Videos
We invite you to join Dr. Heidi Cramm, Nora Spinks, and Shawn Carter for a multidisciplinary panel discussion examining the diverse realities of caregiving in Garnet families (military, Veteran, and public safety families).
Caregiving today is complex, and caregivers are diverse. Serving military members, public safety personnel, Veterans and families may be caregivers, caring for a spouse, children, family member with special needs or physical or mental health conditions, an aging parent or a colleague. They may be a caregiver and a care receiver at the same time. Garnet families may have access to professional and paraprofessional care providers and peer support…or not. Often away from extended family, on multiple waiting lists for services (sometimes in more than one province), those providing and receiving care may feel isolated and alone. The panel will explore the costs and consequences of military, Veteran and public safety personnel caregiving from the perspectives of those who study, serve, and support them.
November 25, 2025.
More information
While this is an open event and all are welcome, please note; registration is required. Information gathered from this event will play a vital role in growing a community that will serve and support Garnet families across Canada. Following the event, attendees will be asked to complete a survey to inform the format, frequency, and themes of future Garnet Families activities.
We would like to acknowledge the support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grant (What about the families? Strengthening a family’s research ecosystem for defence and public safety sectors) and the Medavie Foundation.
Panelists
Shawn Carter, Executive Director at EHN Guardians Gateway (an inpatient treatment centre for military, veterans and first responders) with a career-long dedication and passion for supporting families in both clinical and leadership roles.
Nora Spinks, CEO of Work-Life Harmony, with extensive experience informing policies, driving innovation and building community capacity to enhance the wellbeing of military and Veteran families.
Heidi Cramm is Professor in the School of Rehabilitation at Queen’s University, and the Research Lead for Garnet Families.