Governor General David Johnston oversees a ceremony giving royal assent to government legislation in the Senate on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, December 12, 2013. Johnston is sending a special holiday message to the families of military personnel coping with a recent series of suicides.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle
December 24, 2013 - 6:53 AM
OTTAWA - Canada's commander-in-chief is sending a special holiday message to the families of military personnel coping with a recent series of suicides.
Governor General David Johnston says the recent tragic losses of Canadian Forces members are a reminder of the stresses faced by military personnel and the mental health challenges that can result.
Johnston says in his Christmas Eve message to the Forces that help is available to its members if they need it.
He also calls for a "greater sense of responsibility" towards Canada's men and women in uniform.
At least four apparent military suicides occurred earlier this month, a week apart in different parts of the country.
A recent House of Commons committee heard that while the Harper government has invested millions into the military's mental health services, far less attention is being paid to helping the mentally and physically wounded transition to civilian life.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013