Why one CEO throws support behind military vets

Last month, transport giant VIA Rail was recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces as the Most Supportive Employer in Canada – here, CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano explains why he’s backing the military community and what it means for the company.

“Hiring former military members, veterans and reservists fits with our mission to provide safe and reliable inter-city passenger rail travel service to Canadians since we share the common goal of serving Canadians,” says the Quebec-based exec.

“Veterans and reservists are a real asset to our company who can make a real contribution to VIA Rail’s future thanks to their technical and leadership skills, discipline and commitment to serving Canadians,” he adds.

The organization – which has more than 2,500 employees – is not only the first passenger rail line to receive the award, it’s also the first federal crown corporation to be honoured. Desjardins-Siciliano says a number of internal initiatives have made the achievement possible.

“Over the past few years, VIA Rail has increased its efforts to support Canada’s Reserve Forces and to encourage more veterans to join its staff,” he tells HRM. “We have, among other initiatives, worked with our reservist employees to implement a new leave policy allowing employees who are in the Reserves to continue their military training or participate in temporary missions during military operations in Canada and abroad.”

However, Desjardins-Siciliano does admit that recruiting members of the military community comes with its own unique set of challenges.

“One of the main challenges is that the military and veterans community is not aware of what VIA Rail can offer them,” he tells HRM. “To increase awareness, a three pillar strategy was developed, which include promotion, partnership and visibility.”

To promote the organization, VIA Rail offers members of the Canadian Forces, as well as veterans and their families, a 25 per cent reduction on the best available fare – since 2010, 168,000 military personnel have taken advantage of the discount.

The transport firm has also forged strong partnerships with organizations such as Canada Company’s Military Employment Transition (MET) Program and the Commissionaire’s MISSION EMPLOI which help former Canadian military members make the transition to civilian life.

Further partnerships include True Patriot Love, Wounded Warriors Canada, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, the Canadian Army Run, and the Invictus Games – among many more.

Finally, the firm focuses on visibility and has designed a webpage specifically for for members of the military and veterans communities.

“We have a duty to create great opportunities for our veterans and reservists within our organizations, which will benefit greatly from their technical know-how, experience, discipline and leadership,” says Desjardins-Siciliano.