Welcome to the CF Family Resources Site
This is a good place to start your search for military family resources, programs, and information.
DND/CF General Information
Toll-Free Numbers
Essential DND/CF toll-free numbers.
About
Learn about the DND/CF.
Canadian Forces Rank and Appointment Insignia
Learn all about the Navy, Army and Air Force Ranks and Appointment Insignia.
Canadian Post War Military and Dependant Graves
A research project to determine the names and locations of Canadian service members and their dependants buried in Europe.
Centre for the support of injured Retired Members and their Families
THE CENTRE is designed to bring the joint efforts of both the DND and Veterans Affairs Canada together in providing information and services to injured and retired military members and their families.
DND/CF Frequently Asked Questions
Need a straight answer to your simple question?
National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces
The National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces is a national focal point for sacrifices made to maintain Canada's commitment to peace and security, both internationally and at home.
Write to the Troops
Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service by sending a message using this monitored message board.
Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres
Since 1991, the Canadian Forces (CF) has worked in partnership with Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres (C/MFRCs) to provide effective, responsive services and support to CF families.
There are currently 32 C/MFRCs across Canada, five in the United States and six overseas. These resource centres also provide outreach services to their surrounding communities and remote areas to ensure that CF families can receive support no matter where they may reside.
C/MFRCs are committed to enriching the lives of individuals and families in CF communities through positive action, education and support. The resource centres provide relevant programs and services that strengthen the resilience of individuals and families within CF communities. C/MFRCs encourage and facilitate the voluntary participation of CF families in all facets of their operations - from program planning and delivery to organization governance and leadership.
In general terms, C/MFRC services include: Child & Youth Development and Parenting Support; Prevention, Support & Intervention; Personal Development and Community Integration; Family Separation and Reunion.
To connect with your local C/MFRC, please visit www.familyforce.ca.
Director General Personnel and Family Support Services
Effective 1 May 2008, the Director General Personnel and Family Support Services (DGPFSS) was stood up, replacing the former Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency and incorporating responsibility for Casualty Support Management and certain elements of the former Director of Quality of Life (DQOL). DGPFSS is part of Chief Military Personnel Group.
DGPFSS develops and delivers a wide variety of Personnel and Family Support Services to members of the Canadian Forces (CF) and their families. These services aim to enhance the quality of life of the military community, thereby contributing to the operational readiness and effectiveness of the CF.
DGPFSS includes: Personnel Support Programs, CANEX, SISIP Financial Services, and Casualty Support (DCSM).
For further information on support programs available to CF members and their families, visit the DGPFSS website at www.cfpsa.com. Information about local Personnel Support Programs is also available through the CFCommunityGateway. To connect with the Military Family Services Program in your community, visit www.familyforce.ca.Benefits
Canadian Forces Dental Care Plan
English 1-800-957-9777
French 1-800-704-4007
Quebec, other than the National Capital Region 1-800-663-2817
Dependent Education Management
This DND department is responsible for managing the education and related care of the children of Canadian Forces (CF) personnel as families are posted both in Canada and abroad.
Director General Compensation and Benefits (DGCB)
DGCB develops and delivers innovative and flexible compensation and benefits policies and practices that are compassionate and responsive, and that respect the evolving needs of the CF and CF Operations, and of military personnel and their families.
Integrated Relocation Program
The CF Integrated Relocation Program is designed to help make moving easy and efficient. The program helps CF families plan a move, dispose of a current residence and acquire a new one, move, and get reimbursed for relocation expenses.
Military Foreign Service
The intent of the allowances and benefits under the Military Foreign Service Instructions is to recognize and to facilitate a member’s service outside Canada.
CF Pensions
This section of the Chief Military Personnel website provides factual, concise explanations of the major terms of CF pension plans, and is for general information purposes only.
Public Service Health Care Plan
General Inquiries 1-800-267-6542
Health Claim Inquiries (Sun Life of Canada) 1-888-757-7427
Universal Child Care
Canada's Universal Child Care Plan is a national plan that provides choice, support and spaces for today's parents.
Death, Disability & Injury Benefits
A complete overview of benefits available to CF members and their dependants.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Visit www.familyforce.ca to connect with your local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre, where staff members will be happy to help you navigate through the benefits available to CF families.
Deployment and Reunion
Deployment is the assignment of Canadian Forces (CF) personnel to temporary unaccompanied tours of duty away from home for a period of time exceeding 30 days. Throughout their careers CF personnel are required to serve away from their families for a variety of reasons, and for varying lengths of time. The term “deployment” could refer to domestic operations and exercises, although overseas missions usually come to mind when we see the word “deployment”.
The cycle of separation and reunion can be stressful on the family. Deployment support is available to help families through this period and make things easier in the absence of a loved one. Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres provide families with information and support on topics such as: the emotional cycle of a deployment; preparing for departure; dealing with the absence; preparing the return; and creating a new family routine after the return.
Deployment Support Centres are another source of information and support for military families experiencing deployments. Click on the links below to connect with the Deployment Support Centre in your area, or call the Family Information Line at 1-800-866-4546 for additional information and support.
Bagotville Deployment Support Centre
Cold Lake Deployment Support Centre
Comox Deployment Support Centre
Gagetown Deployment Support Centre
Land Force Quebec Area Deployment Support Group
Land Force Western Area Deployment Support Group
Petawawa Deployment Support Centre
Health & Wellness
Canadian Forces Health Services
The designated health care provider for Canada's military personnel, delivering medical and dental services at military installations across Canada and overseas.
CF Families’ Health and Dental
Information for family members covered under the Public Service Health Care Plan and the CF Dental Care Plan.
CF Member Assistance Program
A voluntary, confidential and free counselling service to support CF personnel and family members who have concerns that affect their personal well-being and/or work performance.
CF Member Health Info Guide
This guide provides detailed information on understanding and accessing CF health care benefits.
Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centres
These centres provide assistance to CF personnel and their families dealing with stresses arising from military operations, in particular, UN and NATO deployments abroad.
Persons with disabilities
The Canada Revenue Agency administers several credits and benefits for people with disabilities and those who support them.
Spectrum of Care
Describes the health care (i.e. medical and dental) benefits and services that are available and publicly funded for members of the CF and other eligible persons.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Visit www.familyforce.ca to connect with your local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre, where staff members will be happy to help you navigate through the health and wellness resources available to CF families.
Housing
Canadian Forces Housing Agency
Operates, maintains and allocates approximately 14,000 Department of National Defence Residential Housing Units at 32 Bases and Wings across Canada.
Canadian Relocation Systems
A guide for people on the move across Canada.
Find Storage Fast
Compare self storage facilities anywhere in North America and reserve storage units online
Integrated Relocation Program
The Federal Government Integrated Relocation Program is a unique program that provides government entities which include the Government of Canada, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with increased flexibility and assistance to relocate Members/Employees to new work locations
Looking for more information? Visit www.familyforce.ca to connect with your local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre, where staff members will be happy to help you navigate through your move to a new CF community.
Pay and Finances
Director Canadian Forces Pensions Services
Administers pensions, release and survivor benefits on behalf of the Department of National Defence to Canadian Forces (CF) members, retirees and their families.
Director General Compensation and Benefits (DGCB)
DGCB develops and delivers innovative and flexible compensation and benefits policies and practices that are compassionate and responsive, and that respect the evolving needs of the CF and CF Operations, and of military personnel and their families.
CF Pension
This section of the Chief Military Personnel website provides factual, concise explanations of the major terms of CF pension plans, and is for general information purposes only.
Public Service Pension Plan
Public Service Pension Plan information for members.
SISIP Financial Services
Financial products and services tailored exclusively to the military lifestyle.
Mental Health and Social Support
CF Member Assistance Program
A voluntary, confidential and free counselling service to support CF personnel and family members who have concerns that affect their personal well-being and/or work performance.
Family Information Line
1-800-866-4546
When you need information or have questions, bilingual FIL counsellors can provide you with answers and offer confidential, personal, support and referral services to your unique circumstances. Simply call 1-800-866-4546 or click here to visit our website.
Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)
Information and support for military personnel and veterans who have served, and their friends and families.
Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centres
These centres provide assistance to CF personnel and their families dealing with stresses arising from military operations, in particular, UN and NATO deployments abroad.
Veterans Affairs Canada – Mental Health
Veterans Affairs Canada has a suite of services and benefits for veterans, CF personnel, RCMP members, and the families of those living with a mental health condition.
Looking for additional information and resources? Visit www.familyforce.ca to connect with your local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre, and learn more about the mental health and social support options available in your community.
Recreation and Leisure
Recreation and Leisure services are a vital part of the Canadian Forces (CF) community. Recreation promotes healthy lifestyles, strong families and community spirit. As a Personnel Support Program (PSP), CF Recreation departments are committed to providing individuals, families and communities with quality leisure experiences and innovative programming that meets their needs. Recreation provides opportunity for personal growth and improved health for everyone.
Personnel Support Programs offers innovative recreational activities to meet the needs of CF members and their families. Each CF location offers a diverse mix of recreation programs, all designed to promote wellness and enhance the time that families spend together.
Examples Include:
- Sports and Fitness Programming
- Aquatics Programming
- Arts and Culture Programming
- Outdoor and Adventure Programming
- Hobby and Educational Programming
- Special Events
Each CF base has a variety of facilities that are available for recreational use.
Examples Include:
- Aquatic Centres
- Arenas
- Sports Fields
- Fitness Centres
- Community Centres
- Libraries
- Golf Courses
Media
Canadian Forces community publications:
Lookout Newspaper - MARPAC News, CFB Esquimalt, Victoria
Safety Digest - Published by the Directorate of General Safety
The Aurora Newspaper - 14 Wing, Greenwood, Nova Scotia news
The Contact Newspaper – Newspaper serving 8 Wing Trenton
The Maple Leaf - The DND/CF weekly newspaper
Trident Newspaper - Maritime Forces Atlantic news
Western Sentinel - The newspaper for bases across Land Force Western Area
Looking for more CF family news and information? Visit www.familyforce.ca to connect with your local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre.
Online Groups
afcent.org
The Official Canadian AFCENT/AFNORTH International High School Reunion Website
Facebook
There are dozens of groups on Facebook created by and for CF families. Canadian Military Spouses is one of the larger ones, but smaller, local groups provide lots of opportunities to connect with fellow CF families as well…just search for a group in your community!
Lahr Revisited
A website dedicated to reuniting Canadian military brats once posted at CFB Lahr.
The Legion's Legacies
An online community which allows everyone to post stories of Canadian war veterans.
Ubiquitous Magazine
A Canadian Military Lifestyle Magazine.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Visit www.familyforce.ca to connect with your local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre, where staff members will be happy to help you navigate through the national and community resources available to CF families.
*Disclaimer
The DND/CF Web site contains links to third party sites that are not subject to the Official Languages Act. We provide these links only as a service and convenience to our visitors. We take no responsibility for the content at third party sites and a link to them in no way implies an endorsement or recommendation of the products, services or information found there.
