MFS NCR Welcome Guide

Welcome to the National Capital Region (NCR)

Welcome From Your Senior Manager

Welcome to the National Capital Region!

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the National Capital Region (NCR). Whether this is your first time, return of many, or final posting location, the NCR is your place to call home. We recognize the NCR is uniquely different from any other posting you may have experienced within Canada; due to its vast geographical boundaries that includes the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, within the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. We acknowledge postings to new or revisited locations can be a challenge in feeling connected and supported. Anytime along your stay in the NCR, the wellversed team at MFS NCR is here for you, simply reach out.

As you settle and thrive in your new community, we challenge you to explore, connect and share with us your experiences, so that we can continue to evolve and meet the unique needs of CAF families in the NCR. From Downtown Ottawa with the Cityscape, to embracing the beauty of Gatineau Park in the fall and experiencing the iconic Rideau Canal, we look forward to hearing about your journey!

On behalf of myself and the team at MFS NCR, we welcome you!

Brieanne, Senior Manager, Military Family Services NCR

MFS NCR catchment area extends across different communities, over 100 kms in each direction, and across 2 provinces (Ontario & Québec).

Whether this is your ...

One of Many Final Move

MFS NCR Reception Information

Email: mfsncr@cfmws.com

Phone: 613-998-4888

Relocation Team: mfsncr-relocation@cfmws.com Introduction

Scan the QR code for our website and services. cfmws.ca/mfsncr

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1600

The Posting Cycle

Prepare

There are a lot of plans and actions in this phase: your HHT, preparing to sell/move, travel plans, etc; in addition to the overall stress and its impact on one’s emotional and social well-being.

Move

Arrive

You’re on the ground now in your new location and managing the Unload and Unpack. Much of this phase involves tackling the MUST do’s and exploring your new community.

Settle

Your new community is more familiar. The logistics of the move have mostly or fully concluded, and you find new routines and familiarity. At times, things still feel new and uncertain, but more and more, you are feeling settled.

Thrive

The logistics of physically moving to your new home and the reality of travelling to a new location. These transitions can be both adventurous and stressful.

Connect

Life starts to “happen” in your new location and navigation of your community. You are finding your way and looking to connect to pertinent resources, social networks and supports for you and your family.

This is YOUR community, and your family are active members of that community in the way that it suits your journey and circumstances.

Moving Tips / Reminders

First Move

Familiarize yourself with the updated Relocation Directives and BGRS regulations and follow the recommended checklists/procedures.

Recognize that stress and anxiety are normal reactions during this transition.

Create a Moving Binder (physical or virtual) for all relevant contacts, documents, receipts, etc to be easily accessible at all times.

Make contact and book all services as early as possible to reduce reactive decision making, such as a financial planner, realtors and accommodations (origin & destination), pet care, etc.

Scan the QR code to find the MFS Moving Guidebook and Checklists

cfmws.ca/support-services/movinghousing/guide-to-relocating

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Moving Tips / Reminders

One of Many Moves

Look back on your previous homes and come up with your top 3 priorities for your next home.

Start your decluttering process soon after getting word of a potential posting message. Find some fun activities to do on the downtimes during your HHT.

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Moving Tips / Reminders

Final Move

As you approach this next stage in your journey, consider consulting a financial planner who can help identify ways to meet your new financial obligations and lifestyle.

Be familiar with the resources available to you through VAC and MFS NCR as you transition out of the military with your local Transition Centre/Veteran Family Program Coordinator.

Take the time to actively reconnect as a family unit and make new memories.

Ontario - SNAPSHOTS

Ottawa

In addition to our main office at Uplands, we have satellite offices across the city to meet you where you are. Strong representation of both official languages throughout the city.

Housing

Ottawa housing prices are higher but have lower income taxes.

*Source 1, 2

CFHA / PSP Housing

Ministry of Transportation

OC Transpo (Bus & O-Train) Transportation

Medical

Securing a doctor is challenging due to physician shortages throughout the province.

Options: Calian Maple Provincial waitlist info

Tip: Once you have secured an address, register on a waitlist immediately.

Visit

Ottawa Transit App

Québec - SNAPSHOTS

Outaouais

Consists of five municipalities:

Aylmer, Buckingham, Hull, Gatineau, and Masson-Angers

Vibrant francophone community, with many anglophone communities spread throughout the city.

Housing

Housing and rent are lower, but there are higher income taxes.

*Source 1, 2

Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec

Société de transport de l’Outaouais

Transportation Transit App

Medical

Securing a doctor is challenging due to physician shortages throughout the province.

Options:

Primary Care Access Point

Maple

Provincial waitlist info

Tip: You will need a valid RAMQ health card before you can register on the Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF) waiting list.

MFS NCR Services

Recorded May 2023

Ontario

Québec

Elementary & Secondary Boards

Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)

Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)

Conseils des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO)

Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)

Commission scolaire Western

Québec School Board

Commission scolaire des Draveurs (French only)

Commission scolaire des Portagesde-l’Outaouais (French only)

Commission scolaire des HautsBois-de-l’Outaouais (French only)

Post-Secondary Schools

University of Ottawa

Carleton University

La Cité

Algonquin College

* Check each school board for French Immersion and extended French programs options.

Université du Québec en Outaouais

Université nationale autonome du Mexique

Cégep Héritage College

* Information about eligibility to English education in Québec can be found here.

MFS Education Resources & Support

MFS NCR Services

Child Care Navigation

Contact our Child Care Navigator to h your options fo Ottawa and Ga area so that yo make an inform decision as to works best for family.

Finding the right child care for your family takes time, planning, and patience.

Information & resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating an Emergency Child Plan

Choosing Child Care in Ottawa and Gatineau

Other Considerations

For more child care navigation information, scan the QR code cfmwsca/mfsncr/childcare

MFS NCR Services

Family Navigation

With a depth of knowledge regarding complex needs and how they uniquely affect every family, our Family Navigation Program Specialist is here to assist with navigating the available resources and making connections relevant to your family’s needs.

Scan the QR code to see how we can help you and your family navigate your journey cfmwsca/mfsncr/family-navigation

Sensory Lending Library

Families can sign out and try a variety of assistive devices for both adults and children on a first come, first served basis.

MFS NCR Services

Deployment Support

Work-related absences can happen at any time and may include deployments, Imposed Restriction (IR), Temporary Duty (TD), extended courses, training and exercises amongst any other tasks.

Contact our Deployment Team to see how we can support you and your family during this transition.

Scan the QR code for more information about our deployment services cfmwsca/mfsncr/deployment

Resources

Drop-in hours

One-on-One navigational support

Access to the Our Family Wizard app

Morale Mail Program

...and Much More!

MFS NCR Services

Veteran Family Resources

The transition from military to civilian lifestyle is unique to each member. Navigating this journey with our Veteran Family Program Coordinator will hopefully provide you and your family a softer landing as you settle into your life.

Resources

Veteran Family Program

Resources for Families

Scan the QR code to reach our MFS NCR Veteran Family Program page cfmws.ca/mfsncr/vfp

Family Information Line: 1-800-866-4546

Transition Centre Ottawa: 343-451-5124

OSISS - Family Peer Support

24/7 Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Line: 1-800-2687708

Resume Support: Translating your military skills to civilian equivalencies

My VAC Account

Veteran Family Telemedicine Service via Maple

Partner Organizations

Veterans Affairs Canada

SISIP

Wounded Warriors Canada

Soldier On Support Our Troops

Opening Minds - Mental Health Commission of Canada

MFS NCR Services

Employment Support

MFS / MFS NCR Resources City Resources

Employment Resources

Career Development and Virtual

Workshops

Military Spousal Employment

Network

Military Spouse Employment

Initiative

MFS Employment Services

May 2023

Centre Local d’Emploi (Québec)

Employment Ontario

GOC Job Bank

Find an Employment Centre

Second Language Resources

Please contact the Second Language Coordinator for inquiries and program details.

Pour l’amour du français - Online French Class (LRDG platform)

For the Love of English - Online English Class (LRDG platform)

Tips for Practicing an Additional Language

Rosetta Stone - On a case-by-case basis for languages other than English and French

*Our second language programs prioritize adult military family members*

Mental Health & Wellness

Main Hospitals

Ottawa Hospital (General, Riverside, Civic campuses)

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)

Queensway-Carleton Hospital

Montfort Hospital

Hôpital de Gatineau

Hôpital de Hull

Hôpital de Papineau

Scan the QR code for more Resources cfmws.ca/mfsncr/mentalhealth

Relocating can be overwhelming. If you need someone to talk to during this time, our mental health team is here for you and your family to support your journey.

MFS NCR Mental Health Email: mfsncr-mentalhealth@cfmws.com

Read our “Adapting to Your New Reality“ article here.

Resources

Walk-in Counselling Services (Ottawa): Map View Search

The Walk-In Counselling Clinic (Ottawa)

Counselling Connect - Phone/Video (Ottawa)

*Please see our Resources in the NCR for further supports.*

City Resources

In an Emergency, call: 9-1-1

(For Ambulance, Fire, Police)

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Pet Care

Alta Vista Animal Hospital

Ottawa Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital

Eagleson Veterinary Clinic

Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital

*Please call the hospital for any change of operation*

Always have a “go bag” ready in a convenient location with enough emergency supplies for everyone, including your pets for at least 72 hours.

Contact your local community office to find the closest designated emergency shelter to you.

Visit City of Ottawa or Ville de Gatineau for more specific resources and information to your location.

Volunteer with MFS NCR

Benefits of Volunteering

Enhances overall wellness

Boosts fulfillment and purpose

Fosters community connections

Encourages learning

Increases physical movement

Improves self-confidence

Supports skills and experience development

Volunteers take the time to make a difference.

Scan the QR code to find out more about how you can volunteer in the NCR cfmwsca/mfsncr/volunteer

No matter if you’re looking for a place to complete your volunteer hours or to make new connections with like-minded people, contact our Volunteer Program Specialist to see what opportunities are right for you.

Your CAF Community

MFS NCR Contacts

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 0800-1600

Phone: 613-998-4888

Main Office: Uplands Military Community C

330 Croil Private, Bldg 471, Ottawa, ON, K1V

General : mfsncr@cfmws.com

Mental Health : mfsncr-mentalhealth@cfmws.com

Our Services

Child Care Navigation: Child Care Navigator

Complex Needs: Family Navigation Specialist

Deployment: Deployment Team

Veteran Family Services: VFP Coordinator

Relocation & Employment: Relocation Team

Volunteer with us!

Community Partners

Personnel Support Programs (PSP)

PSP Health Promotion

PSP Housing

PSP Recreation Programs

SISIP Financial

CANEX Online Shop

Royal Canadian Legion

Connect

Sign up for our newsletter

Facebook: mfsncr

Instagram: mfsncr sfmrcn

Discounts

PSP Bookings and Rentals

CF1 Member Appreciation

Resources in the NCR

Emergency Assistance (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 9-1-1

Non-Emergency (Police) 1-888-310-1122

Duty Padre 613-596-0124

Family Information Line 1-800-866-4546

Canadian Forces Military Assistance Program (CFMAP) 1-800-268-7708 Distress Centre Ottawa 613-238-3311 Tel-Aide Outaouais (24/7) 613-741-6433

Mental Health Crisis Line 1-866-996-0991

Kids Help Phone (Phone Service) 1-800-668-6868

Kids Help Phone (Texting Service) 686868