Ex-veteran affairs ombudsman on suicides in the military

Ex-veteran affairs ombudsman on suicides in the military

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/ID/2421322820/

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

CVA Sit rep - Suicide prevention - Director - CF Engagement Barry Westholm

CVA Sit rep - Suicide prevention - Director - CF Engagement Barry Westholm

Hello. my name is Barry Westholm, CD and I have been recreantly appointed by the Canadian Veterans Advocacy as their Director for Canadian Armed Forces Engagement. I'm emailing you to convey the CVA's great concern of a potential development in Joint Personnel Unit (JPSU), Prairie Region where two suicides have been reported and our over all concern of the JPSU. To the current situation, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces has reported that one, then two, suicides have taken place at JPSU Prairie Region. CVA would appreciate this to be confirmed at the earliest, and most respectable time.

Col Blais (Commanding Officer JPSU) who is located in Ottawa is the man to get in touch with of for this matter (gerard.blais@forces.gc.ca) also, you may want to re-phrase the question to "two deaths in the JPSU" vice the term "suicide". The reason, as strange as it sounds, is that "suicide" is a diagnosis which may cause a delay in getting an answer back while death is a non-diagnosis. Attempted suicide is also a defined diagnosis and open to very liberal interpretation - I have witnessed what I would consider attempted suicides, only to be told they were "misuse of prescription drugs and alcohol" but subject matter experts.

The upcoming holiday season can be a particularly tough time of the year for people with Occupational Stress Injuries (OSI's) which include PTSD. While a Sergeant Major with the JPSU, I always sent out a "Warning Order" for my staff to keep close contact with those persons who may be vulnerable. However, as I have indicated in a great many military correspondences, and then blogs, the equation of JPSU posted-in-to-staff has been allowed to bloat to the point where practical oversight is impossible (thus my resignation in protest - see Link: 1). If the situation in JPSU Prairie Region is confirmed, steps must be taken to mitigate copycat actions - something that is a distinct possibility.

I am in contact regularly by JPSU staff who are doing there damnedest to provide support to our injured and ill, but are unable to do so and burning out. In Petawawa they are down to three Section Commanders (these are the people who are directly assigned those posted to the Platoon) for close to 160 injured and ill soldiers - 60 each. I have also been told that recently there has been a sharp drop-off of postings to the JPSU detachment in Petawawa and the speculation is that Unit Commanders don't want to post people to the JPSU anymore giving its manning issues and subsequent negative impact to their troops, which may explain the recent email from medical staff in Petawawa. (see Link: 2).

I also was informed that there will be a Parliamentary Committee going to Garrison Petawawa and will be visiting the JPSU. As the CVA Director for Canadian Armed Forces Engagement, I am available to meet with this committee should they want an unvarnished, concise and accurate assessment of the situation there. I say this because only yesterday, a staff member told me that they were unlikely to say much for fear of their jobs and livelihood. I was further told that despite getting four additional annuitant exception positions, none have been filled - indeed people who have applied have pulled their applications. The reason for this (I was told) was that despite being able to collect their pay as well as pensions, the working conditions at the JPSU are not worth it.

As I write this I have just awoken (2:15 A.M.) for what for me has become a ritual of the macabre given my PTSD - I have been haunted by nightmares ever since 1995 (link: 3). However, I am old and seasoned and have adapted over many years of effort; these young people coming back from Afghanistan, or those just facing PTSD from a former conflict, are not - it is a new and frightening place to be. They deserve proper support and leadership - but they are not getting it - the CVA intends to change this.

Link 1: http://www.scribd.com/doc/172711122/Letter-of-Resignation-Westholm
Link 2: http://www.scribd.com/doc/184222566/Medical-Support-Update-Garrison-Petawawa
Link 3: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/ptsd/Video+Barry+Westholm/9138166/story.html

At this point the situation in JPSU Prairie Region remains officially unconfirmed (to me anyway) and I hope that somehow it is a tragic miscommunication and that there were no suicides there. However, given what I have witnessed and written about the JPSU, this tragedy is very plausible and if it did happen there should be hell to pay.

Summary. The CVA's official stance of the JPSU is still in draft format, but given this situation I will let you know that it is of utmost importance to the CVA that the JPSU be staffed and managed adequately and the CVA considers it tangible component of the sacred obligation to our Veterans. The JPSU is the conduit for injured and ill Veterans to their new lives as civilians, VAC support, and a host of other important resources - it is imperative to the CVA that it is administered with the care it deserves. Those with injuries severe enough for release from the CAF should depart with confidence, security and a sense of accomplishment - they should not be tripped on the way out the door to land flat on their faces, or die before reaching the door. To correct the situation at the JPSU is not difficult, but it is imperative, I hope that the mere spectre of suicides prompts you to aggressive action to support this important Unit.

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call.

Sergeant Major (Ret'd) Barry Westholm, CD
Director: Canadian Armed Forces Engagement
Canadian Veterans Advocacy
613 587 4203

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

New announcement: CVA Sit Rep. Two Suicides, CFB Shilo, 26/11/2013

CVA Sit Rep. Two Suicides, CFB Shilo, 26/11/47

I cannot express how profoundly saddened I was when my friend Glen Kirkland phoned from Manitoba this afternoon to inform me of his friend's tragic suicide. We spoke to the need of definitive reforms/improvements at JPSU level to ensure such tragic circumstances are prevented through effective policies. As a consequence of this conversation, we have made this issue the top priority for CVA Director of CF Engagement Barry Westholm, who has extensive knowledge of the t5ransitional process and the needs of the physically and mentally wounded.

Much to my dismay, Glen called this evening to inform there had been another suicide, another serving member going through the transition process. He was pretty shaken up, as was I and I would take the opportunity to express our profound condolences to the families of the fallen who will, at this time, remain unnamed.

And Fallen these two valiant men are!

No, they did not die on the sands of the Panjawaii Valley but they damn well did return to Canada with a wound of the mind that proved fatal.

How can this happen???? Were they not provided the proper diagnosis and effective care, the compassion and timely treatment they deserved? Was the Sacred Obligation the Department of National Defence has for the wounded in transition met, or were they abandoned, helpless, alone, left with no recourse but to seek release from the pain through suicide?

Let us as a nation honour and grieve these men's sacrifice on behalf of Canada as we have grieved and honoured those who have travelled the Highway of Heroes.

Their sacrifice is no less worthy, the wounds of the mind they incurred in Afghanistan no less fatal than those who were repatriated with life threatening wounds and passed on Canadian soil.

May the Lord welcome our fallen Brothers and bless their families and friends during their period of profound grief.

Michael L Blais CD
President/Founder - Canadian Veterans Advocacy

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=11886.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: CVA Situation report - Sacred Obligation - Comprehensive Parliamentary Review -

CVA Situation report - Sacred Obligation - Comprehensive Parliamentary Review - New Veterans Charter - Bill C-55

Sacred Obligation

The Canadian Veterans Advocacy (CVA) uses the term Sacred Obligation when speaking to or describing the Government of Canada's responsibilities to Canada's Sons and Daughters who have been wounded or injured as a consequence of their service at home and abroad.

I am often asked, what is the definition of the Sacred Obligation?

In the context of military service, "Sacred " is a very special connotation and predicates great level respect for the living, life time sacrifice of the wounded and those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the nation.

Legislatively, the Sacred Obligation was first defined by Sir Robert Borden through special provisions in the Pension Act, acknowledged the life time of pain and suffering Canadian disabled veterans experienced after returning from the battles of Passchendaele, Amiens, and Vimy Ridge. The standard of respect has been perpetuated and enhanced by successive Canadian parliament's who understood the uniqueness, the ultra-dangerous environment and patriotic sacrifice of those who have sworn allegiance to the Canada and the impact this sacrifice has borne upon their families.

When a Canadian Citizen takes the Oath of Allegiance/Affirmation when joining the Canadian Armed Forces, it is implicitly understood that the threshold from the comfort Canadian civilian society has been crossed and they have pledged their lives to defend the principles upon this great nation has been founded. The Oath that the 18 year-old CAF recruit swears to is very similar to those taken by the Prime Minister of Canada, Parliamentarians, Senators and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada; indeed, this places those that serve this nation in some very prestigious company!

However, there is one caveat and CAF personnel are the only citizens of Canada who are eligible:

Unlimited Liability aka, the Sacred Obligation.

Unlimited Liability/Sacred Obligation is the ultimate demonstration of trust between nation and those they would send to war/peace, a concord underwritten in blood inclusive of ultimate sacrifice, so willingly volunteered in-trust to the People of Canada. Unlimited Liability and the Sacred Obligation extends to the soldiers family; their mother, father, husband, wife, children, all acutely aware of the consequences national service entails, all who share concern for the their loved ones during service and beyond when they have been released to our communities due to wounds or injuries.

The people entrusted with upholding the Sacred Obligation, those who bear the solemn authority to put the soldier in Harms' Way, serve the nation as our parliamentarians. Since World War 1, Canadians have deployed many times into the vortex of violence, tens-of-thousands of valiant men and women sacrificed their lives for the nation and many, many more were wounded or injured. They, as did those who deployed to Afghanistan, served this nation with the implicit recognition of the Sacred Obligation should they be injured or for their dependents if they die in the service of Canada.

The Sacred Obligation has been embraced by successive governments since WW1 until, in 2006, the Harper Government implemented the New Veterans Charter (NVC) and in doing so, abandoned its Sacred Obligation to those who would serve at a time when Canada's military would, for the first time since the historic battles of Korea, be called to war. 150 valiant Canadian men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice since 2006, over fifteen hundred have been wounded during Prime Minister Harper's stewardship of the war.

How does one define the Sacred Obligation to the wounded, to the mothers, fathers, widows and children of the fallen, those who have been awarded the Memorial Cross in recognition of their sacrifice? Just how does the New Veterans Charter discriminate against those who serve today, those who have sacrificed limbs, minds and souls to the nation? How do we measure ones level of sacrifice on a pain and suffering perspective, just how worthy is the traumatic amputation of a leg/s, an arm/s, a mind when the Sacred Obligation, established through decades of parliamentary respect, has been abandoned at a time of war?

The answer is clear, precedence has been set.

Let us compare Major Ortona, who is catastrophically injured in Italy, 1943 and Major Khandahar, who suffered the same, life altering injuries when struck down in battle at the height of Operation Medusa in Southern Afghanistan, 2006.

Both men suffer explosive amputation of their legs, severe internal wounds including the loss of their testicles, significant hearing loss-tinitus, brain system injuries and, as a consequence of their ordeal, severe PTSD and depression.

Major Ortona is medically released and returns to his wife and two young children. He lives for sixty years but requires long tern care at Sunnybrook Veterans hospital during the last fifteen due to his injuries and his wife's inability to provide home care. The nation recognized the life of suffering Major Ortona endured and fulfilled its Sacred Obligation to him and his family until death and beyond. Special Pain and Suffering provisions within the Pension Act accorded Major Ortona a monthly pension unto0 death. A supplementary pension was also accorded to his wife with the recognition of her sacrifice and the impact of providing care to double amputee with mental issues bears upon her life and future. Small pensions were provided to Major Ortona's two children and, when they sought higher education, financial assistance was available. When his wife could no longer care for him, Veterans Affairs Canada ensured he had a room at Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital, where he would life out his days in comfort and with the level of dedicated care required. When Major Ortona preceded his wife, his widow was accorded half his VAC pension and eligibility to VIP services. Over the course of his life, Major Ortona would be provided close to two million dollars, tax free, in recognition of the life time of pain and suffering he had endured.

Major Khandahar sustained the same catastrophic injuries. The Sacred Obligation, now abandoned, does not include the life time financial security inherent with the Pension Act monthly provisions, instead, he is awarded a lump sum award of 250 thousand dollars. By the time he retires, moves, buys/modifies a home and the family adjusts to his physical and mental disabilities, there is little left. His wife, who fears for his life –suicide- and must stay home is not, as was Major Ortona's wife, provided a small pension in recognition of her sacrifice. Nor, when Major Ortona precedes her, will there be any pension to share of VIP services to ease her financial burden during her twilight years.

When Major Ortona required Long Term Care, there was no Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital to care for him, the obligation been long abandoned to veterans who did not serve in WW2 or Korea. Major Ortona's children receive nothing, there is no supplementary pension to ensure their care is not affected by the financial discord that many disabled affected families confront daily. Assistance for university or college education is non existent,

The disparity in respect between the services provided when the Sacred Obligation was embraced and the standard applied to today's modern war wounded through the New Veterans Charter can only be described as obscene; to accord one standard of service of a veteran of one war yet not another is a glaring demonstration of the repercussions to Canada's wounded when a government looses its moral compass and abandons the Sacred Obligation to those they have sent to war.

The Canadian Veterans Advocacy does not dispute that there are positive qualities within the New Veterans Charter and/or Bill C-55, indeed, the harmonization approach that we have submitted reflects the need of incorporating the positive benefits of both programs into one effective mechanism capable of serving veterans of all eras equally and without discrimination. The disparity of the Lump Sum Award provisions when compared to the Fulfillment of the Sacred Obligation via the Pension Act, while not the singular issue in requirement of redress, must be a priority. The nation's obligation to Canada's most seriously wounded veterans, referenced by Veterans Ombudsman Parent's last report, is not being fulfilled, as such, our duty, our Sacred Obligation, is clear.

We must unite behind the wounded who, having no recourse or support from the traditional veterans organizations, have resorted to the courts to seek justice. What do they seek? They seek the same standard of respect that Major Ortona, myself and thousands of Canadian veterans have been accorded for pain and suffering as a consequence of our service.

They seek only fulfillment of the Sacred Obligation they believed to exist when they were wounded, no more, no less.

No other option is acceptable! Veterans organizations that do not support this position (Equitas), particularly formal stakeholders such as the Royal Canadian Legion and major organizations represented through the Legion's Veterans Consultation Group have not embraced the Sacred Obligation and are championing meager enhancements to the Lump Sum Award to a comparable level that someone injured on the job in Ontario would receive. This position does not reflect or respect the sacrifice of our Afghanistan War wounded or the very pillars on which the Royal Canadian Legion has been built. The standard of care they have fought so hard, through multiple generations of Legion leadership, to ensure the obligation was met and provided to World War 2 and Korean War veterans, is not being accorded to those who fight today.

One veteran. One standard.

The wounded, abandoned by government and veterans stakeholders alike, have united and with no other alternative, have been forced to seek redress through the courts. Their quest directly addresses the Harper Government's abeyance of the Sacred Obligation, an obligation this nation stood proudly behind for nearly a century, an obligation negated at the height of the most vicious combat this nation has experienced since the Korean War.

Is Major Khandahars's national sacrifice no less worthy than Major Ortona's?

Did they not both suffer the same catastrophic wounds, traumatic amputation of the legs, testicles, a lifetime of PTSD and depression with all the ugly, soul and family destroying horrors they bring to the veteran and his/her family?

I would suggest that their sacrifice on behalf of Canada is equal, that national precedence has been established with the blood, courage and great sacrifice of our forefathers.

I would suggest that this is and must be the only standard applied to those who suffer the same consequences of war today.

This is the Sacred Obligation.

A Sacred Obligation the Canadian Veterans Advocacy has been founded to restore.

CTV Interview, OVO Report, We will fight! http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1014735
CVA Harmonization policy http://www.canadianveteransadvocacy.com/index.html

Michael L Blais CD
President - Founder Canadian Veterans Advocacy
6618 Harper Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario
905-359-9247 /// hm 905-357-3306

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=11871.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Equitas Awareness Seminar, November 6th- 2013 - Col. Michel Drapeau Ret

Equitas Awareness Seminar, November 6th- 2013 - Col. Michel Drapeau Ret


Greetings from Niagara. My Name is Michael L Blais CD, I am the president and founder of the Canadians Veterans Advocacy. First, permit me to thank Ministers' Fantino and Nicholson, Peter Stoffer, Sylvain Chicoinne, Mr Trudeau, Jim Karygianiss, Senator Dallaire and the Liberal Caucus for welcoming the CVA team and supportive veterans over the course of the week. We are grateful to have the opportunity to speak to the issues confronting our serving members, memorial cross recipients, wounded and injured veterans as well as participating with you in a variety of Remembrance Day services/events.

Many parliamentarians expressed an interest in attending the Equitas Awareness Seminar the Canadian Veterans Advocacy organized for the 6th of November but as a consequence of a House vote called very near the same time, were not able to attend. I would thank those that sent apology notes and assure you that I understand the nation's business is a priority to be embraced, not ignored. However, we anticipated something might occur to affect MP's attendance and recorded the entire event for such a contingency and of course, to engage and apprise Canadian veterans and the general public through the CVA Communications network.

Colonel Michel Drapeau consented to our request to provide an unbiased, understandable presentation about the Equitas Society and the quest they have embarked on on behalf of the wounded in respect to the the New Veterans Charter's Lump Sum Award provisions. I have placed Col Drapeaus clips at the head of the cue for your perusal as I know your time is valuable. The entire evening is below and in order. Sean Bruyea provides a magnificent presention on the New Veterans Charter and Laurie Hawn, Peter Stoffer and Jim Karygiannis spoke to their party's respective positions.

I would encourage you to watch the videos and should require any answers to queries, please feel free to contact us or arrange an appointment with myself and the Canadian Veterans Advocacy team when we are in Ottawa advocating on behalf of veterans.

Sincerely


Michael L Blais CD
President-Founder, Canadian Veterans Advocacy
905-357-3306 // 905-359-4297
Retired Colonel and esteemed barrister Michel Drapeau
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj_wxjkxQN8&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWVHZfP-Wa0&feature=youtu.be

Entire evening

http://youtu.be/e7ylWLPT1j8
http://youtu.be/TBIxZ3trSg4
http://youtu.be/wj_wxjkxQN8
http://youtu.be/rWVHZfP-Wa0
http://youtu.be/VXyhSyXXCjc
http://youtu.be/_N6gmZc2gnE
http://youtu.be/zj7X8Pqy5Co
http://youtu.be/eOLqscseaU0
http://youtu.be/PNKjAKFIjM8
http://youtu.be/FnE9XS8wBpw
http://youtu.be/UYYB1zwaA9M
http://youtu.be/77XbNdmGa7Y

--

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

New announcement: GoC Focused on Results through Comprehensive Review of New Veterans Charter

Government of Canada Focused on Results through Comprehensive Review of New Veterans Charter

November 19, 2013

Ottawa – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today made his inaugural appearance before the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs since his appointment as Minister in July. Before committee, Minister Fantino reiterated the Government's support for a comprehensive review of the New Veterans Charter, including all the enhancements that have been made to it to date, with a special focus placed on the most seriously injured, support for families and the delivery of programs by Veterans Affairs Canada.

During his appearance, the Minister asked the Committee to consult with Veterans and other key stakeholders on options for how the New Veterans Charter could clearly define and demonstrate the Government of Canada's relationship with Canadian Veterans.

"The work our Government does each day to serve Canadian Veterans can be called many things: duty, responsibility, commitment, social contract, sacred obligation or covenant. It is all of those things," said Minister Fantino. "Our Government is committed to ensuring that we give Canada's Veterans the clarity they have asked for. As part of the comprehensive review, I have asked the Committee to determine how best we can state our commitment to Canada's Veterans, and what is the best format for doing so."

The New Veterans Charter, which was passed unanimously by Parliament in 2005 and implemented in 2006, is specifically designed to provide Veterans with the tools, assistance and support they need to effectively transition into civilian life and continue to contribute their exceptional leadership skills to building a strong and resilient Canada, just as they did in uniform.

The New Veterans Charter was reviewed by Parliament in 2011. Enhancements made through that review include legislative and regulatory changes which total $2 billion in new investments over the life of key programs. These changes increased support for severely injured Veterans and their families facing the greatest challenges making the transition to civilian life, and ensured ill and injured Veterans have an adequate income.

"Through the comprehensive parliamentary review, we are listening to Veterans and their families, and building on the160 recommendations that have already been incorporated into the New Veterans Charter in order to make responsible changes to better support our former personnel," said Minister Fantino.

The comprehensive review of the New Veterans Charter, by legislators and with input from Veterans, their family members, public officials, the Veterans Ombudsman and the Veterans stakeholder community, serves as a key forum to find responsible changes to improve the already robust systems of support in place to help Canada's Veterans.

Veterans Affairs Canada's support and services offer the right care at the right time to achieve the best results for Veterans and their families. Find out more at veterans.gc.ca.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.
– 30 –
Media Enquiries

Janice Summerby

613-992-7468

Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada

Joshua Zanin

613-996-4649

Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

---------------

Please also note the hyperlinks in the web version of the Minister's speech from earlier today. These links will direct you to a list of key actions taken to address former advisory committee recommendations related to the New Veterans Charter.

Web version of the speech can be found here:

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/press/appearance-before-standing-committee
--------------------

Speaking notes for Notes d'allocution de
THE HONOURABLE L'HONORABLE

Julian Fantino

Minister of Veterans Affairs Ministre des Anciens Combattants

Speaking Notes

Appearance Before
the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Ottawa, Ontario

Please check Le discours
against delivery prononcé fait foi

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAR TODAY AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER.

IN 2011, PARLIAMENT PASSED BILL C-55, WHICH CREATED ONE NEW MONTHLY PAYMENT, EXPANDED THE ELIGIBILITY FOR TWO MONTHLY FINANCIAL BENEFITS AND ALLOWED VETERANS TO BREAK THEIR LUMP SUM INTO MORE FLEXIBLE TERMS.

IT ALSO ADDED A REQUIREMENT THAT THESE NEW MEASURES BE REVIEWED BY PARLIAMENT IN 2013.

UPON TAKING OFFICE, I HEARD CLEARLY FROM THE VETERANS OMBUDSMAN, VETERANS' GROUPS AND STAKEHOLDERS THAT A WIDER REVIEW OF THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER WAS NEEDED.

I THEREFORE ASKED MY PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO ENSURE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER WAS TO BE TAKEN UP IN SHORT ORDER.

AND I AM PLEASED TO BE HERE TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN IMPROVE THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

AS YOU UNDERTAKE THIS REVIEW, I'D LIKE TO TAKE A MINUTE TO DISCUSS MY HOPES FOR YOUR WORK.

IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT YOU SHOULD FOCUS THE REVIEW ON HOW THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER SERVES THE MOST SERIOUSLY INJURED; HOW OUR GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS CANADIAN VETERANS' FAMILIES; AND ON HOW VETERANS AFFAIRS DELIVERS THE PROGRAMS YOU HAVE PUT IN PLACE.

COLLEAGUES, THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER WAS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED BY PARLIAMENT UNDER THE FORMER GOVERNMENT AFTER YEARS OF DEBATE AND STUDY AMONG EXPERTS, VETERANS REPRESENTATIVES AND VETERANS THEMSELVES.

WHILE WE CAN NEVER SAY EVERYONE, THE VAST MAJORITY OBVIOUSLY CONCLUDED THE OLD PENSION SYSTEM HAD OUTLIVED ITS USEFULNESS.

I ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO READ THE SENATE'S REPORT ON THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER, WHICH THEY ISSUED LAST YEAR.

I WOULD ALSO HIGHLIGHT A COMMENT SENATOR ROMEO DALLAIRE STATED UPON ITS INTRODUCTION IN THE OTHER PLACE:

"IT IS WITH GREAT ANTICIPATION THAT I AM SPEAKING TO THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER, WHICH PROPOSES TO MODERNIZE OUR VETERANS' ASSISTANCE AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM. IT IS, IN FACT, A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF CANADA AND OUR VETERANS, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT."

ADVANCES IN MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND DISABILITY MANAGEMENT, AND CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS AMONG THE VETERANS POPULATION WERE JUST SOME OF THE CHANGES THAT LED TO THIS NEW APPROACH IN 2005.

AS THE SITUATION FACING CANADIAN VETERANS CHANGED FROM 2005 TO TODAY, SO TOO HAS THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER AND HOW IT IS APPLIED.

AS I SPEAK, MY OFFICIALS ARE DISTRIBUTING COPIES OF A REPORT MY DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED WHICH OUTLINES 160 ADOPTED RECOMMENDATIONS THAT LED TO 107 IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF BENEFITS AND SERVICES UNDER THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER.

THESE CHANGES REPRESENT OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO KEEP PACE WITH CHANGING TIMES, BUT I WILL BE THE FIRST TO AGREE THAT MORE MUST BE DONE.

COLLEAGUES, SINCE 2005 WE HAVE SEEN THE EFFECTS OF THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN ON OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN.

WHILE NEW PAYMENT AND OPTIONS WERE PROVIDED TO VETERANS IN 2011 THAT PROVIDED MORE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, I AM CONVINCED MORE CAN AND SHOULD BE DONE.

OUR COMMITMENT TO VETERANS IS ABSOLUTE AND HAS BEEN SINCE OUR GOVERNMENT WAS FIRST FORMED IN 2006.

ONE MUST ONLY LOOK AT THE OVERALL VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET TO SEE HOW EVEN DURING A RECESSION AND A GOVERNMENT-WIDE COST-REDUCTION EXERCISE, VETERANS AFFAIRS SPENDS APPROXIMATELY $700 MILLION MORE ANNUALLY TODAY IN 2013 THAN IN 2005.

THE WORK OUR GOVERNMENT DOES EACH DAY HAS BEEN AND CAN BE CALLED MANY THINGS: DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY, COMMITMENT, SOCIAL CONTRACT, SACRED OBLIGATION OR COVENANT. COLLEAGUES, I BELIEVE IT IS ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

THEREFORE, AS PART OF THIS REVIEW, I ASK YOU TO DETERMINE HOW BEST TO STATE OUR COMMITMENT TO CANADIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND WHAT IS THE BEST FORMAT TO DO SO IN THE NEW VETERANS CHARTER.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CANADIANS EXPRESS, THOUGH THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS, EXACTLY WHAT IS OUR SHARED DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY, MANDATE, OBLIGATION, COMMITMENT OR COVENANT TO CANADIAN VETERANS.

RETURNING TO THE CHANGING TIMES; VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICES IN NINE LOCATIONS ACROSS CANADA HAVE SEEN DEMAND DROP, AND SO YES, THEY ARE BEING CLOSED. SOME OF THESE OFFICES HAVE SEEN DEMAND DROP TO FEWER THAN SEVEN VISITS ON AVERAGE PER DAY, WITH MANY OF THESE VISITS FOR DROPPING OFF PAPERWORK.

BUT WHERE VETERANS NEED THEM MOST, OUR GOVERNMENT HAS MAINTAINED 26 VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA SERVICE CENTRES, AND HAS ESTABLISHED AND SUPPORTS 24 INTEGRATED PERSONNEL SUPPORT CENTRES AND 17 OPERATIONAL STRESS INJURY CLINICS.

IN TOTAL, VETERANS AFFAIRS WILL HAVE 67 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO MEET THE CHANGING NEED. BUT THIS IS AGAIN ONLY PART OF THE STORY.

NOW, IN LOCATIONS WHERE VETERANS AFFAIRS HAS NEVER OPERATED BEFORE, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN VISIT ONE OF 600 SERVICE CANADA SITES TO GET THE INFORMATION THEY NEED.

AS TIMES HAVE CHANGED, SO TOO HAVE THE RATES PAID UNDER THE FUNERAL AND BURIAL PROGRAM.

THE AVERAGE COST OF A FUNERAL TODAY IN CANADA IS JUST OVER $7,000. THAT IS WHY LAST SPRING OUR GOVERNMENT INCREASED THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT TO $7,376 WHILE PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL $1,200 ON AVERAGE TO VETERANS' FAMILIES FOR ANY BURIAL COSTS.

WE HAVE ONE OF THE MOST ROBUST PROGRAMS OF OUR ALLIES—THE UNITED KINGDOM PROVIDES $3,500 AND NEW ZEALAND PROVIDES $1,800. ALL NOTED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS.

IT IS CLEAR THIS PROGRAM HAS KEPT UP WITH THE CHANGING TIMES, BECAUSE OF IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY OUR GOVERNMENT.

I WILL ALSO TAKE A MOMENT TO SPEAK ABOUT THE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES B, WHICH THIS YEAR INCLUDES A REQUEST FOR ANOTHER $20 MILLION DOLLARS TO SUPPORT CANADIAN VETERANS' FUNERAL COSTS, OUR COMMEMORATIVE PROMOTION CAMPAIGN, AND FOR INCREASES TO THE WAR VETERANS ALLOWANCE AND OTHER HEALTH-RELATED BENEFITS.

THIS FURTHER REQUEST FOR NEW FINANCIAL SUPPORT BUILDS ON OUR GOVERNMENT'S RECORD OF ALMOST $5 BILLION DOLLARS IN TOTAL NEW FINANCIAL SUPPORT SINCE 2006.

WITH OUR ADMINISTRATION COSTS ON THE DECLINE, WE ARE FOCUSING ON DELIVERING MORE VALUE IN OUR VETERANS SERVICES WHILE MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING SERVICE.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT BEFORE I TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS:

THE EXERCISE ON WHICH YOU ARE EMBARKING IS NOT ONE OF THE ELUSIVE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION, BUT RATHER ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS FOR THOSE VETERANS AND FAMILIES WHO NEED THEM THE MOST.

– 30 –

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=11823.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: I'm glad my war-veteran father isn't a soldier today

I'm glad my war-veteran father isn't a soldier today

Gary Mason

The Globe and Mail

Published Friday, Nov. 08 2013, 6:00 AM EST

Last updated Friday, Nov. 08 2013, 11:39 AM EST

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/there-is-only-one-veteran-ottawa/article15324696/

This time of year, it's hard for me not to think of my father more than usual. It's the red poppy. I miss him.

Like many of his comrades, my father didn't like talking about the war. I had to drag details out of him. He joined the Air Force at 17 with the help of his father, who signed an affidavit saying his son was a year older than he actually was. A couple of years later, Dad was sitting in the bottom of a Lancaster, dropping bombs on Germany.

He was never ashamed to tell me just how scared he was each time he climbed aboard the big plane to head out on a mission. He wasn't sure he'd come back alive, and many of his friends didn't. His crew's luck ran out the evening of Feb. 19, 1944, when they were shot down over Stendal. He was taken to the most renowned German prison camp of the war – Stalag Luft III, made famous in The Great Escape.

The break happened while my father was there.

My dad was a funny, gentle and often quiet man. I wondered how much of a burden his wartime role was. It couldn't have been easy knowing that each time he flicked a switch to release more bombs, he was likely killing hundreds or thousands of people below. And if the weight of that responsibility wasn't particularly onerous in the heat of battle, it surely grew heavier as he got older and he developed a more profound sense of the part he played in the Second World War – what a deep psychological toll that must have taken on him.

At least when they got home, soldiers like my dad were treated with the admiration they deserved. They were regarded as heroes. They were. They had their university educations paid for. They were ensured pensions and benefits that recognized their service and, in far too many cases, the physical and mental damage the war exacted.

I'm so thankful my father isn't a soldier today. Each month, someone else seems to be issuing a report cataloguing just how poorly his successors are treated.

Canada's Veterans Ombudsman recently released findings that outlined how inadequate the funding and benefits are for so many of the men and women who head off to war for Canada. According to the latest review, there are more than 400 veterans who face their retirement years in poverty because of inadequate pensions.

The ombudsman also found that the funding to help soldiers transition to civilian careers is woefully inadequate. Meantime, 53 per cent of veterans assessed to be totally and permanently incapacitated as a result of their tours of duty are not being awarded benefits they're eligible for.

Another report issued earlier this year by the Ombudsman of the Department of National Defence painted a scathing picture of just how difficult life is for military families, children in particular. Thousands are living in dilapidated houses with asbestos, mould, water leaks and other problems.

Meantime, the federal Conservative government, which likes to talk about how much it supports its troops, plans to appeal a B.C. court ruling that clears the way for a class-action lawsuit by a group of veterans of the war in Afghanistan. They're upset with the New Veterans Charter, brought in seven years ago.

It's their contention that soldiers making application for disability benefits primarily get a one-time payment, with some getting forms of guaranteed funding. But the total benefits under the new act are significantly less than those benefits provided to veterans under the previous Veterans Affairs Canada Pension Act, they contend.

It's difficult to find anyone who believes today's veterans are being treated with the same decency as those who came before. And that is a sad and terrible indictment of a government that likes to score political points by talking about how important the Canadian soldier is in our country. Talk is cheap.

I couldn't imagine being 19 and dropping bombs on Germany. At that age, I was a hard-partying university student with hardly a care in the world. Those years were some of the best of my life, ones my father sacrificed in the name of his country.

There have been many others who have followed him, and continue to. We must honour and respect these brave, selfless people and offer them the same care and level of support we showed my father and others. There is only one veteran.

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=11721.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: LIB: Conservatives Leave Veterans Behind * GGSM, JPSU, Aboriginals etc (VIDEO)

Barry Westholm
Recently I got a moment to speak to the Parliamentary press gallery. Now this was totally unscheduled, so when you watch it, please know that I had no idea I'd be doing such a thing and was totally unprepared - in other words I am winging it big time.
(two links follow - I kick off at around the 11 minute mark on the first one and continues onto the second)

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=11720.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Allow wounded to continue to serve, ex-soldiers, opposition tell defence chief

Allow wounded to continue to serve, ex-soldiers, opposition tell defence chief

The Canadian PressNovember 6, 2013 16:16

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/the-canadian-press/131106/allow-wounded-continue-serve-ex-soldiers-opposition-tell-def

OTTAWA - The country's top military commander has the power to keep wounded soldiers in the Canadian Forces if they wish to continue to serve, and he should exercise it, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan said Wednesday.

Many military jobs can be performed by physically or mentally disabled soldiers without compromising the need for a fit fighting force, said former corporal David Hawkins, who's been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress.

"There are positions within the military where you don't need to go overseas," Hawkins, 26, told a Parliament Hill news conference.

"Yes, men and women go overseas every year, but men and women also stay home every year to serve the country at home. They do other jobs here."

Hawkins, a former reserve combat engineer, is among the roughly 200 troops each year who are medically discharged before they're able to reach the threshold of service that makes them eligible for a pension.

He pleaded to stay within the military in order to eventually re-train as a firefighter, but was denied under the so-called universality-of-service rule, which requires Canadian Forces members to be fit to deploy at all times, at home and abroad.

Each discharge has to be approved by Gen. Tom Lawson, Canada's chief of defence staff, who ought to be taking the wishes of individual soldiers into consideration, said NDP defence critic Jack Harris.

"Why an individual who has made the sacrifices and suffered the injuries, as Cpl. Hawkins has, can't be kept in the service doing useful work, certainly until he's entitled to a pension — there is something wrong with this system," Harris said.

"That has to be fixed. This practice must end."

On Wednesday, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau called directly on the prime minister in the House of Commons to ensure that no soldier injured in combat is involuntarily released before he or she qualifies for a pension.

Trudeau spoke on behalf of Cpl. Glen Kirkland, who was also wounded in Afghanistan, and is scheduled to be released next March under circumstances similar to those of Hawkins.

Defence Minister Rob Nicholson rose to take on Trudeau, insisting that the department makes "every accommodation to keep soldiers" and provides them with the best possible care before they are let go.

He also took a few political shots, referring to Liberal defence cuts in the 1990s as "a decade of darkness." Wounded veterans, Nicholson said, "will now experience a decade a delivery under this Conservative government."

Within the federal civil service, there are provisions made for people with disabilities, and the Canadian military should be held to the same standard, said Harris.

But veterans advocate Mike Blais, a retired soldier, argued there is a financial motive for the government to deny soldiers the opportunity to serve until they hit the 10-year threshold for pension eligibility.

"It might be up to Tom Lawson's discretion, but this is a political matter," Blais said Wednesday. "I truly believe that for guys like David Hawkins and many, many others, this is a cost-saving event."

The military has been grappling for more than six years with the issue of how much leeway they can give wounded soldiers who want to remain in uniform, but are unfit to deploy.

The regulations were reviewed under former defence minister Gordon O'Connor, but no changes were made.

Copyright 2013 Canadian Press.

All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/the-canadian-press/131106/allow-wounded-continue-serve-ex-soldiers-opposition-tell-def

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=11701.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Injured CF members could be front of the line for other public service jobs

Injured Candian Forces members could be front of the line for other public service jobs

By Lee Berthiaume, Postmedia News November 7, 2013 1:36 PM

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/national/Injured+Canadian+Forces+members+could+front+line+other/9138356/story.html

OTTAWA – Canadian Forces personnel who are forced to leave the military due to injury could soon be at the head of the line when it comes to being hired as federal public servants in other departments.

Service members released from the military because of injuries suffered in the line of duty have already enjoyed priority billing similar to that of visible minorities and people with disabilities when it comes to applying for federal jobs.

But legislation introduced by the Conservative government in the House of Commons Thursday would bump injured soldiers, sailors and air personnel even higher up the list than those other applicants.

The former military job seekers would still have to demonstrate they have the applicable skills and experience for the job.

The legislation comes amid a furore over the treatment of injured Canadian Forces members who cannot meet the military's universality-of-service rule, which states that members must be ready for active deployment overseas at all times.

Several former soldiers who suffered injuries have alleged they were intentionally forced out before they reached 10 years of service, at which point they would begin to receive a pension.

The changes proposed by the government still have to be approved by Parliament.

lberthiaume(at)postmedia.com

Twitter:/leeberthiaume
© Copyright (c) Postmedia News
----------

STAY Tuned, CVA will be getting more info...

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=11697.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.