As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That Veterans Affairs Canada launch a qualitative research program targeting groups of Veterans most likely to experience career transition challenges.

Recommendation 2

That the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada put in place an individualized support program beginning as soon as a Canadian Armed Forces' member in a higher-risk category begins their release process.

Recommendation 3

That Veterans Affairs Canada explore ways in which it could expand the eligibility of some of its education and career programs to the spouses of Veterans.

Recommendation 4

That the Department of National Defence index the Service Income Security Insurance Plan’s vocational rehabilitation program to inflation to address the rising cost of living.

Recommendation 5

That the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada establish a system that grants Veterans control over their medical records and allows them to be shared seamlessly with civilian doctors, Veterans Affairs Canada and service providers at the Veterans' discretion

Recommendation 6

That Veterans Affairs Canada has a role in supporting the releasing military members and finding civilian medical professionals and should work closely with the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group on this matter

Recommendation 7

That the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada harmonize their respective vocational rehabilitation programs to better enable a seamless transition.

Recommendation 8

That the Office of the Auditor General conduct a review of all career transition programs offered by the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Recommendation 9

That Veterans Affairs Canada review its Career Transition Services program and the terms of the contract with its supplier to ensure that Canadian Armed Forces' members, Veterans and members of their families receive these services at the level of quality they are entitled to.

Recommendation 10

That Veterans Affairs Canada establish a platform where employers can contact Veterans seeking employment opportunities directly.

Recommendation 11

That, acknowledging that the uptake of the education and training program is lower than expected, Veterans Affairs Canada review the program and expand the eligibility criteria, particularly to include Veterans who are released for medical reasons before they accumulated the required six years of service.

Recommendation 12

That eligible Canadian Armed Forces members who have transferred from the Regular Force to the Primary Reserve Force can receive the Education and Training Benefit while they are still serving in the Primary Reserve Force.

Recommendation 13

That Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence harmonize the criteria for training eligible for funding through the Education and Training Benefit and the Service Income Security Insurance Plan and ensure that medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members can receive the Education and Training Benefit when they are still serving.

Recommendation 14

That Veterans Affairs Canada lead by example in Veteran employment and set recruitment targets to increase the proportion of Veterans that it employs, ensure that these targets are set with a written and accessible plan to meet them, establish a clear means of determining whether these targets are being met, and if needed implement an action plan to improve these targets.

Recommendation 15

That the Government of Canada explore ways to give preference in federal public service hiring to the spouses of Veterans and serving military members.

Recommendation 16

That Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence establish criteria of recognition for and publicize a list of companies committed to priority hiring, retention and accommodation of Veterans.

Recommendation 17

That, at the first one-on-one meetings with releasing Canadian Armed Forces members or recently released Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada implement a process that systematically presents every one of its programs and the needs each program fills.

Recommendation 18

That the Government of Canada implement the recommendations made in the report published by the True Patriot Love Foundation entitled Supporting Veterans through their transition to civilian employment in Canada.

Recommendation 19

That Veterans Affairs Canada establish a permanent working table on training and career transition for Veterans and their family members.

Recommendation 20

That Veterans Affairs Canada, as part of the vocational component of its Rehabilitation Program, as well as for its career transition initiatives, ensure that ambassadors are put in place who are responsible for creating strategic partnerships for Veterans with Canadian companies.

Recommendation 21

That the Government of Canada encourage Veteran employee resource groups and peer support networks in workplaces where Veterans are employed.

Recommendation 22

That Veterans Affairs Canada direct more effort toward increasing retention amongst Veterans in civilian positions.

Recommendation 23

That the Government of Canada, when developing its national strategy for Veterans’ employment, encourage a dialogue between employers and Veterans in order to further mutual understanding and respect.

Recommendation 24

That Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence develop the National Employment Strategy for Veterans based on principles that place the overall personality of each Veteran at the centre of the strategy, so as to allow each Veteran to take ownership of his or her career path rather than restricting opportunities to a specific match between certain skills and certain jobs.

Recommendation 25

That the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada, in collaboration with post-secondary institutions, implement a program that recognizes prior learning, including skills and training received in the Canadian Armed Forces, so that Veterans can acquire credits toward a civilian certification, diploma or degree.

Recommendation 26

That the Department of National Defence, together with the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada, work to improve the transferability of military skills and training to civilian careers.

Recommendation 27

That the Department of National Defence, together with the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada, ensure that training programs to acquire new skills that are under one year can be offered to releasing members.

Recommendation 28

That the Department of National Defence, together with Public Safety Canada and the other federal institutions involved, develop a way to fast-track the acquisition of security clearances for Veterans who recently held clearances in the past with an aim to reducing the administrative burden on the Canadian Armed Forces member upon release and transition.

Recommendation 29

That Veterans Affairs Canada, in developing the National Veterans Employment Strategy, propose initiatives to support and guide Veterans wanting to become entrepreneurs.

Recommendation 30

That Veterans Affairs Canada draw inspiration from the American program The Mission Continues and implement an initiative highlighting volunteer and community service opportunities for Veterans making a career transition. This should include opportunities for peer support and mentorship of fellow Veterans.