New announcement: THE HOUR S6: Episode 78 - MCpl Jody Mitic & James McGowan

THE HOUR S6: Episode 78 - Jody Mitic & James McGowan

Video: http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/platform-videos/the-hour-s6-episode-78---jody-mitic-james-mcgowan.html

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=6257.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Cumulative Incidence of PTSD , OSI for AFG 2001-2009

Cumulative Incidence of PTSD , OSI for AFG 2001-2009

http://www.scribd.com/doc/107492817/Cumulative-Incidence-of-PTSD-OSI-for-AFG-2001-2009

If you have problems and it asks you for money this is not CVA. Just log in and upload a file.

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=6226.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs - VRAB - October 1, 2012

If you plan to attend which i would suhhest if you are in the ottawa area, please reply if your are in a private message

NOTICE OF MEETING

Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs

Meeting No. 43

Monday, October 1, 2012

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Room 112-N, Centre Block Pièce 112-N, édifice du Centre
(613-996-4996) (613-996-4996)


Orders of the Day


Review of Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) activities

Witnesses

Department of Veterans Affairs

Bernard Butler, Director General
Policy Division

Rick Christopher, Director
Disability Programs and Income Support

Veterans Review and Appeal Board

John D. Larlee, Chair

Dale Sharkey, Director General

Kathleen Vent, Acting Director
Legal Services


La greffière du Comité
Cynara Corbin (613-944-9354)
Clerk of the Committee

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=6214.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Feds spent over $750,000 in five-year court battle against vets' pension claim

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/feds-spent-over-750000-in-five-year-court-battle-against-vets-pension-claim-170877371.html

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Feds spent over $750,000 in five-year court battle against vets' pension claim

By: Murray Brewster, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - The Harper government spent $750,462 in legal fees fighting veterans over the clawback of military pensions, documents tabled in Parliament show.

Federal Liberals have been demanding to see a breakdown of Ottawa's legal costs in the class-action lawsuit launched by veterans advocate Dennis Manuge, of Halifax.

The response was tabled in Parliament last week, but Justice Minister Rob Nicholson refused to release an itemized count, invoking solicitor-client privilege.

Instead, he released a global amount for the lawsuit, which has been dragging its way through the courts since March 2007.

Liberal veterans critic Sean Casey described the legal bill as an "obscene waste of taxpayers' money."

In abandoning the legal fight, the government appointed Stephen Toope, the president of the University of British Columbia, to lead negotiations with Manuge's legal team to arrive at a settlement, including retroactive payments.

The settlement could run as high as $600 million, depending upon how many years back the federal compensation plan will go, say internal government estimates.

Casey said that given the amount of money at stake, he could see the government fighting it tooth and nail — if it had a strong case.

"The court didn't see any merit; the court didn't equivocate. The court slammed them," he said.

"They had a weak case from the get-go and it was absolutely irresponsible. The responsible thing for them to do was not to force litigation, but to sit down when this problem reared its ugly head and come to a negotiated settlement."

In siding with veterans last May, Judge Robert Barnes "unreservedly" rejected the government's arguments.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney announced in June the government would not appeal a Federal Court of Canada ruling that rejected clawbacks from the pensions of disabled veterans.

The class-action lawsuit involved Manuge and 4,500 other disabled veterans whose long-term disability benefits were reduced by the amount of the monthly Veterans Affairs disability pension they receive.

The ex-soldiers argued it was unfair and unjust to treat pain and suffering awards as income.

MacKay ordered the clawback to end in July, but there are still some veterans who face the deduction.

Ex-soldiers whose additional awards and payments exceed the limit of 75 per cent of their military salary — often those who were most severely injured — say they're still not being treated fairly.

Those veterans with the most grievous injuries are entitled to receive the maximum benefit, particularly since many can't work, advocates have said.

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=6088.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Assessing the Delivery of Care for Operational Stress Injuries that CF

Assessing the Delivery of Care for Operational Stress Injuries that Canadian Forces Members Need and Deserve

Full Report in PDF English http://www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca/rep-rap/sr-rs/fuf-csf/doc/fuf-csf-eng.pdf

Full Report in PDF FRENCH http://www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca/rep-rap/sr-rs/fuf-csf/doc/fuf-csf-fra.pdf

Executive Summary

Fortitude Under Fatigue: Assessing the Delivery of Care for Operational Stress Injuries that Canadian Forces Members Need and Deserve is the third follow-up by the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Forces (CF), evaluating the CF's ability to respond to the challenge of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress injuries (OSIs). This report was based on the initial evaluation conducted in early 2002, and two follow-up reports in late 2002 and 2008. It also incorporated the Ombudsman's case study of the mental health situation in Petawawa carried out in 2008.

The study focused exclusively on Regular Force members of the CF and their families because a companion study specifically targeting the Reserve Force and OSIs will be conducted as a follow up to this investigation. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. While families were covered in this report, they will equally be the subject of a more focused analysis which is underway and will be completed in mid 2013.

A review of DND/CF action in response to the nine recommendations of the previous 2008 follow-up Ombudsman's report A Long Road to Recovery found that six of these were met, partially met or were being met, while two were considered inconclusive. One recommendation, the requirement for a national database accurately reflecting the magnitude of the CF's evolving OSI imperative, was not met. A summary of these recommendations is provided at annex A – Progress Report Summary.

Several observations and concerns were identified as part of this evaluation of the 2008 recommendations. The most significant is the considerable gap which remains between the capability to deliver the care CF members with OSIs need and deserve, and the actual capacity to deliver it. This gap is primarily the result of a chronic inability to achieve, or come close to achieving, the established manning level of the mental health function. The impact this has had on the frontline delivery of care, treatment and support to CF members with PTSD and other OSIs and their families has been profound.

Another concern is the extent to which enhanced support to military families coping with CF members with OSIs is coherent and effective in meeting their needs. The report also underscores the inability to assess the appropriateness of DND/CF funding allocated to the OSI imperative, along with the difficulty in evaluating whether the current mental health structure is sufficiently robust to meet the requirement. Finally, it highlights the reality that while operations in Afghanistan have wound down after more than a decade, the OSI burden remains at peak intensity, and will continue at this level for several years yet. This is the result of the latent nature of the affliction, combined with the mounting cumulative burden resulting from 20 years of almost continuous CF operations.

Fortitude Under Fatigue's over-arching observation is that while the CF's capacity to meet the PTSD/OSI challenge is functioning, it is doing so largely due to the determination and commitment of the mental health providers who continue to deliver quality frontline care despite being severely overburdened and operating in difficult professional environments. The function is clearly strained.

Implementation of the recommendations made in the 2008 case study Assessing the State of Mental Health Services in Petawawa was also examined in detail. Of the seven recommendations in the case study, three were considered fully met and three partially met. One recommendation was no longer applicable. This assessment is also included in annex A.

Major observations and concerns regarding Petawawa include the dramatic increase in mental health provider manning, though a chronic shortfall persists. The continuing challenge of military families coping with members with operational stress injuries was observed despite important enhancements to family care and support. Overall, while Petawawa's mental health capacity has improved appreciably, it remains strained, reflective of the CF-wide situation.

In addition to the recommendations, Fortitude Under Fatigue flagged a number of key findings observed over the course of the study. These are captured at annex B – Summary of Findings. The favourable findings included: the progression from an ad hoc system into a comprehensive OSI care capability, though one that is still transitioning into a single coherent system; the commitment to the OSI issue of DND/CF strategic leadership, resulting in the inculcation of PTSD/OSIs across the CF as an accepted reality of modern military service; the professionalism, passion and dedication of DND/CF mental health providers, which has kept the capability functioning despite serious impediments; reduced barriers to care including an important reduction in the stigma surrounding OSIs, allowing CF members to come forward and seek the care they require more readily; and improved support to military families coping with CF members suffering from OSIs, predicated on the inextricable link between OSI-related care and stable family environments.

The less favourable findings include the previously mentioned chronic manning shortfall in spite of ongoing recruiting efforts and mitigation measures, representing a frontline caregiver deficit of 15-22% for the CF's steady state mental health requirement; extensive outsourcing of treatment for CF members suffering from OSIs with the limitations inherent in such outsourcing; poor situational awareness of strategic and functional leadership of the magnitude of the OSI imperative as it evolves over time; and an ad hoc approach to systemic qualitative performance measurement which has hindered the CF's ability to assess the effectiveness of its OSI capability.

Fortitude Under Fatigue concludes with six specific recommendations, summarized at annex C – Summary of Recommendations. The first is that the CF must maintain the current institutional focus on the provision of appropriate care, treatment and support for CF members suffering from PTSD and other OSIs in spite of the natural deceleration resulting from the close of major operations in Afghanistan along with various corporate pressures, including renewed fiscal restraint.

The second recommendation is that the CF develop and implement a more assertive and innovative recruiting campaign aimed at reducing the persistent caregiver manning shortfall.

Recommendation three urges the CF to undertake systemic qualitative performance measurement aimed at assessing the effectiveness of its response to the PTSD/OSI imperative.

Recommendation four calls for a holistic evaluation of the CF's current mental health capacity a decade after it was first implemented.

The fifth recommendation encourages the CF's strategic leadership to examine the palpable and growing tensions between commander and clinician and commander and administrator relative to the medical care and administrative support for CF members suffering from OSIs.

Finally, recommendation six calls for the CF's strategic leadership to consider the viability of a more modern application of the principle of universality of service amidst concerns about the institution's continued moral commitment to its members.

Section 1: Background

"I believe we have one of the best military health-care systems amongst our allies and are leaders in health care in this country. But we are far from perfect."2

– Chief of the Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk,
May 2012

Initial PTSD Report. On February 5th, 2002 the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces (DND/CF) published a special report entitled Systemic Treatment of CF Members with PTSD.3 It evaluated the CF's ability to respond effectively to the modern mental health challenge driven largely by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The report rendered two major conclusions: (1) PTSD was a serious and growing problem for the CF and (2) the CF's approach to mental health injuries generally, and PTSD specifically, was inadequate.

These conclusions were reinforced by 31 specific recommendations designed to improve DND/CF's ability to diagnose, treat and care for members suffering from PTSD. These recommendations spanned the mental health care continuum, addressing institutional leadership and coordination; national tracking; awareness, education and training; standardized treatment; and caregiver stress and burnout.

First Follow-up Report. In December 2002, ten months after the initial report, the Ombudsman released an initial follow-up examining DND/CF action in response to the 31 recommendations.4 This report determined that clear progress had been made despite the short interval, especially the heightened awareness of senior leadership of the importance of mental health injuries. The lack of progress in key areas such as organizational stigma, training, data collection, and national coordination was equally noted. The report concluded with a commitment by the Ombudsman to continue monitoring DND/CF progress in addressing the escalating PTSD challenge.

Second Follow-up Report. A second follow-up report on PTSD and other operational stress injuries (OSIs) entitled A Long Road to Recovery was released by the Ombudsman in December 2008 – six years after Systemic Treatment of CF Members with PTSD.5 Its objective was to track the organization's progress during this decisive interval, dominated by operations in Afghanistan. In assessing the forward movement, the study posed the fundamental question: Are CF members suffering from PTSD and other OSIs being diagnosed and getting the care and treatment they need to continue contributing to Canadian society, either as members of the CF or as civilians?

The report concluded that while there had been considerable progress across the care spectrum from 2002 to 2008 due to new OSI-specific policies, structural improvements and methodological adjustments, some members were still slipping through the cracks and not receiving the attention and care they needed.

The report also identified the prevailing organizational barriers to care: proximity to urban centers, the availability of mental health care professionals, and persistently negative attitudes of both superiors and peers towards those suffering from mental health injuries. In addition, the report lamented the absence of coordinated national support for the families of military members who were suffering from operational stress injuries. It found that accessing care and support was especially difficult for families living in isolated military locations. The lack of a national database allowing the CF to track the scope of the PTSD/OSI issue as it evolved was underlined as well.

Positive developments were also recognized. The report highlighted an improvement in identifying, preventing and treating mental health injuries; a more robust mental health capability at the local level; better pre- and post-deployment screening; and the addition of a post-deployment decompression phase to operational deployments. DND/CF's continued commitment to peer support through the Operational Stress Injury Social Support program was recognized as another positive step.

Finally, the announcement (coincidental to the release of A Long Road to Recovery) that the CF's mental health capacity would grow by 218 care providers and managers by end-March 2009 was praised. This increase would almost double the CF's existing mental health establishment. It was hoped that such a dramatic increase would alleviate the strain the Canadian Forces Health System was under in dealing with both the latent mental health care requirements of various CF missions of the 1990s in the Balkans, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas, and the new demand generated from ongoing operations in Afghanistan.

A Long Road to Recovery concluded with nine recommendations which required further DND/CF action, several of which were reprised from 2002's Systemic Treatment of CF Members with PTSD report. The Interim Ombudsman reaffirmed her commitment to tracking DND/CF's continued progress on this issue.

Canadian Forces Base Petawawa Case Study. Concurrent to A Long Road to Recovery, a companion case study was produced by the Office of the Ombudsman in December 2008 examining the situation at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.6 The study, Assessing the State of Mental Health Services in Petawawa, was considered necessary due to a combination of factors: the exceptionally high operational tempo the base experienced from 2002 onward, the volatile nature of the operations its members were engaged in during that period, the base's geographic isolation, the considerable volume of complaints from Petawawa to the Office of the Ombudsman between 2002 and 2008, and a request from the Base Commander to the Ombudsman to look into the situation at Petawawa.

The case study yielded three conclusions. First, it determined that a critical lack of mental health care capability existed in Petawawa and the outlying area, often making it difficult and at times impossible for members suffering from PTSD or other OSIs to receive timely and appropriate care. The second was a palpable professional fatigue, and in numerous cases burnout, among Petawawa mental health providers as a result of excessive demand and insufficient resources. And the third was a negative, sometimes toxic, operating environment in which the relationships between primary health providers, mental health caregivers, and the chain of command were generally very poor, adversely impacting the care provided to those suffering from PTSD and other OSIs.

Seven recommendations deemed necessary to stabilize the PTSD/OSI situation at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa closed out the report. The recommendations addressed the deficit in mental health caregivers, the base's muddled health services governance structure, the deterioration of relationships between providers, the need for interim approaches pending long-term solutions, and the importance of helping the families of service members suffering from OSIs access available care and support.

Standing Committee Report. In June 2009, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defence released Doing Well and Doing Better; Health Services Provided to Canadian Forces Personnel with an Emphasis on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.7 The study assessed the care provided to Canadian Forces members suffering from operational stress injuries from a whole-of-government perspective. It included testimony from the DND/CF Interim Ombudsman on the findings of A Long Road to Recovery.

The Standing Committee concluded that three over-arching issues were at the root of much of the challenge facing the CF in caring for members with PTSD. First, stigma towards those suffering from PTSD/OSIs remained prevalent. Second, a discrepancy between what was stated at the strategic level and what was happening at the unit and clinic level was detrimental. Third, the continued shortage of mental health professionals was impeding the delivery and sustainability of care.

Doing Well and Doing Better called for revitalized leadership involvement, as well as improved programming and services. It identified 36 recommendations on themes such as caregiver shortages, care for families, casualty tracking, and stigma reduction. Many of these were very similar to recommendations in A Long Road to Recovery.

Third Follow-up Report. This sequence of events is the prelude to Fortitude under Fatigue; Assessing the Delivery of Care for Operational Stress Injuries that Canadian Forces Members Need and Deserve, the third follow-up report by the Ombudsman of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces examining DND/CF's response to post-traumatic stress disorder and other operational stress injuries.

Format. This report consists of four distinct sections. This first section outlines the background leading to this report. The second section delivers a progress report on the nine recommendations from A Long Road to Recovery and the seven recommendations from Assessing the State of Mental Health Services in Petawawa. The third section contains the findings beyond these 16 specific recommendations, while the fourth identifies the key recommendations necessary for the CF to meet the OSI challenge moving forward.

Additionally, synopses of the progress report (section 2), findings (section 3) and recommendations (section 4) are presented in annexes A, B and C.

Limitations. This report is based upon extensive research. Over a ten-month period of study, eight bases were visited, 216 formal interviews were conducted and over 480 individuals interviewed or consulted, many more than once.8 These included DND/CF strategic leaders, commanders and supervisors at all levels of the chain of command, senior staff officers and planners, medical professionals and managers, administrative support staff, researchers, external experts, and other stakeholders of note.

Military members themselves were interviewed as well, both those suffering from PTSD/OSIs and those not. Family members of CF service personnel suffering from PTSD or other OSIs were also consulted. The information obtained from all of these interactions, reinforced by over 650 references and documents, form the backbone of this report.9 Almost without exception, those engaged were respectful, forthright and gracious, including those who were suffering. The Office of the Ombudsman extends its heartfelt appreciation to every individual who contributed to this endeavour.

As with its precursors, this report was developed with a single objective; to deliver an accurate and fair representation of DND/CF's ability to identify, prevent and treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other operational stress injuries. While the Office of the Ombudsman is confident that the portrait presented in this report is precise and balanced, the challenges often involved in large, complex studies came to bear in this project. The sheer volume of information, combined with the number of players, perspectives and jurisdictions, resulted in contradictions and inconsistencies that were not always easily reconciled. Moreover, several key information gaps had to be contended with despite the mountain of evidence.

Each conclusion which follows is rooted in verifiable fact. Potential conclusions which could not be fully proven were discarded, no matter how compelling. Where conclusion cedes to observation or concern, the transition is explicitly indicated.

Time and space is an inevitable challenge in such a large analysis. The DND/CF mental health capability continues to evolve, as it should. Some information gleaned in the summer of 2011 had changed by spring 2012, and may well be different again in winter 2012 or summer 2013. As such, this report is a snapshot in time – it cannot be otherwise. However, the continuum of this series of reports, beginning with 2002's Systemic Treatment of CF Members with PTSD through to this concluding follow-up, presents a clear and revealing trajectory of the DND/CF mental health capability over time. As a result, the value of the findings and conclusions contained herein extend beyond the timeframe of publishing.

Terminology is important in an analysis as complex as this. In the interests of clarity, the term capability refers to the intended ability to achieve a desired effect under specific standards and conditions, while the subset term capacity refers to the actual ability to achieve a desired effect under specific standards and conditions.10 More simply stated, the capability is that which is planned for, structured and intended, while the capacity is that which is tangibly in place and actually delivering results. This distinction is crucial to the analysis which follows.

This study focuses exclusively on Regular Force members with OSIs and their families. The omission of Reserve Force members is intentional – the scope of the Reserve care dimension of the OSI issue is sufficiently important to warrant its own examination. Consequently, care for Reservists suffering from OSIs is the sole focus of the forthcoming Office of the Ombudsman Reserve OSI Report, which will be completed by the end of 2013.

As this report will outline, there are few straight lines in assessing DND/CF's capability to meet the PTSD/OSI challenge. An issue as complex as operational stress injuries, tackled by an organization as diverse as the Canadian Forces, all but eliminates the possibility of simple, over-arching solutions. Recent history in this country and abroad has proven that there are few quick fixes related to OSIs.

While much improved, the CF's mental health capability is not perfect, as the institution's strategic leadership has admitted, and there is still important work to be done. There have been many hits and some misses since 2002, and forward progress has at times required some lateral movement.

The one unwavering straight line, though, has been the passion and commitment of those on the frontlines of this effort. The ceaseless devotion of the medical professionals, care providers, managers, clerical staff, and peers both enabling and delivering care has been the single constant throughout this analysis.

Top of Page
Section 2: Progress Report
Assessing the Recommendations of A Long Road to Recovery and Petawawa Case Study (2008)

"In some cases, injured soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who have served their country with courage and dedication are slipping through the cracks of an ad hoc system".11

– Excerpt from A Long Road to Recovery, December 2008.

Recommendations – A Long Road to Recovery

Recommendation 1: National Operational Stress Injury (OSI) coordinator

In December 2008 A Long Road to Recovery recommended:

A full-time position of National Operational Stress Injury Coordinator be created, reporting directly to the Chief of the Defence Staff and responsible for all issues related to operational stress injuries, including: the quality and consistency of care, diagnosis and treatment; and training and education across the Canadian Forces.

This follow-up review has determined that this recommendation has been met.

Assessment

As outlined in both the Minister of National Defence and Chief of the Defence Staff formal responses to A Long Road to Recovery, the Chief of Military Personnel was confirmed as the Canadian Forces' (CF) national lead on operational stress injuries, reporting directly to the Chief of the Defence Staff on all related matters.12,13 As the functional authority for health services, casualty support, and family support, among other portfolios, it was the position of both the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff that creating an OSI entity or office independent of the Chief of Military Personnel structure would separate responsibility from accountability.

To increase the Chief of Military Personnel's ability to focus directly on the OSI imperative amidst his spectrum of responsibilities, the position of OSI Special Advisor was established in May 2008.14 A Lieutenant Colonel position, the OSI Special Advisor was mandated to oversee the management of non-clinical matters related to OSIs, including the creation of an education campaign to raise awareness of operational stress injuries. The OSI Special Advisor provided input on budget, business planning and hiring imperatives, and contributed to the development and delivery of OSI awareness curriculum. He also supported and advocated for continued social and peer support.

In January 2009, the Directorate of Mental Health was created.15 Its mission was to provide a single focus for mental health-related activities and programs within the CF. Such a focal point was considered essential due to the scale and intensity of the mental health function in its brisk evolution during the post-Rx2000 period of 2002 to 2008. Launched in January 2000, Rx2000 was the Canadian Forces Health Services' comprehensive reform project. It focused on the four pillars of continuity of care, accountability, health protection and sustainability of health services human resources.

The responsibilities of the new Director of Mental Health, a clinician at the rank of colonel reporting directly to the Deputy Surgeon General, included:

* ensuring adequacy of clinical resources to meet mental health treatment needs;
* ensuring coherence between clinical, occupational, peer support, educational, preventive, and family support aspects of mental health care;
* monitoring performance of CF initiatives pertaining to mental health including reporting on status, and benchmarking against our major allies;
* maintaining awareness of best practices and clinical research relevant to mental health problems of interest to the CF;
* ensuring ongoing coordination with Veterans Affairs Canada, select bodies such as the Canadian Mental Health Commission and other stakeholders; and
* acting as a preferred CF spokesman on matters related to mental health.

Additionally, the role of Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor reporting to the Surgeon General was established in January 2010. Serving in tandem with the Director of Mental Health as the senior advisor on all mental health matters, the Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor supports the mental health professional technical network, executes national mental health outreach activities, and serves as a senior spokesperson on mental health issues.

The stand-up of both the Director of Mental Health and the Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor positions in rapid succession (2009-2010), twinned with the progress achieved in the period of the mid to late-2000s in institutionalizing the pertinence of the mental health imperative within the CF, led the Chief of Military Personnel to decide in 2011 that the OSI Special Advisor role was no longer required.16 The levels of mental health inculcation and engagement at all levels of CF leadership were considered irreversible, and thus no longer dependent upon a single active champion – a function the OSI Special Advisor had ably performed since the position's inception. Moreover, the overlap in responsibilities between the OSI Special Advisor and Director of Mental Health/ Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor was considered an opportunity to rationalize the structure without any drop-off in performance. Consequently, as of 2012's active posting season the position will no longer be filled.

It is clear that the senior OSI advisory function has been effective in supporting Department of National Defence (DND) and CF leadership, and bringing coherence and coordination to the mental health effort. While the route taken to achieve this was not that proposed in the recommendation from A Long Road to Recovery, the capacity sought has been achieved. The Chief of Military Personnel, supported by various permutations of OSI Special Advisor, Director of Mental Health and Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor (directly and via the Surgeon General), has consistently provided the situational awareness, advice and guidance necessary for strategic leadership to exercise decisive direction on the OSI imperative. Moreover, the senior OSI advisory function has played a central role in enabling DND/CF's sustained institutional focus on operational stress injuries.17,18 Accordingly, the recommendation is deemed met.

Concerns

The evolution of the senior OSI advisory role has brought forward one concern pertaining to the balance of perspectives. The interim construct in which the Chief of Military Personnel was advised by both the OSI Special Advisor and the Director of Mental Health/Mental Health Advisor ensured a combination of clinical and non-clinical perspectives to DND/CF strategic leadership.

While the pertinence of mental health has become firmly entrenched within DND/CF on an institutional scale over the period of the early 2000s to 2012, the role of OSI Special Advisor went beyond this promotional function. He was central to education, partnerships, and non-clinical approaches to treatment including social peer support. The decision not to renew the OSI Special Advisor could limit the extent of non-clinical 'operator' input the Chief of Military Personnel receives as both the Director of Mental Health and Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor view the OSI imperative through the clinician's prism.19

If the CF continues to adhere to the mixed approach of leveraging both clinical and non-clinical means in addressing the OSI imperative, as it has committed to since 2001 with the inception of the OSI Social Support program and reaffirmed repeatedly since then, reducing the senior advisory function to a single perspective may not be optimal. The inherent interplay between clinicians and non-clinicians has served the CF well in recent years in maintaining a balanced approach to addressing PTSD/OSIs based on both professional medical care and social peer-based support. The continued application of this mixed approach may become vulnerable with the removal of the OSI Special Advisor from the senior advisory equation.20

The Director Casualty Support Management has been designated to assume most of the OSI Special Advisor's duties, though it is not known whether he will be able to focus on the requirement to the extent his predecessor did due to the considerable breadth of his responsibilities. Moreover, much of the OSI Special Advisor role appears to have been formally and informally rolled into the functions of the Director of Mental Health and Mental Health Advisor, potentially limiting the Director Casualty Support Management's involvement. While the latter has provided, and will continue to provide, the Chief of Military Personnel with input and situational awareness obtained through his role as commanding officer of the Joint Personnel Support Unit, it is uncertain whether he will have the capacity to focus on the other aspects of the OSI Special Advisory function.

Top of Page

Recommendation 2: National OSI database

In December 2008 A Long Road to Recovery recommended:

The Canadian Forces develop a database that accurately reflects the number of Canadian Forces personnel, including members of both the Regular and Reserve Forces, who are affected by stress-related injuries.

This follow-up review has determined that this recommendation has not been met.

Assessment

The closest the CF has come to implementing a national PTSD/OSI database is the Canadian Forces Health Information System, a CF-wide electronic medical information database designed to manage health information efficiently in support of decision-making and enhanced operational effectiveness. It is intended to deliver integrated, automated health information for every serving member of the Regular and Reserve Force, based both in garrison and deployed around the globe. The Canadian Forces Health Information System is a relatively new tool having only been completed in spring 2012, though it has been used for some time in its iterative form.

There are important limitations with the Canadian Forces Health Information System as a generator of a national OSI database. The first is its role. At present it can provide only basic reporting information on resource utilization, relating type of resource with location of patient, appointment type and availability. Obtaining a national portrait of any specific illness or injury, OSIs or otherwise, requires the extraction of large volumes of raw data based on specifically inputted parameters, followed by a detailed, labour-intensive interpretation of that data by the Canadian Forces Health Services epidemiological team. Without these steps the data is largely incoherent. A full week is generally necessary for this interpretation, subject to the availability of an epidemiologist.21

The second limitation is that the inclusion of mental health notes into the Canadian Forces Health Information System was not foreseen when the project was originally designed. As a result, notes from mental health caregivers cannot be inputted into the system as presently configured, and there is currently no firm direction regarding if or when this might change. Technically, the Canadian Forces Health Information System has the capacity to incorporate these mental health notes if the project parameters are adjusted, much as it has the potential to be used as a more responsive reporting tool if this is deemed a priority. However, such decisions have not yet been made. In the estimate of a senior CF medical authority intimately familiar with the Canadian Forces Health Information System, if the system was to be modified to regularly report on the OSI issue CF-wide (and there is as yet no indication that it will be) this would be unlikely before 2014-2015 at the earliest.22

Since 2000, the Canadian Forces has conducted considerable research on the impacts of mental health conditions, and continues to study this. The fall 2011 report entitled Cumulative Incidence of PTSD and Other Mental Disorders in Canadian Forces Personnel Deployed in Support of the Mission in Afghanistan 2001-2008, executed by the Deployment Health team within the Directorate of Mental Health, is one such research initiative.23 Measuring the incidence rate of CF personnel deploying to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2008, the study provides detailed estimates of the fraction of deployed personnel diagnosed with an OSI over a prolonged period following their return. The report equips the CF with a strong indication of the scope of the OSI imperative specific to Afghanistan, and is especially valuable as a predictive tool for projecting future care requirements. It is consistent with the CF Health Services' research approach of informing the future rather than pinpointing the present or comparing with the past.

Though this research will assist the Canadian Forces to anticipate the impacts of OSIs in contemplating and planning future deployments, it does not consider the OSI incidence for missions other than Afghanistan, nor does it account for the cumulative aspect of operational stress injuries amongst CF members. As such, it is unable to provide institution-wide, single-stop tracking of the OSI issue at regular, specific intervals as it evolves over time.

The CF has placed considerable emphasis on the Enhanced Post-Deployment Screening process as a means of better assessing the health status of members upon their return from operational missions, including their mental health. By extension, this provides additional insight into the scope of the OSI issue.24 The screening, undertaken as of 2007, is designed for all members deploying to an operational theatre for a minimum of 60 days, and is administered within three to six months following their return. Regrettably, the results of this enhanced screening are adversely affected by a response rate of only 76%.25 A full quarter of those returning from deployment are not evaluated, offering the possibility of skewed results. Moreover, a number of recently deployed members indicated that the questionnaire was 'easy to beat' – that is they were convinced they could hide or withhold information pertaining to their mental health state they did not wish to share. This claim was corroborated by several senior medical professionals.26

The Canadian Forces Health and Lifestyle Survey, conducted every four years (despite a formal commitment by DND following the publication of A Long Road to Recovery to double the frequency to every two years as of 2008), examines the mental health status of a large sampling of CF members.27 It provides another slice of the OSI imperative, but is unable to present a fully comprehensive mapping of the condition at any selected point in time.

Within both the Chief of Military Personnel organization generally, and the Directorate of Mental Health specifically, there is little inclination for developing a more complete tracking of OSIs. Exact case counts are not considered especially useful. The approach is that 'if you're sick, you're sick' and all that matters is delivering the right care.28 The precise prevalence of individual illnesses or injuries is not seen as particularly relevant.

Moreover, both the Canadian Forces medical and personnel communities claim to be experiencing what they had generally anticipated with regard to PTSD and other OSIs because operational stress injuries are not epidemic in nature and therefore follow a fairly predictable trajectory.29

In addition to the science of these various studies and surveys, the Canadian Forces Health Services also integrate a practical element in assessing the scope of the OSI requirement. Wait times required for patients to consult with mental health care providers are closely observed on a clinic-by-clinic basis by the Director of Mental Health and the Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor. This allows them to monitor not only the effectiveness of individual clinics, but through extrapolation the efficiency of the mental health system as a whole. Short wait times are generally indicative of sufficient capacity, while long wait times point towards demand outstripping capacity. Consistently long wait times can lead to detailed consultation with the concerned clinic, Staff Assistance Visits, the deployment of temporary augmented resources, or even an adjustment to the structure.

Once again, execution appears to have impeded effectiveness. Until only very recently the key metric that the Director of Mental Health and the Mental Health and Psychiatry Advisor monitored most closely was the wait time for the first available appointment to the mental health care provider: psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, addictions counsellor or mental health nurse. It was acknowledged in 2012 that tracking this metric did not in fact accurately reflect patient access to care and often portrayed an overly positive representation.30 As a result, in May 2012 mental health clinics were instructed by the Director of Mental Health to switch to the wait time for the third next available appointment, which the general health community considers a much more reliable standard for measuring patient access to care.31

Additionally, many mental health clinics have been unable to consistently generate the monthly statistics requested by the Director of Mental Health (which according to a number of mental health caregivers include several metrics of dubious value).32 The effort required of clinics already facing excessive workloads to compile current accurate statistics has been onerous, especially since most clinics do not possess common information management or caseload tracking systems. This is largely a holdover from the pre-Rx2000 era when mental health clinics were very small, making caseload tracking and other data management requirements much simpler. As clinics ballooned to three to five times their pre-Rx2000 size in recent years, clinic managers and team leaders generally resorted to local, often improvised, information management solutions. The evidence indicates that these makeshift solutions have had varying degrees of success.

As an example, one clinic manager outlined that the only way to stay on top of his clinic's caseload was to cease all of his management and clinical activities for several days once every month, physically connect with every provider within the clinic, and put together a detailed compilation of all individual caseloads.33 This appeared to be the practice for other clinics as well.

As a result of this difficulty in managing data and tracking key statistics at the clinic level, the monthly reports published by the Directorate of Mental Health have often featured outdated information. During much of 2011, as many as a third of the mental health clinics did not report their current wait times and other statistics regularly. For the month of March 2012, the Director of Mental Health received only 7 statistical returns from the CF's 26 mental health clinics.34

When clinics have been unable to supply current statistics for a given month, the practice has been to plug in the last input received from that clinic, no matter how dated. In the 2010-2012 period, this last known value as it is termed was often as much as six-plus months out of date, distorting the overall precision of the national report.

In summary, while DND/CF possesses an array of research, informational and data inputs on PTSD and other OSIs, it is unable to generate a precise, punctual institution-wide portrait of the issue. The national representation generated by the Canadian Forces Health System is an amalgam of various inputs, which are all individually hindered by significant limitations. The Directorate of Mental Health CF-wide statistical report is based on patchy, often dated, inputs. The net result is institutional reporting on the scope of the OSI imperative that is neither sufficiently consistent nor adequately reliable to calibrate DND/CF priorities and resources effectively.

Top of Page

Recommendation 3: CF-wide mental health survey

In December 2008 A Long Road to Recovery recommended:

The Canadian Forces conduct an independent and confidential mental health survey, which should include current and former Canadian Forces members from both the Regular and Reserve Forces.

This follow-up review has determined that this recommendation is being met.

Assessment

The CF has partnered with Statistics Canada to execute a follow-up Canadian Forces Mental Health Supplement to the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2012, the results of which will be published in 2013. This will be the second such independent national CF mental health survey, bookending the 2002 Canadian Forces Mental Health Supplement to the Canadian Community Health Survey.35

This is a very important endeavour. The 2002 survey was the driver for much of the mental health structure's reconfiguration as part of the Rx2000 Mental Health Initiative. It was the major catalyst in establishing the CF's current mental health structure, establishment and footprint.

This 2012 follow-up will provide the opportunity to validate the CF's mental health capability. While a decade of sustained operations and other contemporary factors have contributed to a number of punctual adjustments to the capability, the underpinnings of the Rx2000 2002 mental health construct remain largely intact. The pending survey is a crucial opportunity for the CF to validate its decade-old construct by measuring how effectively it is delivering the services and programs that CF members suffering from PTSD and other OSIs need and deserve.

As in 2002, this national survey will also allow the CF to compare its mental health capability with that delivered to the Canadian civilian population.

The CF demographic being surveyed will include a random representative sampling of all Regular and Reserve Force members serving as of mid-2012 (consistent with the recommendation). It will not include former CF members as this is beyond the purview of the DND/CF mandate and is the responsibility of Veterans Affairs Canada.

Concern

The 10-year interval between serials of this cornerstone national independent mental health survey is of concern, especially during a period of significant organizational strain punctuated by sustained operations in Afghanistan. The CF conducted considerable related research during this interval such as the Enhanced Post-Deployment Screenings, the cyclical Health and Lifestyle Survey, the Cumulative Incidence of PTSD 2001 – 2008 Report, the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown 2010-2011 OSI Incidence Study and others. And the research results contributed to positive changes to mental health configurations, methodologies and protocols. However, these individual inputs were not independent, nor did they systematically assess the CF's holistic mental health capability, which the 2012 Statistics Canada survey will.

A decade is a long interval between comprehensive benchmarks, especially during one of the most turbulent periods in Canadian military history. Waiting a full ten years before validating a capability identified as a top institutional priority appears disproportionately long. This delay may have limited the CF's ability to make key adjustments to its mental health capability during this crucial phase.

Top of Page

Recommendation 4: Accommodation policy

In December 2008 A Long Road to Recovery recommended:

Any changes – formal or informal – to the Accommodation Policy (or the approach taken by the Canadian Forces to wounded members who want to continue their military careers) be applied equitably to Canadian Forces members with both mental health and physical injuries.

This follow-up review has determined that this recommendation has been met to the extent that it could be.

Assessment

The CF has put in place or enhanced a number of measures designed to assist ill and injured members return to military service or civilian life.

The formalization in 2011 of the Caring For Our Own comprehensive approach for the care of ill and injured members and their families is one enhancement. It provides a coherent mapping of the CF's focus on recovery from illness or injury, rehabilitation to an optimal level of health, and reintegration, preferably to military service.36 Caring For Our Own articulates a commitment by the CF to provide all necessary care and support for serving members and their families in the event of illness or injury.

This is achieved by providing the most current, evidence-based treatment designed to return the member to full health and normal military duty. If this is not medically possible, the objective shifts to achieving an optimal level of recovery and returning to normal military duty. And in situations where this remains unattainable, the goal becomes maximizing recovery and preparing the member for transition to civilian life.

In terms of timeframe, the 2011 directive on Complex Cases provides ill and injured members who have permanent Medical Employment Limitations an extended period of retention in the CF for up to three years if they are deemed to have complex transitional needs, which appears to be the case for a preponderance of OSI sufferers.37 This extended period of retention allows members to benefit from prolonged treatment and rehabilitation, and increased preparation for transition to civilian life.

The CF's recent decision to make both the Cadet Organizations Administrative and Training Service and the Canadian Rangers organization available to ill and injured members unable to reintegrate into the Regular Force and Primary Reserve provides an additional employment option.38

Though designed as a transitional measure, the Return To Work program, the CF's vocational rehabilitation program, assists ill and injured members restore their health through reintegration into an appropriate workplace and progressive resumption of duties. The program incorporates an array of private sector organizations and companies in order to provide a broad spectrum of rehabilitative opportunities. Empirical data surrounding the program is limited, precluding any viable evaluation.

Finally, the leadership/management of ill and injured CF personnel is appreciably more coordinated than in the past. Effective case management is a major reason for this. Medical case management integrated into the primary care capability plays a more prominent role in assuring the continuity of care for patients. Administrative case coordination embedded within the Integrated Personnel Support Centres as part of the Joint Personnel Support Unit organization connects ill and injured members to all relevant medical, vocational, financial and social resources. Whereas in the recent past ill and injured members had to seek out these various resources, often during periods in which their capacity to do so was limited, these resources now interface directly with the member through the Integrated Personnel Support Centre staff.

The gradual acceptance of the Integrated Personnel Support Centres/Joint Personnel Support Unit as enablers in the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of ill and injured members by a growing proportion of the chain of command appears to be serving ill and injured members effectively, though perspectives still vary drastically.39 Some elements of the chain of command were convinced that the Joint Personnel Support Unit structure provides the ill and injured with the qualified, focused attention and resources they require. Others felt strongly that removing ill and injured members from the 'family structure' that is the unit and peers during a period of increased vulnerability and need was an abdication of the fundamental leadership principle of caring for one's own.

Another irritant undermining the Joint Personnel Support Unit structure is the loss of allowances tied to active status within a unit.40 Losing one's Land Duty Allowance, flight or sea pay, or similar allowance as a consequence of coming forward to seek mental health care and eventually being posted to the Joint Personnel Support Unit, however temporarily, removes money from a military family's income and as such is a major disincentive.

Overall, the CF has demonstrated a concerted effort to enable ill and injured members by putting in place a number of measures which potentially favour them without encroaching upon foundational institutional principles and policies, beginning with the universality of service.41

These measures are not ideal however. Opening up the Cadet Organizations Administrative and Training Service/Canadian Rangers option to members no longer able to meet universality of service requirements is not a game-changer, either quantitatively or qualitatively. And the three-year transitional period (for those who qualify) is certainly helpful to members no longer able to be retained in the Regular Force or Primary Reserve, but in most cases it simply delays what is invariably an unwanted and unwelcomed result – release from the Canadian Forces as a result of injury or illness, and with it the loss of career and potentially of livelihood.

Concern

Repeated evidence from multiple sources suggests a fundamental and growing institutional tension between the requirement to respect the principle of the universality of service, and the CF's long-standing moral obligation to take care of those it sends in harm's way.42 (This tension is examined in greater detail in section 4). The measures outlined above appear to have exploited all of the available space around the margins of universality of service. Further forward movement seems impossible without coming into direct conflict with it.

Observations

The dichotomy of views on the Joint Personnel Support Unit concept is understandable as it is a new and innovative construct inserted within an already large and complex structure. In many locations it is still in its infancy and cultural acceptance has yet to consistently take root.

A second observation is the prevailing perception at the grassroots level that members suffering from mental health injuries are released from the CF more swiftly than those with physical injuries.43 This perception was noted on numerous occasions from a variety of sources. An analysis of available information indicates that this is inaccurate, and in fact the opposite scenario is more prevalent. OSI sufferers facing release are regularly deemed 'complex cases' and as such are eligible for part or all of the three year transitional period. Moreover, the administrative review which determines suitability for continued service and triggers release cannot be initiated until a reliable prognosis of health and functional capacity has been made by the relevant medical authority. Due to the complexity of OSIs, this stabilization period necessary before a definitive prognosis can be made is generally longer than that for physical injuries. Accordingly, the overall period leading to medical release from the CF appears to be generally longer for members suffering from mental health injuries, though the CF has yet to formally measure this.44

As for the possibility that the CF is more disposed to releasing members suffering from permanent mental health injuries over those with permanent physical injuries, no concrete evidence of this was discovered. The philosophy that 'an injury is an injury' seems to govern the personnel management process, starting with Director Casualty Support Management who as the Joint Personnel Support Unit Commanding Officer is theoretically responsible for the management of all ill and injured with a second temporary or a permanent medical category.

Additionally, there is a palpable frustration amongst some members suffering from OSIs toward the verbal commitment of the former Chief of the Defence Staff with regard to permanently retaining those ill and injured whose conditions were caused as a result of deployed operations.45 Without debating the merits of the declaration, the fact is that there is a sense on the part of some that an organizational promise was made and then reneged upon.

Finally, the term 'return to civilian life' is sometimes employed by CF leaders and administrators. It completely misrepresents the reality facing most members afflicted with OSIs and no longer fit to serve. Though demographics are shifting, a preponderance of CF members still joined the military in early adulthood and know only what it is to be a sailor, soldier or airman/woman. Not only has their military career been the only one they have ever had, but it is a major part of their identity. As a result, the notion of 'returning to civilian life' is invariably more complex and cathartic than the term suggests.46 More often than not it is an arrival to adult civilian life rather than a return, with all the uncertainty and trepidation that such entails.

Moreover, the stripping away of an important part of one's identity inherent in release from the CF can be as difficult to deal with as the long-term effects of the injury or illness which provoked it. It seems that this is especially the case when the decision to leave is imposed upon a member as a result of injuries or illness incurred in the conduct of duty. The resultant sense of loss, coupled with permanent injuries which often limit post-military career opportunities and overall quality of life, can be devastating to OSI sufferers released from the CF.

Top of Page

Recommendation 5: Occupational Transfer policy

In December 2008 A Long Road to Recovery recommended:

The rules regarding occupational transfer be changed to accommodate, in an efficient manner, members diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or other operational stress injuries who could continue their military service if they transferred to another military occupation.

This follow-up review has determined that this recommendation has been met to the extent that it could be.

Assessment

There have been no substantive changes to the Occupational Transfer policy or methodology concerning CF members deemed unemployable or non-deployable as a result of OSIs. The obstacle is the immutability of the universality of service principle. In the existing military employment structure, there are no viable options to move ill/injured members who no longer satisfy the terms of the universality of service from one occupation to another.

There is also little evidence that CF members suffering from OSIs do not receive equitable consideration for occupational transfer compared to personnel suffering from physical injuries, as was suggested on multiple occasions. Some members subject to medical employment limitations or temporary medical categories because of PTSD and other OSIs have responded to treatment and progressed sufficiently to have their limitations removed and categories restored, enabling full return to normal duty.47

Structurally and procedurally, the CF has instituted, formalized or enhanced a number of measures designed to assist injured or ill members recover, rehabilitate and reintegrate. The result is better stewardship of the ill and injured from both the medical and administrative perspectives. This impact of enhanced stewardship is twofold. One, it offers increased opportunity for optimal recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration to normal military duty, in an original occupation or a new one. Two, it provides a more deliberate approach throughout which the member has greater opportunity to demonstrate an acceptable level of recovery and/or rehabilitation, augmenting the probability of reintegration.

Medically, these structural and procedural enhancements include the stand-up of the seven Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centres across Canada in response to increases in mental health demand fuelled primarily by OSIs. The clinical treatment; resilience training and education; and psychological, emotional and spiritual support they deliver provide a more coherent, comprehensive care package for patients, increasing the possibility of optimal recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The establishment and refinement of a standardized diagnostic protocol for OSIs in 2008-2009 has equally contributed to recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration by establishing a CF-wide common grid within which members with OSIs can be more effectively treated and cared for. More professional medical case management also contributes to recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Administratively, the establishment and gradual acceptance of the Joint Personnel Support Unit / Integrated Personnel Support Centre structure appears to be providing improved management of ill and injured, though as outlined earlier there is still considerable debate around the Joint Personnel Support Unit structure.

As the majority of these measures are relatively recent it is impossible to definitively determine that they are contributing, or will contribute to, higher rates of reintegration and retention for members with OSIs. However, isolated and anecdotal evidence suggests this could be the case.

Concerns

There exists a perception amongst an element of the grassroots CF demographic that once a member is posted to the Joint Personnel Support Unit and assigned to an Integrated Personnel Support Centre upon issuance of a second temporary medical category as per recent policy, he/she is unlikely to return to the unit and normal military duty.48 Articulated otherwise, some view the Integrated Personnel Support Centre as the 'kiss of death' from a career perspective. As long as this perception persists, it constitutes a veritable barrier to care.

A second concern is the reticence of those elements of the chain of command who are either opposed to the Joint Personnel Support Unit approach to managing the significantly ill and injured, or have yet to embrace it.49 If this friction is not promptly reconciled by CF strategic leadership, it is questionable whether the current approach will succeed on an institutional level.

Top of Page

Recommendation 6: National family support resource

In December 2008 A Long Road to Recovery recommended:

The Canadian Forces establish and properly resource an organization – at the national level – responsible for working with external agencies and all levels of government, as required, to ensure that military families and individual members of the families of military personnel have access to the broad spectrum of services and care they need.

This follow-up review has determined that this recommendation has been partially met.

Assessment

In 2010 the Directorate of Quality of Life was re-established after having been disbanded the previous year. The Directorate's renewed mandate is to contribute to a mission ready force by providing for the unique needs of military families and mitigating the disadvantages inherent in military service.50 A key element of this mandate is addressing the challenges and stresses associated with frequent relocations and prolonged absences including operational deployments.

One of the Directorate of Quality of Life's major responsibilities is facilitating family access to external care, support and opportunities, especially in the key areas of health care, child and increasingly elder care, education, and employment/career. This entails creating and fostering relationships with appropriate entities and leveraging these to improve access for military families, wholly consistent with the recommendation.51

The complexity involved in caring for military families cannot be understated, particularly concerning jurisdictions. DND/CF acknowledges both its policy responsibilities and moral obligation to provide support and services to military families to address the stresses unique to military life, and appears committed to delivering. However most of the key areas involved: (i.e., medical care, education, family care (child and elder), and employment continuity including professional equivalencies, certification and seniority), are largely the purview of public or private entities falling beyond the federal sphere of responsibility. Accordingly, the solutions to military family imperatives are rarely simple and usually involve extensive effort.

The Directorate of Quality of Life enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the Directorate of Military Family Support, which is focused primarily on service delivery of programs and initiatives serving military families.

The effectiveness of this renewed Directorate of Quality of Life construct is inconclusive at this juncture. The period since its regeneration (mid-2010) is very short, especially in light of the complex nature of the mandate.

Concerns

A major preoccupation regarding national support to military families is the Directorate of Quality of Life's current capacity. At the moment of disbandment in 2009 it had 25 personnel to execute its former mandate. At present the Directorate has just 10 positions to achieve its new mission (which is different but does not seem appreciably less challenging than the former), only four of which are baseline funded.52 This is almost certainly inadequate to execute the mission it has been accorded.

A second concern is timeframe. The reality is that DND/CF's national coordinating structures responsible for serving military families are still in considerable flux in 2012, more than a decade after the commitment to sustained operations in Afghanistan. As outlined, the Directorate of Quality of Life was disbanded in 2009 and re-established in 2010. This reversal has resulted in confusion and dislocation. Moreover, the present Directorate of Quality of Life / Directorate of Military Family Support configuration appears to be in transition, with each directorate technically operating independe

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=6053.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Soldiers’ support organization mistreated its own employees, says ombudsman

Soldiers' support organization mistreated its own employees, says ombudsman

By David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen September 21, 2012 7:02 PM

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Soldiers+support+organization+mistreated+employees+says+ombudsman/7281617/story.html#ixzz279L0DLcZ

The federal government organization whose job it is to help soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders unfairly treated some of its own employees who were dealing with the same ailments, according to two reports by the Canadian Forces Ombudsman.

The two veterans, hired to help fellow soldiers dealing with mental health issues, complained to the ombudsman that they were forced from their jobs after a series of run-ins with management at the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program. That organization is managed jointly by the Defence Department and Veterans Affairs but the retired soldiers filed their complaints against the Canadian Forces and the DND managers they reported to.

In the case of one soldier, retired Master Cpl. Kevin Clark, the stress created by the events at OSISS led to a significant deterioration of his health, according to the report prepared by the office of Canadian Forces Ombudsman Pierre Daigle. His health and financial situation further worsened after the combat veteran's final paycheque from OSISS was clawed back. The organization had claimed that Clark, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, had taken too many sick days and was required to reimburse the government.

Daigle's office also received a third complaint against unfair management practices and procedures in OSISS but did not make any findings on that, the Citizen has learned.

The two reports are potentially damaging to the efforts by the federal government and the Canadian Forces who want to send a message they care about soldiers dealing with mental and other stress issues. OSSIS is one of organizations that is supposed to help such individuals.

The soldiers filed their complaints with the ombudsman in 2006 and 2007. The reports have yet to be made public.

Both soldiers involved say they left OSSIS after disputes with Lt.-Col. Stéphane Grenier, then the organization's program manager.

Clark, who fought in the former Yugoslavia, has questioned why, after all these years, there has been no resolution to his case.

In the case of Clark, described in Daigle's report as performing well in his job, the soldier complained OSISS management failed to take any positive action to resolve a work-related conflict and that management harassed and intimidated him and was looking to get rid of him,

As a result of the ongoing conflict in the office, Clark's mental health deteriorated and he took sick leave. After another doctor-certified sick leave, an OSSIS manager phoned him at home and left him a message pointing out he had exhausted his sick leave, according the ombudsman's report.

When Clark asked about the process of how he could resign from his job, OSSIS managers quickly responded by stating they accepted that inquiry as his resignation.

"Our investigation shows that, despite knowing Mr. Clark's mental health had deteriorated, OSISS management made no real attempt to explore how he might be assisted in maintaining his employment once it became clear he intended to resign," Daigle's report notes. "We conclude that OSISS management's actions surrounding Mr. Clark's departure from his position were procedurally unfair and did not allow Mr. Clark to avail himself of the various options available to employees of the public service."

"Mr. Clark's life changed dramatically as a result of the effect these events had on his mental health and financial affairs," the report added. "Mr. Clark told us the unexpected clawback of his final pay to cover overdrawn sick leave, coupled with his ongoing loss of employment income and benefits, created stressful financial difficulties and health issues that still persist."

Daigle recommended DND appropriately compensate Clark for the financial loss he suffered. He also recommended DND acknowledge Clark's "termination from the Public Service was processed precipitously and without affording him the consideration of options normally available to a Public Service employee in his circumstances."

In the second case, a retired combat veteran complained OSISS management had "misused allegations about his work" made by a psychologist and others, and did not give him an opportunity to respond to those allegations or even view such documents. He complained that as a result, his reputation was tarnished and he was forced to leave OSISS.

The ombudsman also found in his favour, adding that the soldier, a peer support co-ordinator, was not treated fairly by OSISS management.

The allegations made by the psychologist were later proven to be untrue and she issued a letter of apology to the veteran. But by the time that happened, the former soldier had left OSSIS.

The ombudsman recommended that DND acknowledge that retired soldier "was not provided administrative fairness in response to allegations made against him."

In an interview in late May with the Citizen, Grenier said he believes Daigle's two investigations are flawed. He said the report's conclusions are in error and that he had tried over a lengthy period to assist the employees.

Grenier said the ombudsman's investigators based their conclusions on the official memos and other administrative OSSIS paperwork generated by the two cases and did not take into account his honesty and integrity.

Grenier made similar points to Daigle's investigators, saying he didn't want to get rid of the two employees and had tried to work with them.

But the ombudsman's report stated that the investigators were able to obtain well documented information and testimony related to Clark's departure from OSISS, while Grenier's decision not to adequately document matters "left significant gaps in the official record and means there is little verifiable evidence to support his version of events."

In the case of the other soldier there was also a lack of documentary evidence to back up Grenier's claims, the investigators noted.

Grenier said he relied on an informal approach that favoured discussions with employees but involved very little formal record keeping. He noted that traditional management techniques would not have worked with these individuals who were dealing with stress disorders.

The Canadian Forces issued an email on Friday noting that it could not comment on the reports.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=6043.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Exposure to Contaminants and Other Hazards from Military Sources

FROM: Kenneth H Young CD
This is must read and covers just about every contaminant begin faced by our Veterans in Canada.

It is a very long document and what we need begins on page # 77 + 111

Title: Exposure to Contaminants and Other Hazards from Military Sources.

The military is a major source of toxic occupational and environmental exposures that can increase cancer risk. Information is available about some military activities that have directly or indirectly exposed military and civilian personnel to carcinogens and contaminated soil and water in numerous locations in the United States and abroad. However, we may never know the full extent of environmental contamination from military sources. This chapter provides examples of chemical and radiation contamination related to military operations.

For the whole document it can be downloaded in he attached file or from Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/106527135

More information on Du can be found here: http://www.scribd.com/collections/3370094/Depleted-Uranium-Uranium-appauvri

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=5993.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: “IMPROVING SERVICES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES”

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS' REPORT "IMPROVING SERVICES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES"

The Government of Canada is pleased to respond to the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs: Improving Services to Improve Quality of Life for Veterans and their Families.
The Government has carefully reviewed the recommendations in the Standing Committee's report and welcomes the opportunity to respond.

Listening and Reaching Out to Veterans and Their Families

Previous Governments used to consult with Veterans primarily through a small number of Veterans' organizations. That approach was not effective in engaging an increasing number of modern-day Veterans and their families. That is why, in March 2011, the Government developed a modern outreach, consultation, and engagement framework at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to broaden the exchange of information with Veterans, Canadian Forces (CF) members, their families, Veterans' organizations, and other stakeholders. To deliver results on this priority, VAC has:
broadened the range of Veterans' organizations with which it engages to include both traditional and modern-day Veterans' organizations;
delivered 26 information sessions on the New Veterans Charter (NVC) at 20 military locations across the country;
developed an online VAC Outreach Information session that will be available in fall 2012 for viewing 24-7, at www.veterans.gc.ca;
expanded outreach to homeless Veterans and to more than 190 organizations striving to address homelessness;
continued improvements to increase the user-friendliness of VAC's website regarding policies, programs, and services. For example, in 2011, VAC introduced an internal online tool called the Benefits Browser that allows staff to quickly access information on the programs and services most relevant to the Veterans they are serving. VAC will soon provide a similar tool for Veterans and their families; and,
expanded the use of technology to engage and consult stakeholders on-line, regarding developments, issues, or activities related to services and benefits for Veterans and their families. These tools include VAC's Twitter account; a re-focused YouTube Channel to include service and benefits information; consultation software; and VAC's Consultation web section, supported by Consulting with Canadians web site. This increased use of technology broadens outreach and complements the existing in-person outreach and consultation processes.

These efforts will give both Veterans and the public a clear picture of the array of programs available. In this way, VAC is continuing its outreach efforts among serving CF members, the CF command structure, and Veterans and their families to increase awareness of enhancements to the full suite of benefits and services available through VAC and the Department of National Defence/ Canadian Forces (DND/CF). At the same time, our Government is hearing directly from Veterans and CF members about what is working well for them and what can work better.

While there are some differences in services and programs available to members and former members of the RCMP, the Government is equally committed to reaching out to them and their families, tailoring communication to reflect their unique circumstances. VAC engages in an ongoing dialogue with RCMP disability pensioners, personnel from the Staff Relations Representative Program, and the RCMP Veterans Association. This ensures an effective exchange of information about their needs and the services and programs the Government
provides to meet those needs. They noted that the disability forms were too numerous and complex and VAC has responded by streamlining and tailoring them. They noted that they wanted to be able to find the portions of policy and process relevant to their members in one location and VAC is working towards improving its web section for members and former members of the RCMP. Communication will continue with members and former members of the RCMP about benefits and services available, taking into account their unique situation in relation to VAC programs.
The pride in, and commitment to, Veterans is shared by many non-profit organizations. Our Government recognizes that, in some circumstances, organizations outside Government may be better positioned to reach out to, and support, Veterans and their families. That is why our Government will continue to work collaboratively with those organizations that are striving to support the health and well-being of Veterans and their families, such as the Royal Canadian Legion and Good Shepherd Ministries to combat homelessness. The Government shares the Committee's admiration for such organizations and programs, including those noted in the report, and expresses appreciation for the tremendous contribution of partners.

Our Government will continue to work with community partners to combat homelessness and better support mental health among Veterans. Government will also continue to enhance its services to Canadian Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Government will continue to consult internationally with experts on homelessness, such as Dr. Hugh Milroy, Chief Executive of London-based Veterans Aid. Using Dr. Milroy's model of movement for the homeless from 'welfare to well-being', HRSDC and VAC recently formed a partnership to further the Government's efforts to combat Veteran homelessness. For example, a Transitional Housing and Support for Homeless Veterans Pilot Project has been established through partnerships with community organizations in four Canadian cities -- Toronto, London, Calgary, and Victoria. Transitional housing and support services are being offered as part of this pilot project providing Veterans in need with appropriate stable housing, medical, and/or mental health/addiction services and, where appropriate, vocational rehabilitation. Through this pilot project, accommodations for more than 55 homeless Veterans can be provided at any one time in four cities across Canada. The pilot project will be evaluated in 2014 and VAC will receive quarterly reports on the number of homeless Veterans this pilot project is helping to 'leave the streets behind'.

Generating Best Evidence Through Research

As Veterans and their families start to integrate within, and contribute to, their local communities after military service, their experience may be different than that of other Canadians. Scientific research is critical to identifying and addressing the wide range of existing and emerging health and well-being issues. The Government of Canada shares the Committee's appreciation of the value of the clinical research expertise at Ste. Anne's Hospital through its affiliation with McGill University. This component is being discussed with the Province of Quebec as part of ongoing negotiations for the potential transfer at Ste. Anne's Hospital to that Province..
To strengthen the scientific basis to support the health and well-being of Veterans and their families, our Government has aligned efforts of VAC, DND/CF, and Statistics Canada to complete three studies designed to better understand life after military service. A wide range of analyses is underway using this information on topics like mental health, mental illness, income, suicide, and whether VAC programs are reaching the people they were intended to reach. Further information on the reports of these studies can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada website at http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/pro_research/publications/reports or by contacting the Research Directorate of the Department at Research-Recherche@vac-acc.gc.ca.
This research also identified that there is a significant number of Veterans with whom traditional outreach has not been successful. Their needs and challenges are similar to those receiving benefits and support services, yet they are not participating in VAC programs. This evidence confirms that our Government's effort to introduce a strengthened, multi-channel outreach, consultation, and engagement approach is a sound investment.
Perhaps of greatest significance, these studies also indicate that the Veteran population has a health burden significantly greater than the rest of the Canadian population. This research aligns with the Committee's concerns around the "triple threat" to Veterans' health: musculoskeletal disorders -- arthritis and back problems -- mental illness conditions, and chronic pain.
Since 2006, our Government, primarily through Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), has invested approximately $950 million to support peer-reviewed, scientific research that addresses the following issues:
pain, disability, rehabilitation, mobility, tissue injury, repair and replacement, and chronic musculoskeletal disease;
brain and spinal injury;
mental health, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD);
addictions and treatment.

In Budget 2012, our Government further committed to invest $5M to support the development of a national network of patient-focused depression research targeted at suicide prevention, PTSD, and intervention centres. A further $200,000 was directed toward anti-stigma mental health training for health-care professionals. This investment is a giant leap forward for all Canadians, including Veterans, which will lead to better patient care and a deeper understanding of depression, suicide, and PTSD.

The Government is ensuring close collaboration among departments and with both the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research and Canadian Institutes for Health Research to advance research related to the military experience. The Government of Canada will continue to support research focused on health issues experienced by Veterans and military personnel. Government will leverage the results from such research to continue to improve front-line health and well-being services for Veterans and their families.

Given the prevalence of multiple health conditions within the Veteran population, the diversity of Government's investments in the Canadian research community is on the right track. Research results in multiple areas will be translated into continued program and service improvements designed to support the health and well-being of Veterans and their families.
Improving Inter-departmental Coordination

As was noted by the Committee, the quality of the Veteran's experience during transition is underpinned by the relationship between VAC and DND/CF. The VAC-DND Steering Committee has been in place since 1999. The goal of this Committee is to strengthen the working relationship between the two departments as well as to provide strategic direction and decision-making on issues concerning CF members, Veterans, and their families. For example, the establishment of Integrated Personnel Support Centres (IPSCs) across the country has greatly enhanced the ability of VAC and DND/CF to work together to support transitioning Veterans and their families. These centres provide "one-stop service" while ill and injured members work toward returning to active duty or prepare to release. In partnership with DND/CF, VAC has more than 100 staff co-located with DND/CF staff in 24 IPSCs to provide care and support to ill and injured CF members and their families as they transition from military to civilian life. Through this partnership service arrangement, releasing CF members can access the full range of programs and services, to which they are entitled, in one location. VAC and DND/CF staff work together at the IPSCs to develop transition plans for medically releasing CF members, ensuring that the needs of the CF members and their families are addressed simultaneously by both departments throughout the transition process. In support of ACVA's recommendation, these centres provide staff with an opportunity to inform releasing members of their right to request a copy of their medical file. In summer, 2012, a pilot project was initiated to electronically transfer CF members' health records from DND/CF to VAC. This will facilitate quicker and more secure access to health information that VAC requires to provide benefits and services to eligible CF members and/or veterans.

VAC and DND/CF are working together very closely to harmonize and align policies and programs to ensure continuity of support on release. VAC is also designing a four-year policy review cycle during which policies will be reviewed. As part of this framework, VAC will continue to consult with DND/CF to ensure that, to the extent possible, policies are harmonized. Similarly, VAC and DND/CF are working together to establish common VAC-DND/CF qualifications for mental health providers (psychologists and social workers) to ensure continuity of care after release. Furthermore, with advances in medical technology, medications and treatments are continually being developed. VAC and DND/CF will continue to collaborate to ensure that these advancements in treatment are considered and utilized as appropriate. For example, VAC and DND/CF have recently implemented a process to support drug coverage benefits for transitioning members. This combined effort between VAC and DND/CF illustrates the commitment to strengthen their partnership and ensure a seamless transition for CF members.

Ensuring Early and Seamless Transition Support

VAC and DND/CF understand that early support is essential to a successful transition to civilian life and have developed programs to maximize support at the earliest opportunity. For example, the mental health program at DND/CF provides dedicated and responsive care to ill and injured CF members and emphasizes the elimination of barriers to early intervention. DND/CF currently employs 51 civilian clinical psychologists that work as part of an interdisciplinary team of civilian and military psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, addictions counsellors, chaplains, and support staff at the DND/CF Operational Trauma Stress Support Centres. Initiatives are in place to give civilian providers an understanding of the military culture and work environment, and CF members highly value the specialized expertise of these health care professionals. Our Government constantly evaluates the level of care it provides to CF members and DND/CF will continue to consider hiring additional civilian clinical psychologists and to assess the feasibility of adding military clinical psychologists. Government will engage in consultations with the Canadian Psychological Association to explore areas of mutual interest and share expertise in order to better serve military populations.
Once released from the CF, Veterans with mental illness conditions can continue to access the DND/CF-VAC network of 17 mental health clinics. Within VAC, there are nine specialized outpatient clinics for operational stress injuries (OSI) across the country and one residential treatment clinic at Ste. Anne's Hospital. These clinics are operated in collaboration with the provinces. Each clinic also has the capacity to offer tele-health services which are important to Veterans and their families who are having difficulty travelling to the clinics. VAC's network of out-patient OSI clinics is located in major cities across the country. Given the prevalence of co-existing mental illness and physical health conditions, the specialized programs offered through these facilities provide tailored diagnosis, assessment, and treatment services to meet the often complex needs of these Veterans and their families.

In addition, the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Program provides confidential peer support and social support to CF members, Veterans, and their families, affected by an operational stress injury such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from military service. The OSISS Program also provides peer support to families who have lost a loved one due to military service.
Our Government recognizes the importance of collaborating and engaging with other countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, concerning new research and evidence-informed best practices in the area of mental health care. For example, VAC has consulted with American and Australian colleagues on treatment and specialized care programs for Veterans with operational stress injuries, including resources available for families. Knowing what programs and initiatives other countries offer, and their success in meeting treatment needs, helps Government to plan suitable program development. VAC is consulting with the United States Veterans Affairs National Centre for PTSD, for example, on mobile self-help and educational tools to assist individuals with PTSD and for those interested in learning more about PTSD.

VAC participates in international projects that aim to advance Veteran care, particularly in areas related to mental health. VAC has collaborated with the Australian, United States, and United Kingdom governments on a project related to the development of guidelines on peer support. This collaboration has resulted in a recent article, "Guidelines for Peer Support in High-Risk Organizations: An International Consensus Study Using the Delphi Method", being published in the April 2012 issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress.

VAC also closely engages with the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), an international, multidisciplinary organization that promotes the advancement and exchange of knowledge about severe stress and trauma. The ISTSS holds an annual conference and the agenda includes an exchange of the latest developments in trauma research, treatment strategies, policy approaches, and theory. In 2010, VAC participated in the ISTSS annual meeting held in
Montreal. This was a very successful partnership venture and, as a result, a working relationship was established that continues to facilitate affiliation for other projects. VAC will continue to collaborate with international partners and seek opportunities to share valuable insights, research, and best practices on Veteran health care.

In September, 2012, Minister Blaney will be attending the Tri-National Military Mental Health Symposium at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, hosted by the True Patriot Love (TPL) Foundation. In addition to Minister Blaney, the Symposium will feature extensive collaboration among Canadian officials, the White House, British officials, business executives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Canada, the United States, and Great Britain to examine issues surrounding Veteran mental health and its effective treatment and de-stigmatization. The National Centre for Operational Stress Injuries (NCOSI) and Research Directorate of VAC, have been asked by TPL to play an active role in planning the event by providing research content and by identifying speakers and participants in Canada and internationally. This event will allow Veterans Affairs Canada to share, with its international partners, what it is doing to assist Veterans and their families with mental illness issues, as well as learn from the experience of partner nations.

Government has also established an extensive network of approximately 4,000 registered providers in the private sector to deliver professional mental health services across the country. This includes specialized in-patient mental health treatment programs. In addition, the VAC Assistance service provides free, 24-7, counseling support to Veterans and their families wherever and whenever needed. VAC provides access to some 200 clinical care managers who provide day-to-day support to those Veterans and their families with the most intensive and complex needs. This support helps them to become reconnected to their communities and to access the support systems, programs, and services that are essential to their mental health.

VAC's case management services are available to support Veterans who are experiencing difficulties, including those who face challenges with transition to civilian life. Case Management service is a goal-oriented, collaborative, organized, and dynamic process that focuses on a holistic, needs-based approach supported by inter-disciplinary consultation. Government has introduced new tools to support VAC case management and increase consistency in service for Veterans. The tools enable case managers to better identify complex needs, assess risks in transition, and determine the appropriate levels of support required. This set of tools for front line case managers serves as an effective monitoring mechanism in a manner that respects the Veteran's privacy and autonomy while ensuring that contact is maintained so that their emerging needs can be addressed. The new work tools also provide the basis for a more equitable distribution of caseloads based on average complexity and risk scores. As such, they are key to VAC's improved client-to-case manager ratio which is now 30:1, on average. This is well within the established range of 30-40 cases per case manager.

VAC is working with academic institutions and national associations to leverage the best existing knowledge, expertise, and successful practices. These actions will strengthen standards of practice and increase the consistency of Veterans' experience with these services across the nation. These efforts that happen behind the scenes do not make headlines -- they make a difference. The Government's efforts to strengthen case management for Veterans have a huge impact on how they are supported through transition, especially those who are the most vulnerable.

Our Government has also taken concrete steps in recent years to enhance coordination between VAC and DND/CF on vocational rehabilitation programs to improve client outcomes and to avoid overlap of benefits for ill or injured CF members transitioning to civilian life. While SISIP and VAC rehabilitation programs are not concurrent, DND/CF and VAC work together to coordinate them. In June, 2012, Government finalized improvements to the program arrangement that governs the delivery of vocational rehabilitation programs between VAC and DND/CF. These amendments formalize the improved collaboration between VAC and DND/CF on vocational rehabilitation programs that has been taking place over recent years and also strengthen open lines of communication between the programs. To increase alignment further, our Government has also announced that it will discontinue the offset of disability pension benefits under both VAC and DND/CF programs. Government will continue to increase consistency, promote early intervention, and strengthen alignment of DND/CF-VAC programs for CF members and their families who are transitioning to civilian life.

Improving Employment Opportunities

As was noted by the Committee, employment after service is a key factor to health, well-being, and quality of life after service. According to findings from the 2010 Survey on Transition to Civilian Life: Report on Regular Force Veterans, 89 percent of recent Canadian Veterans become employed in their life after service. VAC has developed an action plan to increase employment opportunities for Veterans within the public service and the private sector which includes the following:
VAC has expanded the Area of Selection Policy to include CF members in all internally advertised processes. As a result, CF members are now eligible to apply on all VAC internally advertised processes. Furthermore, VAC now includes CF experience as an asset qualification in all advertised processes.
Within the Public Service more broadly, our Government has been promoting the DND Transition Assistance Program which encourages prospective employers, in both the public and private sectors, to consider providing employment to highly-skilled, fully trained, qualified, and job-ready CF members who have been, or will be, medically released. Where immediate employment is not possible, due to injury or illness, VAC's rehabilitation program can provide support and training, if required. Further, VAC is working to familiarize CF members on the Public Service hiring process.

Working through the Public Service Commission, the Government is broadening awareness within the Public Service of additional challenges that CF members may face and of the priority accorded to medically releasing CF Veterans. The Government's legislation provides for eligible medically releasing Veterans to be placed as priority employees into positions where they meet the essential qualifications and are able to return to work, within 5 years of their release.

Working with partners outside the Public Service, our Government has been developing innovative partnerships with the private sector to increase employment opportunities for Veterans. An example is the "Helmets to Hardhats" initiative that is helping to connect Veterans and CF members to a range of careers within the construction industry.

The Government of Canada will continue its efforts to work with community organizations, private sector partners, and within the Public Service to support Veterans and their families in pursuit of suitable employment following release from military service, as well as to increase the number of Veterans who become employed at VAC.

Our Government has plans for a new employment initiative "Jobs – Emplois" to partner with corporate Canada to help releasing CF members and Veterans find civilian jobs. To support this initiative, VAC has created an email address to receive and distribute private sector job opportunities for releasing CF members and Veterans.

Improving and Simplifying Program Delivery

The Government is pleased that the Committee recognizes the significant efforts that have been made to improve programs, and notes that, for the most part, these programs are well received by Veterans. In 2011, the Government enhanced the New Veterans Charter (NVC) suite of programs. This included changes to the disability award to permit it to be payable either annually, in a lump sum, or a combination of the two. The Government also introduced a new monthly supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance for those permanently incapacitated and unable to return to work. A minimum income level has been established for Veterans engaged in the Rehabilitation Program. These are program improvements which are making a difference in the everyday lives of Veterans. Our Government is committed to continue to make improvements based upon ongoing dialogue with Veterans and the best evidence and practices available. The Government takes this opportunity to reconfirm its commitment to ensuring that eligible Veterans continue to have priority access to Ste. Anne's Hospital and to care and services in both official languages.

Our Government is also streamlining programs and services by cutting red tape. These efforts are paying dividends. For example, this summer, a bothersome paper process for Veterans seeking reimbursement for health-related travel has been simplified. Further, VAC will soon simplify much of the paper work for Veterans receiving VIP, as announced in Budget 2012. As red tape is reduced, resources are redirected to ensure that programs and services for Veterans are not impacted negatively. To the contrary, our Government is continually improving both its health and wellness programs and services, as well as how it delivers them to Veterans and their families, in order to maximize the positive impact on their quality of life.

Having listened carefully and consulted broadly with Veterans, Government has simplified programs and services and continues with improvements that make a difference in the quality of life of Veterans and their families.

Our Government is, therefore, pleased to provide assurance to the Committee, to Veterans, serving CF members, members and former members of the RCMP, and their families, as well as to all other Canadians, that it will continue to strengthen programs and their delivery and to reduce red tape to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for Canadian Veterans and their families.
The Government of Canada thanks the Committee and the many witnesses who provided evidence. A great deal of effort and thoughtful consideration underpins the report. Its recommendations serve as a useful guide to the Government moving forward.

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=5980.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.