In Afganistan alone, 158 Canadian Forces members gave their lives. Hundreds more sustained visible and/or non-visible injuries – the highest since the Korean War.
Campaigns in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Iraq, and other conflict zones have added to the toll and the price paid by Canadian soldiers.
In recent years, more than 60 Canadian soldiers and vets have died by their own hand since returning home.
Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, correctional officers – all face similar stresses and are subject to similar post-traumatic stress.
As a nation, we owe it to our soldiers and first responders to provide the support they need at the time they need it most.