Why We Do It
Our Purpose
Military families are not separate from Canada's defence. They are part of what makes service possible.
Across Canada, military families build their lives around the realities of military service: postings, deployments, training and frequent transitions. Their ability to thrive can shape whether members join, whether they stay, and the strength of the Canadian Armed Forces for the future.
Every day, thousands of families build their lives alongside military service: navigating postings, deployments, training, relocations and the realities of a career unique to a life dedicated to service. Their experience reaches far beyond the home. It influences whether people choose to serve, whether they can continue to serve, and the strength of Canada's military over the long term.
Together We Stand exists to make sure military families have the support, recognition, and systems they need to thrive.
We provide meaningful support when families need it. We bring their experiences and perspectives into conversations that can create lasting change. And we connect military, government, business, community, and philanthropic leaders around the shared responsibility of strengthening the people who strengthen Canada's defence.
Because supporting military families isn't simply an act of gratitude.
It's an investment in Canada's people, our military, and our collective future.
From responding to immediate needs to helping address the systemic challenges affecting military families across the country, we're working toward a Canada where those who serve and the families who make that service possible can build strong lives alongside military service.
Families serve too. And Canada is stronger when they are supported.
Their Sacrifices
Approximately 68,473 Regular Force members and 33,315 Primary Reserve members across Canada build their lives around the realities of military service. While every family’s experience is different, service can bring challenges that reach into nearly every part of family life.
Frequently Forced Moves
Military families move 3-4 times more often than civilian families do. As a result, immediate family members can sometimes choose to live up to 2 years apart from one another, rather than having to move again.
Lack of Spousal Employment
Military spouses often find themselves underemployed or unemployed due to the stressors associated with military life, at times leading to food security issues within the family.
Housing
With limited on-base housing, military families are often forced to live in new homes and cities that may not be affordable to them.
Isolation and Mental Health Struggles
The unique realities of military life aren’t always understood outside the military community. Frequent transitions, time apart and the demands of service can make it harder for families to build lasting connections and access the networks of support that help families thrive.
Lack of Childcare
Due to frequent forced moves, lack of childcare and available housing are among the top five stressors associated with military life - with waitlists of up to years at a time.
Impact on Children
Military life can place significant burden on children, as it's often associated with disruptions to education, separation from loved ones and overall higher levels of stress.
Long Periods of Separation
During a deployment, families are often separated from the serving member for periods of up to a year at a time.
Access to Healthcare
While health care is provided to the members in uniform, their families will go years without access to a family physician, often moving again before getting to the top of a list.
Real Talk with Real Families
Military Life Misconceptions
The Military Parent Perspective
The Truth About PTSD
Together We Stand
5775 Yonge Street, Suite 601 Toronto, ON M2M 4J1Our Newsletter
Stay connected with Together We Stand and the military families we support across Canada. Receive occasional updates on our programs, impact, and ways Canadians are helping strengthen military families.
Charitable Registration no.:
777820085 RR 0001
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