MP Yassir Naqvi announces VAC funding for Helmets to Hardhats and Métis National Council

Press Release

From: Veterans Affairs Canada

Veteran and Family Well-being Fund supports projects that improve the lives of Veterans and their families

March 6, 2025 – Ottawa, (Ont.) – Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Associate Minister of National Defence

Canada’s Veterans and their families deserve to know that they are supported by their fellow Canadians and their Government. To help achieve this, Veterans Affairs Canada provides funding to organizations to conduct research and implement projects aimed at improving the well-being of Veterans and their families, through its Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.

Today, MP Yassir Naqvi, on behalf of the Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Associate Minister of National Defence announced that the Métis National Council and Helmets to Hardhats were selected to receive funding from the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.

• Métis National Council was awarded $400,000 in funding to support the development of the “National Métis Veterans Gathering” which will bring around 100 Métis Veterans and their families together to connect in a culturally safe environment and create a dialogue.
• Helmets to Hardhats was awarded $588,200 for their project “Building Skills, Building Futures.” This project aims to enhance the lives of transitioning CAF members and their families by providing comprehensive skills training and career transition support.

The Veteran and Family Well-being Fund was launched by Veterans Affairs Canada in 2018. Since then, Veterans Affairs Canada has awarded over $57 million in funding for research and innovative initiatives that support the well-being of Veterans and their families. For information on previously funded projects, see the Veterans Affairs Canada website.

Quotes

“Honouring our Veterans means more than remembering their service—it means investing in their future. Through the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund, we are ensuring that Veterans and their families have the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve. When we invest in those who served, we strengthen not just their well-being, but the communities and country they helped defend.”

Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“We often talk about the importance of supporting Veterans after their service, but real support means investing in them, today, and in the future. That’s why our government is awarding this funding to these two organizations. For Veterans to succeed in their transition, we must provide them with training, support and access to employers who are ready to hire them. We should also encourage initiatives for Indigenous Veterans in order to promote and advance reconciliation. Supporting projects like these is the right thing to do and I’m proud to assist these organizations’ work through the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.”

The Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“Helmets to Hardhats is proud to support members of the Canadian military community as they transition into rewarding second careers in the unionized construction industry, where their skills and contributions are valued. We are deeply grateful to Veterans Affairs Canada for their generous funding, which will empower us to hire a female Veteran to lead targeted outreach efforts within marginalized military communities. This initiative will ensure that more female and 2SLGBTQIA+ Veterans recognize the skilled trades as a viable and empowering career path for all.”

James Hogarth, Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats

“This funding is crucial to facilitate a dialogue and healing within the Métis Veterans community. The National Métis Veterans Gathering will create a safe space for Métis Veterans and their families to connect, share experiences, and receive support, while also improving access to benefits and addressing barriers to care. We are thankful to Veterans Affairs Canada for their support in making this gathering possible.”

Victoria Pruden, President, Métis National Council

Quick facts

• Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada is a registered non-profit organization that has been providing second career opportunities within Canada’s Building Trade Unions to the military-affiliated community for over a decade.
• Since 1983, the Métis National Council has represented the Métis Nation at the national and international levels. Today, it is mandated by the democratically elected governments that represent the Métis Nation within Ontario and Alberta.
• Between 2018 and 2024, the VFWF held six calls for applications, resulting in $57M in funding awarded to implement 150 initiatives.
• Budget 2024 provided an additional $6 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to Veterans Affairs Canada for the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund.

Associated links

• Helmets to Hardhats
• Métis National Council
• Veteran and Family Well-being Fund
• List of past VFWF recipients

Contacts
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
media@veterans.gc.ca

Wyatt Westover
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
819-360-0949
wyatt.westover@veterans.gc.ca

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