Veterans Programs

Standardized houses for soldier-settlers

This pamphlet provided plans for four standardized houses, each of which cost under $800 and could be built within eight days. In drawing up the plans, the Soldier Settlement Board's architect consulted "a number of leading Pioneer Women in the West."

Housing Plans.pdf (15.5 MB)

Veterans in need

The Soldiers' Aid Commission of Ontario, like similar groups established in other provinces during the First World War, was established to provide vocational, financial, and medical assistance to ex-soldiers and their families. Barrie native John McCreight never returned this registration card, so presumably at the time he was not in need of assistance.

"Our pride in the past, our hope for the future"

Despite its title, this book was all about government programs available to Canadians after they stopped being soldiers and returned to the peacetime economy.

Legitimate veterans

Because of problem of unscrupulous individuals claiming veteran status, anyone wearing a War Service Badge after the Second World War also had to carry proof that they were entitled to wear it.

Learning a trade for peacetime

Part of the federal government's demobilization strategy was to make available to men and women in uniform job-training courses to prepare them for the postwar world. Corporal Nelson, of RCAF (Women's Division) Headquarters in Vancouver, opted to learn dressmaking.

The YMCA and ex-soldiers

This card, giving to a Canadian soldier returning home after the First World War, gave him a six-month membership at any YMCA in Canada.

Cash payments for veterans

To address one of the most pressing demands of Great War veterans, the Canadian government during the Second World War passed the War Service Grants Act, which gave all veterans a lump sum cash payment based on their length and place of service, rank, and family size.

WSG 1944.pdf (54.7 MB)

When Canada's Fighting Man Again Becomes a Working Man

Facing the challenge of facilitating the successful return of thousands of servicemen to civilian life, the government published this pamphlet to educate Canadians on the measures in place and the national strategy for demobilization.

DDay.1943.pdf (15.05 MB)

A soldier-settler in Simcoe County

In July 1916, Charles Coster enlisted in the 238th Battalion in New Liskeard, Ontario. After the war, he applied to the Soldier Settlement Board and eventually acquired land near Waterford, Ontario - the documents suggest that the transaction was not without its difficulties.

SSB Coster.pdf (33.93 MB)
SSB Coster.pdf (33.93 MB)
SSB Coster.pdf (33.93 MB)
SSB Coster.pdf (33.93 MB)

Discounted travel for veterans

Through the Soldier Settlement Board, veterans could receive discounted rail tickets for travel in connection with taking up farming work.