A missed opportunity to support veterans
A federal security contract long held by the Commissionaires, Canada’s largest private-sector employer of veterans, has gone to another company.
Supporting veterans means supporting life after service, including employment opportunities.
Recently, it was reported that the federal government awarded a significant security contract for the Canada Revenue Agency to a Canadian subsidiary of an American company, rather than to the Commissionaires, which had previously held the contract.
The Commissionaires have a long history in Canada. They are a private, non-profit corporation with an established tradition of employing veterans of both our military and our police forces.
Like many of you, Federal Retirees was deeply disappointed to learn that the government is ending the Commissionaires’ right of first refusal on many federal security contracts, and to see a contract they held go to another company.
While we respect the federal procurement process, it is also important that our government meaningfully support veterans in life after service, including through transitional care, physical and mental health supports, and employment opportunities. We have expressed our disappointment with this decision to the minister of Veterans Affairs and the secretary of state responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and offered to meet with them or their staff to highlight how our government can better support Canadian veterans.
Federal Retirees will continue to advocate in support of veterans and aging Canadians.
