Research
The heart of CIMVHR’s mission is to enhance the lives of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families by harnessing the national capacity for research. We do this by:
- providing infrastructure to enable relevant and quality research,
- by enhancing the accessibility of research and
- by engaging network members to foster collaborations
We envision a world in which the health and well-being of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families are maximized through world-class research, resulting in evidence-informed practices, policies and programs.
The CIMVHR research process is defined by priority setting, arms-length objectivity and extensive peer review. CIMVHR research covers the entire life course of military service, from active duty through the military-to-civilian transition and into long-term health and aging, while considering those impacted by service in the military, Veteran and family’s community.
Research priorities are identified in a responsive and ongoing consultation process with partners, key network members and funders. CIMVHR research activities are further supported by our Scientific Advisors, Scientific Advisory Committee, and Technical Advisory Committee ensuring an informed and responsive research strategy.
We work closely with research teams from all across Canada that are best suited to address relevant and timely questions through a methodical Request for Proposals process that ensures a thorough and unbiased selection of research teams.
Learn what CIMVHR’s accomplished during the reporting period:
2023-2025 Funded Research Projects
In partnership with key funders, CIMVHR has facilitated several important research projects over the past two years through our reach and strong partnerships with nearly 50 postsecondary institutions with thousands of highly qualified researchers in our network. The success of these projects is largely attributed to our College of Peer Reviewers, a global community of 175 scientists, academics and researchers. The role in selecting the most qualified researchers for the right projects is essential. In addition, we aim to deliver impact by providing ongoing support to researchers, including essential knowledge translation services, to ensure that the research reaches the broader public and partners in a way that is accessible and actionable. This ensures that the valuable insights gained from our research reach those who can benefit from them.
2023
Assessing the Needs of Canadian Veterans with Amputations and the Individuals who Care for Them
J. Don Richardson, MD, Western University and Lawson Research Institute
Funder
Led by Dr. Richardson from Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute, the study focuses on understanding the unique needs of Canadian Veterans with amputations and their caregivers. This study explores the challenges Veteran amputees face in accessing services related to housing, employment, healthcare and disability benefits. By working closely with Veterans, caregivers and service providers, the research will inform the development of better, more accessible support services to meet the specific needs of this community.
Uncovering Barriers and Facilitators of Competitor and Caregiver Experience in a Winter Context: An Invictus Games Research Legacy Project
J. Don Richardson, MD, Western University and Lawson Research Institute
Funder
In 2023, Dr. Don Richardson and his team at the MacDonald Franklin Occupational Stress Injury Research and Innovation Centre conducted research funded by the True Patriot Love - CIMVHR Research Initiative IG2025. The study focused on understanding the barriers and facilitators of participation in adaptive winter sports for injured or ill Veterans. The research highlighted the positive impact of adaptive sport on mental health and physical recovery, but also identified challenges, such as the competitive nature of the sports and the disparities in resources, which can hinder full participation for some Veterans. Findings from Dr. Richardson’s work have informed future research directions, emphasizing the need for more inclusive programs and further exploration of factors like diversity, technology, and sports structures.
2024
Literature Review: Military and Veteran Volunteerism in Canada
Alyson Mahar, PhD, Queen’s University
Funder
Dr. Alyson Mahar led a study that focused on how volunteering in the community may help Canadian military members transition to civilian life. Dr. Mahar and team reviewed and sythesized research studies that focus on volunteering for military Veterans to learn why Veterans volunteer, who does and doesn’t volunteer, what could create barriers to volunteering, and write recommendations for how organizations could support Veterans in volunteering in the future. This study had several findings:
- Overall, Veterans reported benefits when participating in volunteer programs. None of the identified studies reported any harms associated with volunteering.
- Many Veterans take pride in volunteerism. They see it as a continuation of their service towards their country and fellow country persons. By engaging in volunteer work, Veterans can reconnect with their communities, rediscover a sense of purpose and experience the fulfillment that comes from helping others.
- Health and wellness benefits include positive mental health, overall health, feelings of social isolation, loneliness and family impact.
The full Literature Review is available online at - cimvhr.ca/funded-research-projects
Bone-anchored Prostheses and the Military: A Review of Literature and Evaluation of their Compatibility with Military Service in the Canadian Armed Forces
Jacqueline Hebert, MD, University of Alberta and Diana Zidarov, PhD, University of Montreal
Funder
Drs. Jacquline Hebert and Diana Zidarov are completing a research project that aims to synthesize the available scholarly evidence on the health outcomes, complications, and patient selection criteria for lower and upper-limb osseointegrated bone-anchored prostheses (BAP) in the limb loss population. The project will also evaluate the compatibility of BAP with military service by comparing the evidence from the scientific literature with current Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military requirements.
Learn more about their study and the evaluation process at cimvhr.ca/funded-research-projects.
An Advanced Virtual Training System for Multi-articulating Prosthesis Control
Jacqueline Hebert, MD, University of Alberta
Funder
The project, led by Dr. Hebert, focuses on developing an advanced virtual training system for multi-articulating prosthesis control. This project will address a major barrier for military personnel and Veterans with upper limb loss: the lack of proper training on the use of complex prosthetic devices. The virtual reality system being developed allows for customized, intensive training to help users better control their prostheses, which includes controlling joints and hand patterns for more functional tasks. By offering an accessible, at-home training platform, this system will help Veterans and Canadians with upper limb loss better adapt to their prosthetic devices, improving usability and overall quality of life.
Collaborative paths to understanding: Mental health and wellbeing impacts of participation in the Invictus Games 2025
Margaret McKinnon, PhD, McMaster University
Funder
Outdoor sports and other types of physical activity are key components of mental and physical recovery. We will conduct a mixed method, biopsychosocial design to understand more specifically how the Invictus Games (IG) contributes to Veteran recovery. We will do this by gaining knowledge on the ways that competing in the IG, or not being accepted to compete in the IG, affects Veterans’ mental and physical health. We have brought together an international team of researchers with expertise and experience collecting data on mental health and physical health in both national samples and in previous large sporting venues (e.g., Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games). This team will work together to develop 1) a virtual mental health survey of psychological and wellbeing measures (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation), 2) conduct virtual interviews to better understand the experiences and benefits/challenges with participation in the IG, and 3) virtually collect biometric data (i.e., aerobic fitness, sleep quality, heart rate). This data will be collected from IG participants and from individuals who were unsuccessful in their application to participate in the IG. Data will be collected during training, during the IG competition, and after the IG. Data from this study will allow us to develop guidelines for the creation, development, delivery and maintenance of adaptive military sports programmes that ultimately support the post-traumatic growth and recovery of Veterans and their families.
Research To Action
In addition to funded research projects, CIMVHR helps bring research to action in several strategic priority areas.
Health System Resilience: Exercise Trillium Cura
Exercise Trillium Cura was a strategic-level preparedness exercise organized by CIMVHR in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Held in November 2024, Exercise Trillium Cura was designed to enhance Ontario’s health system readiness to manage large-scale casualties resulting from a prolonged conventional war while ensuring continued care for civilians. The exercise brought together 30 participants and 42 observers from a broad range of sectors.
A comprehensive post-exercise report was released on December 2, 2024. The report, which can be accessed below, outlines key insights gained from the exercise and has contributed to informing NATO’s policies and practices regarding inter-agency administrative and technical readiness in the event of a conflict.
HEALTH SYSTEMS RESILIENCE TIMELINE
October 2023
Dr. Bourdeaux delivers a keynote at CIMVHR Forum 2023 on Building Health Systems Resilience: Is Canada Ready?
January 2024
Plain Language Summary on Dr. Bourdeaux’s presentation is launched - Health Systems and Conflict: Is Canada Ready?
April 2024
CIMVHR and the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health meet to discuss how they can collaborate on advancing the discussion around Building Health Systems Resilience.
May 2024
Leaders from CFHSG, CIMVHR and the University of Toronto meet to discuss developing a tabletop exercise concerning how the outbreak of conventional land war could impact the health system in Canada.
November 2024
CIMVHR, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, CFHSG, St. Michael’s Hospital and Unity Health host Exercise Trillium Cura
December 2024
Outcomes and findings from Exercise Trillium Cura are released.
May 2025
Webinar hosted by CIDP at Queen’s University Exercise Trillium Cura: Understanding and preparing for a complicated health system
May 2025
The Kingstonist writes an article - Canada’s military tests Ontario’s health care response to mass soldier casualties
Emerging Research Issues
Emerging Issues: Addressing the Needs of Canada’s Ageing Veterans
Canada’s Veteran population is ageing, with approximately 66% of its Veterans reportedly aged 55 years and older as of 2021. While Canada has a lengthy history of policy-making related to supporting its older Veterans, new challenges have created a pressing need to determine how to care for the current generation of Veterans.
Following a keynote presentation by Dr. Samir Sinha; a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network, and Director of Health Policy Research at the National Institute on Ageing, CIMVHR partnered with the Canadian Frailty Network (CFN) and Canada’s National Institute of Ageing (NIA) to release a technical white paper on ageing Veterans. Published in November 2024, the report highlighted the complex health challenges faced by this population and underscored the urgent need for targeted support and care for our ageing Veterans. In just one week, the report attracted nearly 800 views, reflecting the broad interest and relevance of its findings.
A webinar hosted by CIMVHR, CFN and NIA attracted over 100 attendees from the ageing health research sector. The webinar provided an in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by ageing Veterans and the need for specialized care.
AGEING TIMELINE
October 2022
CIMVHR Forum keynote presentation by Dr. Samir Sinha on Addressing our Coming of Age for Canada’s Veterans
January 2023
Plain Language Summary on Dr. Sinha’s keynote presentation is launched - Meeting Veterans’ Needs as They Age
November 2024
Addressing the Coming of Age and Its Related Complexities Among Canada’s Veterans launches
November 2024
Ageing Plain Language Summary is released
November 2024
Editorial in JMVFH – Canada’s Veterans’ second coming of age: Why it is time to explore the needs of our newest generation of older Veterans
November 2024
Op-ed on ageing research reaches five media outlets
- Toronto Star
- Ottawa Citizen
- The Hill Times
- Edmonton Journal
- The Good Men Project
International Research Collaborations
The Five Eyes Mental Health Research and Innovation Collaboration (Five Eyes MHRIC)
To date the Five Eyes MHRIC has produced 8 peer-reviewed journal articles which have been cited by 247 peer-reviewed journal articles and 6 international policy documents. This demonstrates the growing influence and impact of this work in the military and Veteran mental health research field. During the reporting period the following two articles were produced by the group.
2023 Feature
Article Highlight
Problematic anger in military personnel and Veterans, can lead to long-term emotional, social, and occupational difficulties, as well as potential harm to self or others. Research shows that almost one in every three Veterans report problematic anger in the years following departure from the military. Despite this trend, problematic anger has been the proverbial ‘elephant’ in the room: largely overlooked in clinical training programs and prevention strategies for military and Veteran services. This gap leaves service providers and service members unprepared to adequately prevent and address problematic anger.
Full Article
Plain Language Summary
2024 Feature
Article Highlight
Objective: This commentary highlights challenges and opportunities in suicide prevention across the military and veteran populations of the Five Eyes nations. Methods: Trends in suicides and suicidality in military and veteran populations are outlined, as well as identified risk and protective factors, and approaches to suicide prevention. Results: Suicide risk is higher in veterans compared to current serving and community samples. Despite extensive research, the causation, prediction, and prevention of suicide, is still not well understood. We propose areas for further attention in prevention strategies. Conclusion: Suicide and suicidality are issues of concern in military and veteran populations. Suicide prevention requires commitment to continuous improvement through research, analysis, and incorporation of evolving best practice.
Full Article
Plain Language Summary
About the Five Eyes MHRIC: The Five Eyes Mental Health Research and Innovation Collaboration (Five Eyes MHRIC) across the Five Eyes nations in military and Veteran mental health is an international consortium focused on advancing mental health research and developing policies and practices that enhance the lives of military personnel, Veterans, and their families. Bringing together thought leaders and experts from the Five Eyes nations - Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America - the team of experts provides high-level evidence-based guidance to ensure research priorities, best practices, and emerging issues are addressed and progressing within the Five Eyes countries.
Learn more about the group’s activities at – Five Eyes MHRIC
Spotlight on Research Impact
Advancing the Well-being of Canadian Women Veterans
In June 2024, the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs released the report, Invisible No More: The Experiences of Canadian Women Veterans. This report brought crucial attention to the unique challenges faced by Canadian service women and women Veterans. The report emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive, long-term research program to address gaps in services and support for this often-overlooked group.
A cornerstone of the report's findings was the recognition of Dr. Maya Eichler’s True Patriot Love - CIMVHR funded research. Dr. Eichler’s work was instrumental in identifying key areas requiring a structured, targeted response to improve the lives of Canadian service women and women Veterans. As noted in the report, her research highlighted the lack of a coherent, overarching vision to guide the development of programs that address the specific needs of service women and women Veterans (See page 20 in the report below).
Key publications from Dr. Eichler’s work that informed the Invisible No More report include:
2022 - Advancing Canadian Research on Servicewomen and Women Veterans
_CIMVHR-TPL Research-in-Action_English.png)
2021 - Seeing Sex, Gender, and Intersectionality in Military, Veteran, and Family Health Research
Published in the Volume 7 Issue s1 of Journal of Military, Veteran, and Family Health (JMVFH). See the article in the full issue below.
The Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health’s special edition dedicated to examining sex, gender and intersectionality in the health and well-being of military members, Veterans and their families, continues to serve as a vital resource in advancing inclusive and intersectional research that supports all Veterans.
Additionally, Dr. Margaret McKinnon’s True Patriot Love-CIMVHR funded research on the Impact of Sexual Trauma During Military Service on Canadian Female-Identifying Military Members and Veterans made a significant contribution to understanding the intersection of sexual trauma and military service. Her findings have underscored the urgent need for specialized care and support systems tailored to the experiences of service women and women Veterans who have encountered sexual trauma in the course of their service. This research was published in JMVFH’s Vol.9 No. 4.
Canadian Adaptations of Children’s Books for Military, Veteran and Public Safety Personnel Families
The children’s book project began following a presentation by Dr. Marg Rogers from the University of New England in Australia at the CIMVHR Virtual Forum 2021, entitled Young children’s understanding of parental deployment and training (abstract on pg. 12).
Attended by a member of the CIMVHR team, Dr. Rogers presented the work she led, created by her and her team in the Child and Family Resilience Program, which included a series of evidence-based story books for young children from Australian military families. Recognizing the need for similar, culturally appropriate books for children in Canadian defence families, and with seed money from CIMVHR to start, CIMVHR drafted a knowledge-translation plan to adapt Marg's books for Canadian children from military, Veterans, and public support personnel families. After inviting Canadian partners to join the project - The Royal Canadian Legion and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) - work could now begin on adapting these books for children in Canada. The process in Canada was guided by CIMVHR's Amy Doyle and Dr. Marg Rogers. Throughout the project, CFMWS staff and CIMVHR summer students have supported this work. Amy and her team gathered a group of military, Veteran and public safety personnel families, all of whom offered input, edits and suggestions on the book adaptations. CIMVHR conducted an informal environmental scan to assess the need for books like these in the Canadian landscape and found that, while there were a few picture books for children featuring Canadian military and Veteran stories, none were evidence-based. It was also discovered that few were offered free online as e-books available to all children who wanted to read them. None of the books provided research-based evidence, guidance, or explanations for parents, guardians, teachers, or social workers to use. The initial four titles would be the first of their kind in Canada.
“My husband just deployed this week to the Middle East for the next 5 months and we have been reading the books with my kids, and it has been very helpful (especially with my 4-year-old) to help her understand why her dad is away and what deployment means. It was extra special to have a shout-out to "Bubbehs and Zaydehs" in the alphabet roller coaster book. We rarely see this as a Jewish family and were very impressed.”
Additionally, CIMVHR reached out to our partners at various universities, CFMWS, and other institutes to form an advisory group of Canadian researchers with expertise in military and public safety families, child psychology, indigenous languages, and Canadian military history, who helped shape the books and provided expert input throughout the project. French-language versions were shaped by French-speaking first military families, with input from French-speaking members of CIMVHR and CFMWS, culminating in professional translation by a Veteran. By 2023, the soft launch of the first four books was presented in both French and English in print at the CIMVHR Forum 2023, followed by the release of the four e-books in both languages, which launched in January 2025.
We Remember Canada's Story
This book was adapted in collaboration with The Royal Canadian Legion and 24 Veterans from across Canada.
This book is suitable for preschool children to 12-year-olds and employs a unique dual narrative style that uses poetic rhythm and rhyme alongside historic images, and a more mature illustration style and more detailed text to engage older children.
This book explores ways we remember and commemorate service during war and peacetime, so it makes a great resource for Remembrance Day. It explores our Canadian history, and teaches empathy, critical thinking and pride for our service members and their sacrifices – including the contributions of all of Canada’s diverse population.
Our Alphabet Roller Coaster – The ABC’s of Training and Deployment
Using four lovable Canadian animals illustrated by Jan Dolby, this adapted research-based storybook explores their experiences of service family life. This includes postings and parental absences from home.
Adapted from Marg’s original Australian title, Mary’s Alphabet Slippery Dip, this Canadian version includes Canadian spelling, word choices, weather, clothing, settings and more.
D is for Deployment: Emma Raps it Up!
This research-based storybook explores Emma's experiences as her parent deploys. Emma shares her feelings as her parent move in and out of the household. While the original version of this book uses actual family photos, the Canadian edition was completely illustrated by Laura Hanek.
My Colourful Kite
This research-based storybook explores Nick's experiences of a parent working away. It explores social responses to parental absence and extended family care.
And so, things have been a bit different: Oliver’s Story
This book has sensitive content and is for children who have experienced a parent with service-related injuries.
This research-based storybook tells the story of Oliver, whose parent has a service-related injury. Oliver learns what that means for his parent and the whole family. This book is specifically for those children who have experienced this in their families.
To help launch the books and create some excitement and hype around these new books, CIMVHR reached out to Commander (Retd) Chris Hadfield to ask him to do a reading of Our Alphabet Roller Coaster – The ABCs of Training and Deployment.
The fifth book in the series, We Remember Canada's Story, was released in time for Remembrance Day 2025 and is now for sale with the others on the Legion website at www.poppystore.ca. With funding and support from The Legion, Military Family Services, CFMWS and CIMVHR, over 2,500 printed copies of the books. The books have been widely shared with other CIMVHR partner organisations for inclusion on their websites, including Wounded Warrior Canada, HiMarc, Families Matter Research Group, and Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, to spread the free books even farther.
This project is a shining example of research moving to impact for the people who serve Canada. From a single presentation at CIMVHR Forum 2021, five books have been created in both French and English. All these titles are sold at cost; no profit will ever be made on these books, as they are produced through a Creative Commons license for the greater good.
Learn more and read the books and how to purchase them at cimvhr.ca/canadian-adaptations-of-childrens-e-books-for-military-veteran-and-public-safety-personnel-families