North Bay police to be equipped with referral forms to assist veterans in need
North Bay police officers will be following in the footsteps of other Canadian community partners across the country by being part of the ‘Military Veterans Wellness Program’ (MVWP) and submitting what is known as the military veteran assistance referrals forms.
This program was created to help front-line police officers better understand military veterans’ issues and needs while building a rapport with them
Const. Merv Shantz of the North Bay Police Service showed CTV News the referral forms for the Military Veterans Wellness Programon March 6, 2024. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)Const. Merv Shantz showed CTV News a copy of the form. The North Bay Police Service is joining other police agencies in kick-starting this referral support.
“The military has always been an important part of our community and this initiative, Toronto Police Service developed it,” said Shantz.
Officers will be trained for when they encounter a veteran on a wellness check so they can speak with the individual and fill out the referral form on their cell phone. Once filed the form will get that veteran help they need.
The MVWP was developed in 2019 in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Military Veterans Association, Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Veterans Affairs Canada and the Operational Stress Injury Social Support program – administered by the Canadian Armed Forces.
“The transition from military life to civilian life can be quite difficult at times and there are issues whether it’s substance abuse or financial,” said Pamela Sweeny, the RCL Ontario Command’s executive director.
This program was developed by a team of industry leaders in the fields of wellness, mental health, incident response, de-escalation and veteran support.
“Military personnel, we know they sacrifice a lot for our country, province and city and we want to make sure they’re protected,” Shantz said.
Sweeny told CTV News that military veterans often experience unique barriers related to their experiences in the military including physical and mental health issues, challenges integrating into civilian life and difficulty asking for and receiving supports.
At times these challenges can result in a lack of employment, difficulties with relationships, addictions and even homelessness or suicidal ideations.
According to statistics, there are approximately 3,000 to 5,000 homeless veterans across Canada and studies show veterans die by suicide at approximately twice the rate of the general public.
“We’ve assisted over 1,187 veterans that have been homeless,” said Sweeny.
“We’ve assisted them with things like first and last month’s rent and any food insecurities.”
A paper copy of the 'Military Veteran Assistance Form' that North Bay police officers will be using to get support for veterans in need that they encounter. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)After an officer makes a referral, the national services will get in touch with that veteran within three days and may provide a case worker, advocate and/or peer to offer help and assist them in receiving the many benefits and resources provided by these organizations.
“It’s saved lives,” said Sweeny.
“We’ve already witnessed that.”
Officials with the project said it proves when it comes to service and support, nobody fights alone.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
Police officers are now able to access the referral form on their phones, in-car terminals or on their desktop computers at the station.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.