objectives.”

Minister MacAulay also announced $250,000 in funding from the to create a Servicewomen’s Salute Online Portal for Research and Resources. Queen’s Professor Allan English (History) is heading up the program and the new funding will flow through the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy.

“Meeting the health needs of those who served in Canada’s armed forces depends on access to leading scientific research in the military and veteran health field,” says Minister MacAulay. “Queen’s University has been an invaluable asset to our veteran community in this regard, both in terms of the work they’ve done for CIMVHR and Servicewomen’s Salute. Continued collaboration between all stakeholders in this area benefits not only military members, veterans and their families — but Canada as a whole.”

Founded in 2010 as a partnership between researchers at Queen’s and the Royal Military College of Canada, CIMVHR at Queen’s has built a network of 45 Canadian universities that are working together to address the health research requirements of the Canadian military, veterans, and their families. To date, CIMVHR has funded 78 projects aimed at advancing the health of military personnel, veterans, and their families.

“Multi-institution partnerships – such as CIMVHR – bring together leading researchers from across Canada and around the globe to address some of our most pressing challenges,” says Kimberly Woodhouse, Interim Vice-Principal (Research). “These partnerships are incredibly valuable and add another dimension to critical research projects. Queen’s is proud to play a part in these valuable partnerships.”

Funding for CIMVHR was proposed as part of a larger push for veteran-centric research in the federal Budget 2019 announcement.

“CIMVHR has worked tirelessly to build a collaborative network between academia, government, industry and philanthropy to advance research in the area of military, veteran and family health and wellbeing,” says David Pedlar, Scientific Director, CIMVHR. “Recognizing the importance of research and the impact it has on those who so selflessly serve, and their families, this Government of Canada funding will continue to strengthen the foundation for CIMVHR to continue leading the way for the next ten years. We are honoured to continue serving those who serve us.”

As for the new Servicewomen’s Salute online portal, the five-year project is designed to support female veterans and still-serving members transitioning out of the Canadian military to live in Canadian communities.

“Research has shown that one in four Canadian Armed Forces members will have trouble transitioning from military to civilian life—this is particularly true for women in uniform,” says Dr. English, Associate Professor, Department of History, and Lieutenant-Commander (Ret’d) Rosemary Park, MSc CD Servicewomen’s Salute – Hommage aux Femmes Militaires Canada Lead. “A robust and customized research and community resource of information, research, support, and engagement for Canadian military women would help servicewomen navigate their transitions more easily.”

Research done by CIMVHR is used by departmental decision and policy makers, program planners, health managers, clinicians, and other stakeholders as they support the physical, mental, and social health of veterans and their families.

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