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.

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Police officers are now able to access the referral form on their phones, in-car terminals or on their desktop computers at the station.