Summary

• B.C. is expanding eligibility for WorkBC services to better support military spouses and dependent adult children relocating to B.C. with a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member
• Military families can now access WorkBC services before establishing B.C. residency, removing a key barrier to early employment support
• This change removes delays, reduces employment gaps and supports smoother interprovincial moves for CAF families

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Military spouses and adult children moving to British Columbia can now access WorkBC employment services sooner, helping them prepare for work as they settle into their new community.

“Military families serve our country, so we want to serve them better, too. We’re changing WorkBC eligibility so military spouses can plan ahead for meaningful work in their new community, find stability sooner and ease the financial strain of relocation,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Expanding eligibility to better support military families

Hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces families relocate to B.C. each year, often on tight timelines that make job transitions difficult.

WorkBC Centres will support military spouses and dependent children 19 and older before they officially establish B.C. residency. This change allows families to begin job searching, career planning and training as soon as they find out they are moving.

Previously, military spouses relocating from another province had to establish B.C. residency before accessing WorkBC services, a process that could create months-long employment gaps and delays during already complex moves.

Eligible individuals can now access services by providing documentation, such as a Canadian Armed Forces posting message confirming relocation to British Columbia.

“As a former military spouse and now the spouse of a veteran, I know firsthand how challenging it is to rebuild your career with every posting,” said Sophia Song, a realtor and spouse of a veteran, who lives on the Westshore near Victoria. “Being able to access WorkBC services before establishing residency will make a real difference for Canadian Armed Forces families moving to British Columbia. It gives spouses and adult children a head start on finding meaningful work and helps ease the financial and emotional strain that comes with every relocation.”

This change supports the federal Seamless Canada initiative, led by the Department of National Defence and the CAF, which helps military families navigate relocations. Working with provinces, territories and partners, the initiative aims to improve access to services such as employment, health care and child care before and during a move.

WorkBC Employment Services are funded by the Government of Canada through Employment Insurance contributions made by workers and employers, under the Canada British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement. 

Helping spouses and adult children prepare for work in B.C.

• Military spouses and adult dependent children relocating with a CAF member can now access WorkBC services before residency is established.
• Individuals must intend to live in B.C. as part of the CAF transfer and provide documentation confirming the move.
• WorkBC Centres can provide job search help, career planning, training referrals and employment supports right away.
• Early access reduces delays and helps families prepare for work as they transition into life in B.C.

This expanded eligibility ensures military families receive timely, consistent employment support as they prepare to live and work in British Columbia.

Quotes:

Sherry Romanado, MP, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of National Defence –

“Frequent relocations are a reality of military life, and employment shouldn’t be another hurdle for families to overcome. Through the Seamless Canada initiative, we’re working with provinces like British Columbia to ensure military spouses and children can access supports sooner, reduce employment gaps and transition more smoothly into their new communities.”

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth –

“Strong local economies depend on people finding the right opportunities without having to uproot their lives. This change strengthens B.C.’s labour markets by helping employers access the skills military families bring to their communities, benefiting both these families and their new communities.”

Darlene Rotchford, parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs –

“As a military spouse myself, I fully understand the difficulty families have when they are posted into new communities around Canada. That’s why, here in B.C., we’re making it easier for military spouses and their adult children to get a head start on finding work, so they can start contributing their skills right away in their new home right here in B.C.”

Kathleen Cormie, military spouse, programs co-ordinator for Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre –

“I’ve relocated twice in the last seven years for my husband’s military service. The logistical challenges of moving a family are huge. I had to re-establish employment, housing, child care, education and medical care with just a few months notice. I know my experience is not unique. The requirements of military lifestyle present real obstacles for spouses who are working to maintain a meaningful career. I hope this change helps military families plan ahead for a successful transition to B.C.”

Learn More:

• To learn more about Seamless Canada supports for Canadian Armed Forces, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/pay-pension-benefits/benefits/relocation-travel-accommodation/seamless-canada.html
• To learn more about WorkBC Employment services available, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services