FAQ
Questions and answers
Q1. Does the illness or injury of still serving and retired CAF members have to be related to service to participate in the Soldier On activities?
A1. Any still-serving or retired CAF member who sustained a permanent mental health and/or physical injury/illness during their service in the CAF; whether or not the injury/illness is at tributable to service are eligible to register with Soldier On.
Q2. Do you have examples of the type of injury or illness that have been seen among Soldier On members?
A2. As every Soldier On member has a unique set of challenges they face in their recovery, Soldier On does not delineate between types of illness or injury. Each Soldier On member has had their life significantly impacted by a permanent or chronic, visible or non-visible, illness or injury, and Soldier On’s goal is to provide impactful and accessible programming that can be adapted to most people’s individual requirements.
Q3. What are the origins of Soldier On?
A3. Soldier On started in 2007. The program takes its roots from the years that followed the beginning of CAF’s mission in Afghanistan. Like the Paralympics military origins which started with the creation of a small event following World War II for injured Veterans, the CAF saw the requirement of a support program for ill and injured CAF members and Veterans.
Q4. What is Soldier On’s role in Team Canada for the Invictus Games and
Warrior Games?
A4. Soldier On, on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, leads and manages Team Canada at the Invictus and Warrior Games . In addition to selection, training, and delivering Team Canada to the games, Soldier On works in collaboration with the True Patriot Love Foundation and sponsors to ensure funding for the entire Team Canada inclusive to Friends and Families.
Q5. What type of activities are offered by Soldier On?
A5. Soldier On contributes to the recovery of ill and injured CAF members and Veterans by providing opportunities and resources through sport, recreational, and creative activities. It can be activities in a team like hockey, wheelchair basketball, or individual like mountain biking, yoga, archery, horseback riding, etc. Creative activities were added in 2021 to reach a more diverse demographic of Soldier On member who find great value in creative activities, for example, guitar lessons, singing, gardening, woodworking, photography, etc. Soldier On has also developed an enhanced offering of virtual program delivery to further reach Soldier On members across Canada and around the world.
Q6. Are there activities supported by Soldier On outside of Canada?
A6. Currently, Soldier On does not participate in international activities other than Invictus and Warrior Games .
Q7. Are there Soldier On member s who went to the Paralympics?
A7. Soldier On members frequently credit their Soldier On experience with
helping them to see new opportunities in life. Some have gone on to further their sports experience through national, international and Paralympic competition. Others have found new purpose in life, becoming doctors, motivational speakers and champions of the Veteran community. Many more still, credit their Soldier On experience with helping them adopt an active life style as a critical tool in their recovery toolbox.
Q8. How is Soldier On funded?
A8. Although primarily funded by Public Funds, Soldier On also has a charitable arm through the Canadian Armed Forces Charitable Funds as a qualified donee administered by CFMWS, which augments programming and provides grants to both serving members and Veterans .
Q9. If I attend a local or regional event, can I still apply for a national or international event?
A9. Yes, the event selection criteria have recently been amended so that attending local and regional events will not negatively affect your chance of being selected for a national or international event.
Q10. I am a serving member. Do I need to take annual leave to participate in a Soldier On event?
A10. No, Soldier On is mandated to support your recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration as a program provided under the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group and participating serving members are considered to be on duty when signed off by their respective Chain of Command.
Q11. Can I attend a parasport event even if I am able-bodied?
A11. Yes, community-based adaptive sports are for everyone regardless of ill/injury. Give parasports a try. It can be a great way to rediscover your love of sport and physical activity!
Q12. I am a registered Soldier On member, does that mean I will automatically be selected for events?
A12. No, once you’ve become a registered member, you are eligible to apply to participate in local or regional events taking place in your region, as well as national and international events.
It is up to you to check the Soldier On website and social media channels regularly for updates on what events are coming up, along with application deadlines.
Q13. I’ve recently become a Soldier On member, when will I be able to apply for an equipment grant?
A13. Soldier On defrays the cost of an active lifestyle for eligible members through its equipment grant program. This program is funded exclusively by donations from generous Canadians. For more detailed information, please see the
Applicant Guide to Soldier On Grant.
Due to limited funding and an increased demand, our equipment grant program is currently on pause while we work through a significant backlog. As soon as we are able to re-open the grant program and accept new applications, it will be announced on the Soldier On website.
Q14. What opportunities are available for Solder On members who do not live in Canada?
A14. Soldier On members who don’t live in Canada can apply to participate in any of our virtual events. They can also apply to participate in events held in-person, but it is important to note that Soldier On will only fund travel domestically from the first point of entry to Canada. Travel is rarely covered for local events.