Amazon Canada is supporting Canadian veterans through a dedicated employee resource group as well as paid leave and various veteran-specific programs.
The Warriors at Amazon group includes thousands of employees and offers professional development and advocacy support for veterans and military spouses across the company’s workforce. The group is also leading the company’s Remembrance Day celebrations in Canada, including Royal Canadian Legion poppy drives at Amazon offices and operations facilities; organizing a letter-writing campaign for Canadian veterans; and employee participation in community Remembrance Day events like the City of Toronto’s official ceremony.
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Marcus Yaeger, a principal product manager at Amazon, founded the Canadian chapter of the group in 2018, after joining the company following his military career.
“Warriors at Amazon is all about creating a community where veterans, military spouses and those connected to the military feel valued and understood,” said Yaeger, in an emailed statement to Benefits Canada. “It’s more than just a group; it’s a support system. Our mission is to bridge the gap for transitioning service members, help them build their careers here and foster a space where they feel welcomed and included.”
He notes while the military operates primarily in a top-down command structure, Amazon operates in a team-based structure where people interact closely with peers. Groups like Warriors at Amazon have been invaluable in helping veterans adjust to this unique style of teamwork and peer collaboration. “The supportive community here has helped me and others learn, grow and adapt to the cultural shifts between the military and civilian workplaces.”
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The company also supports these employees through its military ambassador program, which offers new military hires a structured, year-long development journey complete with training modules, as well as a mentoring program that pairs new veteran employees with experienced Amazon mentors who help them translate military experience into the company’s unique culture.
Amazon also provides 14 days of paid military leave per calendar year, allowing veterans to fulfil their military commitments with a guaranteed return to the same or a comparable role after their service.
Yaeger says employee feedback on these programs has been overwhelmingly positive. “Many of us talk about how Warriors at Amazon creates a true sense of camaraderie and belonging. It’s not just about a shared background; it’s about building each other up. The group offers networking opportunities that are invaluable, providing connections and resources that help us advance in our careers and feel truly supported.”
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