Atlantic Chamber Pushes Hiring of Veterans

The chamber's chief executive urged employers to fill vacancies with retired service members as a federal recognition initiative launches.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Military Jobs

Photograph of an empty modern office with a wooden desk, a folded olive-green sweater on a chair, and a steel tool case beside a window in soft daylight. — The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce's chief executive urged employers to fill job vacancies with retired service members as the federal government launches a recognition initiative for veteran hiring. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local employers prioritize hiring military veterans to fill job openings?

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce's chief executive promoted hiring veterans to fill job vacancies. The federal government recently launched an initiative to recognize employers that hire retired service members.

Why it matters

About 7,900 service members retire across the country every year, and roughly half of them are looking for new careers. Employers are being encouraged to evaluate veterans' skills rather than relying only on civilian job titles or degrees.

About 7,900 service members retire across Canada each year, and about 50 per cent of them are looking for new careers. The source does not indicate how many of these retirees have secured employment so far.

The players

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

A regional business organization representing employers across Atlantic Canada that advocates for economic growth and workforce development in the region.

The details

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce's chief executive promoted hiring veterans to fill open positions. The federal government's new initiative recognizes employers that hire retired service members, and employers are advised to assess a veteran's skillset beyond civilian job titles or degrees.

Last week, the federal government launched its initiative recognizing employers that hire retired service members.

Roadmap

The federal initiative recognizing employers that hire retired service members marks a national effort to channel veterans' skills into civilian employment. The Atlantic Chamber's call for hiring veterans places regional employers within this broader federal push.

Employers reviewing resumes should look beyond civilian job titles and degrees to assess the skills retiring service members bring. Job seekers who are veterans may find that their military experience translates to a broader range of roles than they expect.

The takeaway

Hiring managers who evaluate the skills developed in military service, rather than matching only civilian job titles, can widen their pool of qualified candidates. Retiring service members bring experience that many roles can use.