Sister Strength: A Lifeline for Canada’s Women Veterans

CALGARY, AB – March 03, 2026 – A new national partnership is set to launch a landmark mental health program aimed at a long-underserved segment of the military community: women veterans. The Canadian Legacy Project, a veteran-focused charity, and healthcare provider HavenPoint Health have announced the creation of Sister Strength, a program designed to address the unique and often severe mental health challenges faced by women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

This initiative arrives at a critical time, as a growing body of research reveals that women veterans experience trauma and its aftermath differently and often more acutely than their male counterparts. Sister Strength aims to provide a dedicated space for healing, offering a 24-week, therapist-led group counselling program at no cost to participants, ensuring privacy by not sharing any information with government agencies.

An Unseen Struggle: The Mental Health Crisis Among Women Veterans

For decades, the specific struggles of women veterans have remained largely in the shadows, overshadowed by a traditionally male-centric view of military service and veteran support. However, data paints a stark picture of a population in crisis. Women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces are 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition compared to male veterans. Studies show that nearly half of all women veterans report symptoms consistent with an anxiety disorder, while a similar number report symptoms of depression.

The risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is particularly pronounced. Research indicates that women veterans are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. This heightened risk is inextricably linked to the unique traumas they face during service. While combat exposure is a factor, women in the military are five times more likely than men to experience sexual assault. This prevalence of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), combined with high rates of sexual harassment and discrimination, creates a complex web of psychological injury that can have devastating long-term consequences.

These experiences contribute to a difficult transition back to civilian life for many, with over 60% of women veterans reporting a challenging adjustment. The toll is severe, leading to an 80-90% higher risk of suicide for women veterans compared to women in the general Canadian population. Many feel their needs are neglected by existing support systems, fostering a sense of invisibility that exacerbates feelings of isolation and hinders recovery.

“The Canadian Legacy Project is excited to collaborate with HavenPoint Health on the Sister Strength initiative,” said David Howard, President of the Canadian Legacy Project, in a press release. “We recognize the growing need for both group therapy and peer-to-peer support networks specifically designed for Canadian female veterans. By funding this project, we aim to prioritize the support of our female veterans, as we acknowledge that they experience trauma in unique ways and are twice as likely to develop PTSD compared to their male counterparts.”

Forging a New Path with Sister Strength

Developed in direct response to these persistent barriers, Sister Strength is meticulously designed to create a safe, trauma-informed environment for healing. The program’s structure directly confronts the issues that have left many women feeling unheard. By being gender-specific, it allows for open discussion of sensitive topics like MST in a space free from the potential triggers of a mixed-gender setting.

The 24-week program is led by qualified therapists who specialize in trauma-responsive care. Its national scope means it will be accessible to women across the country, while its group-based model fosters a sense of solidarity and shared understanding. Two of the program’s most crucial features are that it is entirely free for participants and operates with complete confidentiality. This privacy guarantee, which includes a commitment not to share participant information with any government agencies like Veterans Affairs Canada, is designed to encourage women to seek help who might otherwise be hesitant due to stigma or fear of professional repercussions.

“HavenPoint Health is honoured to partner with the Canadian Legacy Project to deliver this highly relevant and timely initiative,” stated Colleen Howard, Senior Director of Strategy & Development at HavenPoint Health. “Sister Strength reflects our joint commitment to evidence-informed, trauma-responsive mental health care that addresses the distinct and unmet needs of women veterans.”

From Clinical Care to Community: A Sustainable Model for Healing

A defining innovation of the Sister Strength program is its dual-purpose model, which looks beyond immediate clinical intervention to build a lasting support structure. The initial 24-week therapist-led sessions are designed to provide the foundational tools for healing and recovery. However, the program’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a durable, self-sustaining community.

Upon completion of the structured counselling, select participants will be identified and empowered to become peer leaders. These leaders will then facilitate future group connections, transforming the program from a time-limited clinical service into an enduring peer-led support network. This approach provides immediate healing while simultaneously building a framework for long-term resilience, community integration, and sustained well-being. It empowers veterans to support one another, leveraging their shared experience as a source of profound strength and connection that persists long after the formal therapy concludes.

This peer support element is a cornerstone of the program's strategy for creating sustainable improvement in mental health outcomes. As Colleen Howard noted, the partnership is “advancing an accessible, group-based model that prioritizes clinical safety, continuity of care, peer connection, and sustainable improvement in mental health.”

A Partnership to Bridge the Gaps in Veteran Care

The collaboration between the Canadian Legacy Project and HavenPoint Health represents a powerful model for addressing complex gaps in social and healthcare services. The Canadian Legacy Project, founded in 2008, has a proven track record of funding and developing programs where government support is insufficient. Operating as a 100% volunteer-managed charity, it has been a driving force behind initiatives like Homes For Heroes, which builds tiny home communities for unhoused veterans.

By providing the funding for Sister Strength, the Canadian Legacy Project continues its mission of taking direct action to support veterans in need. Paired with HavenPoint Health's expertise in delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare, the partnership combines philanthropic agility with clinical excellence. This synergy allows them to create a program that is not only desperately needed but also robustly designed and professionally executed.

Together, the two organizations are aiming to do more than just offer a new service; they are seeking to redefine what equitable, trauma-based healthcare looks like for a generation of women who have served their country. Additional details regarding the national launch of Sister Strength, including specific eligibility criteria and enrolment information, are expected to be released later this month on the organizations' respective websites and social media channels.