Did you know that Veterans are 2–3 times more likely to experience chronic pain than the general population? For women Veterans, they experience a higher rate of approximately 50%. For many Veterans, living with pain is not just a medical condition — it is part of daily life. The military’s mission-before-self culture often leads Veterans to push through severe pain to complete tasks that support their families, teams, or communities. While this dedication is a source of strength, it can also shape how Veterans experience and manage chronic pain.

Introducing: The Veteran Engagement in Research Toolkit Your one stop shop for everything you need to know about engaging Veterans in research. The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE) has released a new Veteran Engagement in Research Toolkit, developed in direct response to conversations with Veterans, families, researchers, clinicians, and others in the community. These consultations revealed a clear need for stronger cultural competence, connection, and mutual understanding between Veterans and research teams. This toolkit is designed to help address that gap. Whether you're a Principal Investigator, co-investigator, trainee, clinician, policymaker, Veteran Research Partner, or other knowledge user, this resource provides practical guidance and tools to support meaningful, effective Veteran engagement in research.Co-created with Veterans, the toolkit reflects their voices and lived experience.

The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE) is proud to participate in CIMVHR Forum 2025, where our funded researchers will share powerful stories and groundbreaking research on chronic pain and Veterans’ health. Through film, qualitative and quantitative studies, and collaborative projects, our presenters will explore how chronic pain intersects with mental health, transition, and resilience. Each year, the CIMVHR Forum brings together thought leaders from across sectors to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and showcase innovations in research that improve the lives of military personnel, Veterans, and their families.

The seven domains of well-being, as defined by Veterans Affairs Canada, represent key areas that influence the overall quality of life for Canadian Veterans. Supporting Veterans across these domains helps ensure they can live healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives after service. The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE) is working with researchers to identify existing tools, scales, and questionnaires that measure Veteran well-being within each of the seven domains.

The fourth annual Military Veteran Alpine Challenge (MVAC) has successfully concluded in Whistler. MVAC is more than just a hike through the mountains, it is a unique program that equips military veterans with tools to understand chronic pain, reframe the military mindset, and support a healthier transition to civilian life. Over the course of five months, participants engage in a comprehensive training and education program. Clinicians lead sessions on pain science, breathwork, strength training, sleep and pain management, and mindset, while veterans simultaneously work with their health teams to build the skills and resilience needed to prepare for the alpine hike.