Emotional support and personalized assistance:

• Individual support;
• Support from an intervention specialist;
• Courtesy calls;
• Comfort calls during the deployment and upon return;
• Support related to the absence or the return of a military member;
• Access to services from social workers and specialized educators (in person or via teleconference).
•  Support in preparing for an absence as well as for the return from absence (by appointment).

Resources and practical tools:

• Pre-absence kit;
• Tools and books about deployment.

Services for families:

• Parcel delivery via our MFRC services points (Saint-Hubert, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu or Sherbrooke);
• Last resort Child care services;
• Opportunity to receive a free period of respite per week at the daycare (am or pm), subject to availability.

* Please note that these services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. *

Deployment form

During a period of absence — whether for training, a restriction, or a deployment — you may designate up to three people from your support network to receive assistance from the MFRC. Please note: this support for extended family and close friends (other than the spouse and children) ends once you return.

Completing the Absence/Deployment Form 2050 is an important step to inform and raise the military member’s awareness of the services and support available to their loved ones during their absence. With their authorization, the MFRC will then contact the family to present the available services and offer comfort calls.

To protect our staff as well as members of the Armed Forces, we have implemented a new procedure for submitting forms, which is now done online.

Please follow the steps below so that we can receive your deployment form:

1. Download the form by clicking the Download button below.
2. Fill in all required sections and make sure to check all necessary boxes.
3. Once the form is completed, please send it to us by email at info.crfm@forces.gc.ca
   Make sure to send the form encrypted to ensure the security of your information.

Absence checklist
Have you thought of everything before the departure? Download our pre-deployment checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Emergency childcare planning booklet
The MFRC’s Care Plan is a practical tool designed to help military families prepare for unexpected situations. It allows you to identify a trusted caregiver, gather essential information about your children, and plan the necessary resources to ensure your household runs smoothly, even during a period of absence.

Overseas parcel sending
Additional information about parcel sending: https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/parcel-service?_gl=1*dk0gkh*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNzAyNjMkajYwJGwwJGgw&
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/write-troops/instructions-for-mailing-overseas.html

*Please note that parcel delivery is free when done through one of our service points during opening hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). However, fees will apply if you use a regular postal counter directly. *

*Also, remember to check the “Latest Updates” section for the dates of free parcel shipping with Canada Post (during the holiday season).*

Emotionnal cycle of deployment (and absence)
The emotional cycle of absence describes the different stages families go through when a loved one departs and returns. From preparing for the departure to reintegration, each stage brings its own emotions and adjustments. Understanding this cycle helps normalize what you feel and find healthy ways to cope.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/emotional-cycle-of-deployment?_gl=1*qj14e9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NTYzMDY4MzQuQ2p3S0NBancyYnJGQmhCT0Vpd0FWSlg1R0psRzhWWThoQVQ2ekFrNWNHSURlMk1aVk9zSDFfR29lRmNXbF9KS0ZEWEdfZHNCNldIV2hCb0M2dk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*NzgyMDY3MjU4LjE3NTM3OTc4NzQ.*_ga*NjU1ODY3NjQwLjE3NTM3OTc4NzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTgzMTA3MjMkbzYkZzAkdDE3NTgzMTA3MjMkajYwJGwwJGgw

Your relationship during an absence
Preparing your relationship for an absence can ease the separation and strengthen your bond. Discover our practical tips to stay connected and support your family during this time.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships/tip-sheets/getting-ready-for-an-absence-as-a-couple?_gl=1*1si4z3g*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNjIzNjEkajYwJGwwJGgw

Family life reintegration
Reintegration after a deployment can be a challenging time for the whole family. This SBMFC page offers practical advice to ease the transition home, whether for couples, children, or single-parent families. You’ll find strategies to manage changes in routine, strengthen family bonds, and address emotional challenges with patience and understanding.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/reintegration?_gl=1*1v7hxrc*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNTI1ODkkajYwJGwwJGgw

Information about deployment
The “Participation in a Deployment” page from SBMFC provides practical resources to support families during a military member’s absence. It highlights services such as assistance with returning home on leave, BeaverFit training facilities, amenities, a fitness program, BEMM equipment support, entertainment tours, and tips for staying connected throughout the deployment.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/deployed?_gl=1*h8bxfx*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNTIxMDIkajYwJGwwJGgw

Resources

Member’s assistance program
The CF Member Assistance Program (MAP) offers bilingual psychological support for you and eligible family members. Our services are voluntary, confidential and free. Calls are answered by a trained, experienced mental health professional who will identify the caller’s initial needs and make appropriate referrals to professionals located nearby.
https://www.canada.ca/fr/ministere-defense-nationale/programmes/aide-membres.html

The Road to Mental Readiness program
The R2MR website was designed to provide the entire defense team and their families with the essential skills and strategies of the Road to Mental Readiness program. This program plays a key role in maintaining health, overall well-being, as well as operational readiness and success.
https://r2mrfamily.ca/

The Strongest Families Institute (SFI)
This service is provided by trained support personnel to assist, accompany, and equip military families during transitions such as absences from home (deployments, exercises, training, etc.), postings, and the reintegration of the member into their environment. Programs are offered to families with children between the ages of 3 and 17.
https://strongestfamilies.com/or dial 1 866 470-7111.

Family Information line
The Family Information Line is a toll-free telephone line, available 24/7. Responders are trained to manage crisis situations and are familiar with the military lifestyle. You don't have to be going through a crisis to contact them; this service is open to all military family members, service members, and veterans.
To reach them, call 1-800-866-4546
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/family-information-line

Emergency financial assistance
Consult other resources available to military families that may better meet your needs. Since each situation is unique, it is recommended that you contact these organizations directly for more tailored support.
https://www.appuyonsnostroupes.ca/Get-Support/Emergency-financial-assistance
https://www.legion.ca/fr/soutien-aux-veterans/aide-financiere

24/7 emergency and intervention lines
Family Information Line (military families): 1-800-866-4546
Crisis Centre (suicide, crisis): 9-8-8
Parent Line (advice for parents): 1-800-361-5085
S.O.S. Domestic Violence: 1-800-363-9010 or sos@violenceconjugale.ca

How to reach our absence sector
Saint-Hubert :450 462-8777, ext. 6818
Saint-Jean : 450 358-7099, ext. 2911
SvcPersInfoAbsenceCRFM@forces.gc.ca

Absence library
Child and family resilience program: https://ecdefenceprograms.com/ (various readings)

1. A father to be proud of (deployment)
2. Leo and Lily don’t understand what’s wrong with their dad! (a book for kids about operational stress injury, OSI)
3. Joey’s mom is going away (absence)
4. Mom is a soldier (absence/posting)
5. Waiting for daddy (deployment)