Why have a National Military Family Council?
Through the National Military Family Council (NMFC), the Canadian Forces (CF) recognizes that family members have the experience and capacity to offer valuable insight to senior leadership in order to make positive change to CF policies affecting families.
What does the National Military Family Council do?
The NMFC provides an important connection with senior leadership in identifying systemic issues which impact the families of serving personnel. The council meets with Armed Forces Council at least twice per year. You can also view our Terms of Reference here and check out our Action Plan here.
Who makes up the National Military Family Council?
The NMFC is made up of a diverse group of volunteer family members from across the CF, both in Canada and abroad. Council members include both the spouses and parents of military personnel. Check out our bios here!
Why have a National Military Family Council when there are Military Family Resource Centres throughout the country?
There are well-established mechanisms to respond to needs and concerns of military families at the local level through Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres (C/MFRCs) and the Chain of Command. The establishment of the NMFC will “step-up” the level of engagement for military families to discuss national, systemic policy issues that impact them.
What is the National Military Family Council's role vis-a-vis Director Military Family Services, Director Quality of Life, the Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres, and individual Canadian Forces family members?
Members of the NMFC receive administration and information supports from Director General Personnel and Family Support Services (DGPFSS), and are often actively involved in their local military family community. As an advisory council, members bring the strength of their individual and shared experience to consider broad issues and do not advocate on behalf of individual or organizational concerns, including those of Director Military Family Services (DMFS), Director Quality of Life, their local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres (C/MFRCs), or individual CF family members.
How can I join the National Military Family Council?
Check out the recruitment section of our website here!