Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces

Thank you for serving our country. 🇨🇦

Today, we recognize the courage, dedication, and service of the Canadian Armed Forces. Thank you to all who serve and have served. 🇨🇦

Today is Canadian Armed Forces Day!
We recognize the dedication and service of CAF members and their families who support them through postings, deployments, training, and transitions.

CAF members play a vital role in protecting Canada and supporting communities in times of need whether responding to domestic emergencies, supporting international missions, contributing to peace and security, or training to stay ready for whatever challenge comes next!

At CFMWS, we appreciate your hard work and dedication and are here to support your wellbeing and readiness at home and around the world.

Congrats Class of 2026!

Congratulations Class of 2026!
As you walk across the stage today and offer your salute, know that we will be watching with great admiration.
You have achieved so much through your dedication and perseverance, and we wish you every success as you begin this next chapter and join the fleet.
Congratulations, and may you have fair winds and following seas.
Here you can watch live streaming of the graduation at 1400 (AST): https://ccgacademy.ca/

Congratulations, we look forward to working with you.

CIMVHR is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Held as Scientific Director.

Since joining CIMVHR as Assistant Scientific Director in October 2023 and later serving as Interim Scientific Director beginning in December 2024, Dr. Held has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing research collaboration and strategic partnerships in support of military personnel, Veterans, and their families.

Dr. Held has contributed to strengthening collaborations with CIHR, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence, philanthropic organizations, research institutes and academic institutions across Canada. Efforts have also focused on expanding CIMVHR’s national and international research network, enhancing the annual Forum through broader industry engagement, and fostering global discussions related to Veteran research, policy and decision-making.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to transition from interim to permanent status in this position. It’s a privilege to work alongside partners across academia, government, industry, and the philanthropic sector—each bringing unique strengths and perspectives. Together, we are united by a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of military personnel, Veterans, and their families, and I’m incredibly proud to contribute to that mission."
— Dr. Held


As Scientific Director, Dr. Held will continue working with researchers, partners and network members to strengthen collaboration, research impact and knowledge mobilization across the CIMVHR network.

Congratulations to Dr. Held on this appointment.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/PMFRCPodcast

In this month’s episode we are speaking with the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, Mario Baril.

In our conversation we talk about the scope of his role, how the Ombudsman’s office can support Military family members, and some of the tools and resources that have been created by his team. Mr. Baril also tells us what he has learned about - and from - Military families since taking on this role in July 2025.

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Écouter maintenant : https://bit.ly/PMFRCPodcast

Dans l'épisode de ce mois-ci, nous nous entretenons avec Mario Baril, Ombudsman, ministère de la Défense nationale et Forces armées canadiennes.

Au cours de notre conversation, nous abordons l’étendue de ses fonctions, la manière dont le bureau de l’ombudsman peut soutenir les membres des familles des militaires, ainsi que certains des outils et des ressources mis en place par son équipe. M. Baril nous fait également part de ce qu’il a appris sur les familles des militaires – et de ce qu’elles lui ont appris – depuis qu’il a pris ses fonctions en juillet 2025.


Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces

members, the updated Canadian Forces Housing Differential (CFHD) rates are coming into effect on July 1, 2026.

Make sure you’re up to speed on these coming changes: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2026/05/caf-differentrates2026.html

Your Chain of Command and orderly room teams can help if you have any questions.