Canadian Veterans Advocacy

Thursday, November 29, 2012

New announcement: Why Are We in Such a Hurry to Forget Veterans?

Why Are We in Such a Hurry to Forget Veterans?

Jeff Rose-Martland
Author, Playwright, Citizen Advocate
Posted: 11/29/2012 5:56 pm

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jeff-rosemartland/why-are-we-in-such-a-hurr_b_2201357.html

Every year, we put on a poppy, read a few feel-good stories about the surviving Second World War veterans, and maybe observe a moment of silence on the 11th. But the last notes of Reveille have barely faded before carols are playing. Veterans' news stories disappear almost immediately and are replaced with tales of holiday consumer-orgies.

I'm not the only one to have noticed this. Dave Murphy also noticed: "As soon as Halloween is done the Christmas displays are up in all the stores, some even began playing Christmas music this year before Remembrance Day," said the founder of ThankASoldier.net. "They received numerous complaints and stopped but the media reported as people complained it was just 'Too Soon.'"

On the Thank a Soldier blog, Murphy wrote, "What happens from November 12 to November 10? Most people go back to their normal lives and don't think about our Veterans again until the week leading up to Remembrance Day." This conclusion led to the launch of a new campaign called A Call to Action. Thank A Soldier is calling on its 75,000+ members to not only remember veterans but to act to help them. Murphy is calling on citizens of Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia to contact their government officials and demand better support for veterans.

He is also calling on people to support two other Canadian organizations. Veterans Emergency Transition Services (V.E.T.S.) and Military Minds. V.E.T.S. is devoted to helping homeless and distressed veterans. Military Minds works to increase awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and support veterans who suffer from it.

Veterans Among Us takes a different approach. Our Duty recognized that many veterans don't talk about their service; some only come out on Remembrance Day. One in 35 Canadians are veterans, yet civilians may not even know their friends and co-workers have served. Veterans Among Us tries to bridge the gap by calling on veterans to wear their medals or insignia on the 1st and 30th of November.

Two days, chosen deliberately to try and stave-off the holiday steam-roller. Because a long-weekend in November is not enough time to hear the issues faced by veterans, nevermind comprehending them. Here's just a sample of recent news items:

Did you know that in the past month there has been a new class-action suit filed by veterans against the government? Did you know that government is still dragging its heels on settling another one? Did you know that the RCMP veterans are also suing? Did you know that reservists get far less compensation when injured on active-duty?

Did you learn that Veterans Affairs breached the privacy of an advocate and his brother, at the same time? That a member of the appeal board had his file shared amongst his co-workers and the information used to bully him? That he was dropped from the Veterans Review and Appeal Board because of the scandal? That an investigation into the privacy breach of Sean Bruyea by the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman was ordered halted by the Minister?

Did you learn that we are not paying to bury our veterans with honour? Did you hear the cries for help from Sunnybrook? Did you know we have food banks dedicated exclusively to veterans? Did you know we have veterans living on the street? Did you see that some people don't recognize Canada's most important monument -- the Vimy Memorial -- from the back of the new $20 bill?

Have you seen the veteran protesters?

Or was all that hidden by the standard war movie and stock footage of one man's reminisces of storming Juno Beach? Are all those stories now buried under Black Friday and Cyber Monday and shopping frenzy and the Christmas Rush? Is your poppy covered up by the holiday card you got on the 12th?

Over the next month, while you are wishing for peace on earth, take some time and think about all those who have kept and defended our peace. They suffered for their service. They are suffering still.

We should not be so quick to forget them.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Liberal Veterans Critic Wants VRAB Burden Of Proof Lowered So Veterans Could Get More Services

Liberal Veterans Critic Wants VRAB Burden Of Proof Lowered So Veterans Could Get More Services

This was sent to Defence Watch by Sean Casey's office:


November 23, 2012

Mr. Greg Kerr, Chair,

House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs

Sixth Floor, 131 Queen Street

House of Commons

Ottawa ON K1A 0A6

Dear Mr. Chair;

As you are aware, it is my view that the Standing Committee should consider recommending to government an amendment to legislation that would lower the burden of proof so veterans could avail themselves of the benefit of the doubt more often in more cases.

Specifically, I refer to S.39 of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act. This section has been interpreted as imposing on a veteran a civil standard of proof, i.e. the balance of probabilities. The benefit of the doubt is only applied where the evidence for, and against, the veterans position is equal.

This is the same standard that applies to person suing insurance companies in court (and other civil disputes).

The Supreme Court of Canada applied and approved a lower standard applicable in Immigration cases in Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) 2005 SCC 40, [2005]: 2 SCR 100 at para.114.

S.19 (1) (j) of the Immigration Act precludes admission to Canada of persons for whom there are reasonable grounds to believe they have committed an act or omission outside Canada that constituted a war crime or a crime against humanity.

So, the burden of proof on the Crown in this case was to show reasonable grounds to believe Mr. Mugesera had committed a war crime. The Crown did not have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, nor did it have to prove it was more likely than not.

The societal reasons for applying this standard are clear. Suspected non-Canadian war criminals should be deported if there is some credible objective evidence; a more detailed weighing of evidence is therefore not required. 2

I submit that the same standard should be applied to veterans seeking benefits as that imposed upon the Canadian government to deport a suspected war criminal. In other words: it should be no more difficult for a veteran to prove he is eligible for benefits than it is for the Government to deport a suspected war criminal.

The following is the Supreme Court of Canada commentary on this concept (para 114-115):

114 The first issue raised by s. 19(1)(j) of the Immigration Act is the meaning of the evidentiary standard that there be "reasonable grounds to believe" that a person has committed a crime against humanity. The FCA has found, and we agree, that the "reasonable grounds to believe" standard requires something more than mere suspicion, but less than the standard applicable in civil matters of proof on the balance of probabilities: Sivakumar v. Canada (Minister of Employment and Immigration), 1993 CanLII 3012 (FCA), [1994] 1 F.C. 433 (C.A.), at p. 445; Chiau v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration),2000 CanLII 16793 (FCA), [2001] 2 F.C. 297 (C.A.), at para. 60. In essence, reasonable grounds will exist where there is an objective basis for the belief which is based on compelling and credible information: Sabour v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship & Immigration) (2000), 9 Imm L.R. (3d) 61 (F.C.T.D.).

115 In imposing this standard in the Immigration Act in respect of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Parliament has made clear that these most serious crimes deserve extraordinary condemnation. As a result, no person will be admissible to Canada if there are reasonable grounds to believe that he or she has committed a crime against humanity, even if the crime is not made out on a higher standard of proof. (Emphasis added)

Accordingly, I am requesting the Committee recommend to government an amendment(s) to applicable legislation to adopt this standard of proof for veterans. The wording would be similar or identical to that contained in S.19 of the Immigration Act.

Veterans should be treated better than litigants suing insurance companies. This lowered burden would enable that.

Sincerely,

Sean Casey QC, MP

Charlottetown

cc: Cynara Corbin, Clerk, ACVA

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Monday, November 26, 2012

New announcement: Minister MacKay and CF senior leaders attend the Military and Veteran Health Res

Minister MacKay and Canadian Forces senior leaders attend the Military and Veteran Health Research Forum

NR 12.247 - November 26, 2012

KINGSTON, Ont. – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, joined by Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Commander of the Canadian Army, and Brigadier-General Jean-Robert Bernier, Surgeon General, for the third annual Military and Veteran Health Research Forum presented by the Canadian Institute of Military and Veteran Health Research, and hosted by Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada.

"This Forum acts as a catalyst to bring universities and research organizations together to establish sustainable research relationships across Canada," said Minister MacKay. "The Forum represents the collaborative building capacity in military and veteran health research in Canada that is necessary to improve health outcomes for our military personnel, their families and our veterans."

The Military and Veteran Health Research Forum attracted more than 450 Canadian researchers, clinicians, military personnel, veterans, industry stakeholders, government representatives and international delegates eager to learn and network at Canada's only conference dedicated to health research for the military and veterans. The three days of discussion and presentations highlight mental health research and rehabilitation, physical health research and rehabilitation, new health technologies, and the transition from military to civilian life. It also touches on the social health and well-being of personnel, veterans, their families, occupational health and evolving treatment programs and clinical practices.

"The health of our men and women in uniform is my central priority for this government and research efforts such as this contribute to the critical evidence informing the quality care they receive," continued Minister Mackay. "The level of participation in this event is a testament to the support from Canadians for the health of Canadian Forces members and their families."

"Military personnel, veterans and their families are the foundation of the Canadian Forces' success, which is why we are committed to providing the best possible support to current and former military members and their loved-ones," said Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Commander of the Canadian Army. "The Military and Veteran Health Research Forum helps us to not only understand the health concerns of military personnel and veterans, but also address challenges in a collaborative way."

"The Canadian Forces undertake essential health-related research on a continuous basis. The Canadian Institute of Military and Veteran Health Research and this forum provide an essential contribution to the research across the full spectrum of military and veteran health," said Brigadier-General Bernier. "Much of the research, in particular in relation to trauma care and mental health, will have relevance to the health of all Canadians, and will inform the civilian health system."

The Canadian Forces (CF), with the support of their health care partners, are committed to providing full-spectrum care and the highest standard of health care possible to Canada's military personnel, at anytime and anywhere they serve. As part of this commitment, on September 12, 2012, Minister MacKay announced an additional $11.4 million to augment mental health care and preventive programs in the CF. This initiative, spearheaded by Minister MacKay, brings the CF's annual health care budget to approximately $440 million.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

New announcement: The Paperwork Mountain at Veterans Affairs

The Paperwork Mountain at Veterans Affairs

Published: November 23, 2012

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/opinion/the-paperwork-mountain-at-veterans-affairs.html?smid=fb-share&_r=1&

"No veteran should have to wait months or years for the benefits that you've earned," President Obama said in a Veterans Day speech, "so we will continue to attack the claims backlog. We won't let up. We will not let up."

He had better not let up, given that the Department of Veterans Affairs, in the long slog through its own paperwork, is in some ways marching backward. Through July of this year, 66 percent of claims for disability compensation and pensions were still pending more than 125 days after being filed, missing the department's own timeliness goals. That is up from 60 percent in 2011.

There is a separate quagmire for veterans who appeal a rejected claim — the average time between the filing of an appeal and its resolution is nearly two and a half years. If a veteran fights a losing appeal in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, that is another journey of months or years. The court might send a case back for more review, and more delay. Veterans' advocates call that "the hamster wheel."

Give the Department of Veterans Affairs some sympathy: in the last decade, its workload exploded. Veterans filed more than 1.3 million claims in 2011, double the number of 2001. The department says about 45 percent of recent veterans are seeking benefits, each with about 11 to 15 medical issues, vastly higher than the historical rate after World War II and Vietnam. Many Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are returning with severe injuries requiring elaborate and complicated care. The population of Vietnam-era veterans is older and sicker than ever. And the list of ailments for which the department is giving compensation — like heart disease, leukemia and Parkinson's, from exposure to Agent Orange — is growing.

The only answers to this vexing situation seem to be more staffing, better training and technology. The Veterans Affairs Department says that it is becoming better at organizational efficiency and that its paper-bound benefits bureaucracy will be overhauled by the end of 2013, when all 56 regional offices will have digitized systems — no more hunting through fat folders held together with rubber bands.

There is also the possibility of fixing the "hamster wheel." A veteran's widow is hoping that the Supreme Court next year will take a case seeking to empower the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to close cases on its own rather than remanding so many back to the departmental maze. More immediately, the veterans' agency needs to be realistic in communicating about the delays, so veterans can get on with their lives while they wait.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Friday, November 23, 2012

New announcement: Is Veterans Affairs Canada Targeting This Family?

Is Veterans Affairs Canada Targeting This Family?

Posted: 11/23/2012 2:35 pm

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jeff-rosemartland/veterans-affairs-canada_b_2169337.html

The brother of a veteran suing Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for millions says his personal records were accessed by department staff without his permission.

Retired Corporal Dennis Manuge is the driving force behind the SISIP class action lawsuit over pension clawbacks. The suit is now under settlement negotiations and could cost government in excess of $600 million. Last year, Manuge revealed that, in 2009, the Minister of Veterans Affairs was briefed on private details of his medical conditions and finances.

Now, the former mechanic with the Royal Canadian Regiment says VAC also breached the privacy of his brother, Anthony.

Documents obtained by this reporter show that between 2008 and 2009, Veterans Affairs staff simultaneously accessed the brothers' records 10 different times. Those records included financial benefits, medical claims, service records and all of his dealings with VAC.

"Absolutely my privacy was violated," said Dennis Manuge, "The lists of accesses and the timings with me and my brother's... no such thing as a coincidence."

Retired Corporal Anthony Manuge is a former armoured vehicle driver from Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Records show no work being done on his VAC file between 2005 and 2010 -- he had no active claims and was not in receipt of benefits. Despite that, Anthony's records were accessed on a number of occasions in 2008 and 2009.

Access details reveal that Dennis' file was read at the same times, by the same individuals.

Those responsible for the breaches include a records clerk for the Ontario region as well as a number of individuals at VAC headquarters in Charlottetown, including a work-term student, clerical staff, and an area counsellor. Phone calls to Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney were not returned.

In addition to not receiving benefits at that time, Anthony notes, "I was living in Fort Frances, Ontario, so no one from Atlantic Region should have had any interest in me."

Louise Bird, the Ministerial Inquiries Officer in Ottawa, also read the brothers' files. Neither Anthony nor Dennis had requested a Ministerial review, nor had they authorized the Ministry to access their records. Yet Bird did just that: Dennis in January 2009 and Anthony in June 2011.

Anthony believes the violations were connected to the SISIP lawsuit: "In 2008-2009," he said, "the Government was trying to de-certify the class." Dennis had launched the lawsuit in 2007 and, in 2008, testified at Senate Hearings into the matter. (The Supreme Court of Canada would later re-instate the case as a class-action after it had been de-certified by the Federal Court of Appeal.)

Since 2008, both have had problems with their benefits. Dennis experienced delays in reimbursement of expenses and issues with applying for programs. "A case manager could not tell me if I was eligible under the New [Veterans] Charter, told me no one in VAC could answer my questions," Dennis said, "[But] five minutes after I had my new case manager, I was approved for the Rehab program and the Earnings Loss Benefit. Coincidence? My new case manager has changed our lives for the positive, I might add."

Asked if he has experienced difficulties obtaining his entitlements since the privacy violations, Anthony replied, "From the initial decision and the subsequent VRAB appeal hearing there [has been] negligence in the processing of my claim. Everything from not getting the years of service right -- even though I sent copies of all three of my certificates of service -- to libel in the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. The advocate presently assigned to my case cannot even meet a commitment to get documentation to me."

Dennis fears that revenge for his advocacy is being directed at Anthony: "With our last name he may never get a fair shake."

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

New announcement: PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 RELATED HEALTH SERVICES PHYSIOTHERAPY RATE INCREASE

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC)

PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 – RELATED HEALTH SERVICES

PHYSIOTHERAPY – NEW BRUNSWICK

November 2012

Effective November 1, 2012, the maximum dollar limit for benefit code 244987 Physiotherapist – Visit is increased to $70 for the initial visit and $60 for subsequent visits in the province of New Brunswick. Providers will be reimbursed their usual and customary charges up to a maximum of the dollar limit indicated above. Providers must not charge VAC clients more than other clients who are residents of the province.

Please communicate this information to the members of your association. Should you or your members have any questions, please contact your regional Blue Cross office Provider Inquiry Line at 1-888-261-4033.

Thank you for the ongoing care and service you provide to our Veterans.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

New announcement: Veterans protest planned office closure

Veterans protest planned office closure

Veterans gathered outside of the Veterans Affairs Canada office on George Street this morning to protest the planned closure of the office

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2012-11-20/article-3123845/Veterans-protest-planned-office-closure/1

SYDNEY — Over 50 veterans gathered outside the Veterans Affairs Canada office on George Street this morning to protest the planned closure of the office in 2014.

Topics :
Cape Breton Post , Halifax , Saint John

The hour-long demonstration began at 10 a.m. and featured veterans waving plackards and singing O'Canada in the first of several planned protests.

The closure was first announced in April as part of cross-country cuts to the federal public service. The move will mean the loss of 12 local jobs and force veterans to travel to Halifax or Saint John, N.B., if they want face-to-face service.

Cape Breton Post was at the event and will update the story throughout the day.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Monday, November 19, 2012

New announcement: Liberal VA Critic Warns Of Crisis in Leadership At VAC – Blaney Must Be Held Acc

Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Warns Of Crisis in Leadership At VAC – Says Blaney Must Be Held Accountable

http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2012/11/19/liberal-veterans-affairs-critic-warns-of-crisis-in-leadership-at-vac-says-blaney-must-be-held-accountable/

his was sent to Defence Watch by Liberal Veterans Affairs critic Sean Casey:

There is a real crisis of leadership at the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Minister must be held accountable. This government must stop blaming others and using endless spin to cover up their failures. Real leadership requires listening and responding to the concerns of veterans, yet time and time again, the Conservatives demonstrate that they are only obsessed with appearance and image valuing symbolism over substance. Here are several examples:

* The Minister's decision to interfere with the work of the independent Privacy Commissioner who was conducting an audit of the Department and investigating breaches of privacy, including the privacy of a decorated veteran, Captain Sean Bruyea.
* The Minister interfering and halting the work of the independent Veterans Ombudsman's investigation into breaches of privacy, notably the Conservatives snooping into the medical records of veterans who spoke out again their policies.
* The Minister's decision to remove from the Veteran's Review and Appeal Board a decorated veteran, Lt. Col. Pat Stogran. This Board member was outspoken in their defence of veterans, and more often than not, applied the benefit of the doubt standard for cases being reviewed.
* The Minister's continued failure to properly honour veterans with adequate funding for their burial costs. He oversaw the rejection of over 66% of all requests for funding. Moreover, he rejected advice from his own departmental officials when two years ago they recommended changes to the Last Post Fund. This would have resulted in improved financial support for our veterans and their families at the time of their death.
* The Minister, as noted in his own internal departmental documents, was allocated sums of money by Parliament to help with programs, including the burial costs for veterans. The Minister chose not to spend those funds approved by MPs that would have helped veterans and their families.
* The Minister's decision instead to spend millions of dollars of departmental funding on propaganda, media backdrops, photo ops and other communications to benefit only the Minister and his government, while ignoring the needs of our veterans.
* The Conservatives fought and took our veterans to Federal Court. The current Minister failed to discontinue that court action against disabled veterans who were only fighting for their pensions – something they have earned and deserve. The Conservatives lost their case, but only after the Minister had spent more than $750,000 over five years fighting the very people he is supposed to serve and represent.
* The Minister has shut down local Veterans Affairs district offices. These offices provided veterans a place where they could meet case workers in person to discuss the issues they are facing, including pensions and benefits.
* The Minister fired 800 dedicated employees at a time when the needs of veterans are becoming ever greater. The Auditor General, in particular, has raised the alarm bells on the impact of these cuts to veterans' services.

Veterans Week may be over, but we must continue to honour Canadians who have served in uniform by putting our veterans first. This Conservative government's record speaks for itself, and it is an utter disgrace. Our veterans deserve better. They deserve real and immediate action from this government.

Sean Casey

Liberal Veterans Affairs critic

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

New announcement: SITREP – Medavie BlueCross Service Providers asking SIN and Prov Health No.

SITREP – Medavie BlueCross Service Providers asking Social Insurance Number and Provincial Health Card No.

As some of you are well aware, I'm very sensitive in what service providers collect. I have dealt with various service providers in the past and most of them are not aware of the law. More importantly their administrator have omitted to provide them with exact details in what they should and should not collect. In any case, the collection of personal information is well document by law and provincial privacy agencies.
During the time I was working my private insurance Manulife, would collect our SIN for identification purposes. It did not take too long that a complaint was filled at the CAI, Quebec's authority on Privacy. This did not require an in-depth investigation, as most of us,
soldiers and veterans knows that the collection of SIN for ID purpose is illegal.

TRAUMATYS
The first service provide that collect information outside its mandate and illegally was Traumatys. A service provider contracted out by VAC to perform OSI assessment. They collected SIN. Of course this was escalated and they should have revised their process.

DENTAL CLINIC
Upon asking for some BlueCross dental center. I located one which would take care of the administrative burden of filling claims to VAC. Unfortunately, this Dental clinic, asked for my SIN and Provincial Health card No. Being the way I'm, I quickly escalated this to the President of Medavie BlueCross and various other individuals. To my great surprise, Medavie BlueCross was very responsive and responded next business day within two hours. The VAC Contract Manager called me and I expressed my dissatisfaction in the attempt to collect my SIN and Prov. Health No.

*** If any of your BlueCross Service providers have asked or attempted to collect you SIN and or Provincial Health Card No., please contact me so I can escalate this to BlueCross and VAC. ***
veteran_advocate@canadianveteransadvocacy.com

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Friday, November 16, 2012

New announcement: CVA Consultation Request - Difficulty Accessing the LAST POST BURIAL FUND

Urgent... Please share and/or copy and paste to your email list.

CVA Consultation request,. I am looking for families who have had difficulty accessing the LAST POST BURIAL FUND. As you know, The Canadian Veterans Advocacy has been engaging on this issue fairly strongly and to press our momentum, I need to contact some families who have been denied funding for the burials of their loved ones.

Email or contact by phone 905 357 3306 /// 905 359 9247
mlblaisrcr@gmail.com

Michael L Blais CD

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

New announcement: Feds order 'thorough' audit of Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

Feds order 'thorough' audit of Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

The Canadian Press
Posted: Nov 15, 2012 6:21 PM ET
Last Updated: Nov 15, 2012 8:07 PM ET

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/11/15/toronto-sunnybrook-veterans-centre-audit.html

The federal government has ordered a thorough audit of the country's largest veterans' facility following complaints from family members about substandard care, The Canadian Press has learned.

A senior official, who requested anonymity, said Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney gave the order on Thursday after hearing the "disturbing" allegations of neglect of frail vets at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.

The audit would focus both on how taxpayers' money is being spent and on the quality of the care provided, the official said.

"We're just trying to make sure that what veterans are getting there is of top-notch quality," he said from Ottawa.

"We want to make sure we're basing our action on credible evidence; the audit is the only tool to allow us to really determine what's going on the ground there."

The official said the aim is to have the audit completed by early next year. It will be as thorough and as detailed as possible, include conversations with relatives of patients, and the results would be made public, he said.

In articles last week, The Canadian Press outlined several concerns raised by relatives, who said they had been stonewalled by Sunnybrook in trying to have them addressed.

Among the issues were claims of vets forced to endure unsanitary conditions, delays in bathing and feeding, soiled sheets, dead mice in rooms, and constant room and caregiver changes.

Relatives also decried what they called a lack of accountability.

For its part, Sunnybrook says its care meets or exceeds standards, patient and family surveys show exceptional levels of satisfaction, and it is always willing to address any concerns.
2 officials sent to Sunnybrook

Still, Blaney sent two senior officials last Friday to look into the complaints. They met briefly with Sunnybrook managers, who assured them the concerns were being addressed, although the families were skeptical.

The senior official said Thursday the visit was simply to get an initial sense of the situation and to send a signal Ottawa was watching.

Blaney's spokesman later confirmed the audit directive and said the minister was keeping a close eye on the situation.

"Minister Blaney takes the concerns of veterans and their families very seriously and that's why he is taking clear action to investigate and address these concerns," Niklaus Schwenker said in an email.

The 500-bed Sunnybrook Veterans Centre — something of a regulatory orphan — reports exclusively to the federal government even though it takes in tens of millions of dollars from both the province and Ottawa.

In an interview two weeks ago, Sunnybrook management said the facility acts as if it were under Ontario law, and cited provincial Ministry of Health audits in support of its contention the care allegations were coming from a handful of malcontents.

"The Ministry of Health had to agree to do it," said Dr. Jocelyn Charles, medical director.

"We've volunteered, and we've been audited twice."

Asked when the most recent audit was carried out, Charles said: "The last one was two — was it one or two years ago?"

"Yes, maybe even a little bit more than that," Dorothy Ferguson, Sunnybrook's operations director, interjected.
Last Health Ministry audit was in 2005

In a subsequent email this week, Ferguson said Health Ministry officials in fact last audited the facility's 190 long-term-care beds in spring 2004, and again in November of 2005.

On Thursday, Charles said the audit that occurred one or two years ago was in fact a review done by a national independent non-profit organization, Accreditation Canada, which took place in 2010.

"I'm sorry I didn't make that clear," Charles said.

The veterans centre also relies on the non-profit to review its 310 complex continuing-care beds — which fall under provincial legislation, are paid for by Ontario, but are accountable only to Ottawa.

An Accreditation Canada spokeswoman explained the organization creates and markets health-care standards, and takes a "mentor-like" approach in advising facilities how to improve any weak spots and celebrate their strengths.

Normally, under Ontario's increasingly stricter rules, the province's 630 long-term-care homes are inspected at least once a year to ensure they meet government standards. Inspections include interviews with residents and family members. Results are public.

Not so for Sunnybrook.

"The ministry has no involvement in any oversight," said David Jensen, a spokesman for the Ontario Health Ministry.

"This (auditing) wasn't a part of any long-term-care-home type of inspection."

He also said he could find no record of the audit.

Either way, Sunnybrook insists it meets or exceeds Ontario's quality standards — even though an audit in 2005 would have been two years before the province legislated those standards.

Sunnybrook also points to patient and family satisfaction surveys as evidence its care is exemplary.

Since the story was published, however, several other people have come forward to raise concerns — some on condition the identities of their loved ones not be disclosed to Sunnybrook.

One family reported their loved one died after a fall. Another said they discovered their elderly relative with a tooth knocked out, apparently after the essentially immobile patient had wriggled out of his bed.

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

From: Mike Blais <mlblaisrcr@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 8:59 PM
Subject: Re: Sunnybrook Hospital Concerns.
To: Keith Hillier <Keith.Hillier@vac-acc.gc.ca>

Hi Kim.

Thanks for your respoinse, I will be avail;able in the am at 905 357 3306, my hpome nbumber, until 1300

Mike

On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 5:03 PM, Keith Hillier <Keith.Hillier@vac-acc.gc.ca> wrote:
Good afternoon Mr. Blais,
As you know, Keith is travelling. In his absence, I'd like to follow-up with you in order to action your e-mail; however I have tried both numbers and neither appear to be working. Do you have another contact number? Is there a best time to contact you?

Thanks, Kim Peters (for Keith Hillier)

Kim Peters
Quality Issues & Control Manager
Service Delivery Branch
Veterans Affairs Canada

>>> Mike Blais <mlblaisrcr@gmail.com> 11/15/2012 9:09 am >>>
Keith

Hope all is well.

I hear that you have been in Australia, hope you enjoyed the trip and did not get to roasted on the beach sucking back some frosty Fosters.

Brevity aside, I have been contacted by some families of veterans who are at Sunnybrook and serious concerns have been raised. I was informed this morning that more will be forthcoming. As you know, Keith, I have taken a proactive stance on the care of veterans residing at St Anne's and Parkwood in the past and am determined to ensure Quality of Care standards for this generation of vets are maintained regardless of whose jurisdiction the hospital falls under. The issues that have been brought forth are directly related to quality of care, as such, I feel obligated to respond affirmatively to the request for assistance.

That being said, I would prefer to approach this issue in a dignified
manner bereft of public demonstration as we felt was necessary to attain safeguards at St Annes.

I have always been forthright and willing to work with the department, this is no exception. Hopefully, we can address these issues in a unified sense, Keith and I would propose a mechanism wherein we can resolve theses issues. I suggest that we present a common front based on compassion, host a gathering wherein the department can be apprised of the families concerns in a non threatening atmosphere followed by a transparent tour of the
facility and meetings with the directorship.

I think this is a common sense approach, Keith, that is required to
reassure the families and restore the level of trust they and there loved ones deserve.

This is a serious issue, Keith and during my consultations over the past
week plus, I have received a great deal of support for pro-active advocacy from veterans in the GTA and southern Ontario. I am also quite confident, as demonstrated already by the families press conference last week, they are willing to fight in a public forum.

I am hoping that we can avoid this negative aspect and working together, resolve this issue to everybody's satisfaction through dialog, sincerity and as always, with primary goal of improving the lives of of our veterans, in this case, those who are most vulnerable as they are suffering from dementia.

I would encourage you to make this a priority, Keith, as i understand it, there are other civilian, media and political aspects to the equation.

Sincerely.

Mike 305 357 3306 /// 305 359 9247

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

New announcement: Government must do more for veterans: Major General Richard Rohmer

Government must do more for veterans: Rohmer

Chris Fox, cp24.com
Published Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 12:06PM EST
Last Updated Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 12:26PM EST

VIDEO: http://www.cp24.com/news/government-must-do-more-for-veterans-rohmer-1.1033653

As Canadians from coast to coast pay tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice one high-ranking soldier is speaking out about the way surviving veterans are being looked after by their government.

In an interview with CP24 Sunday morning, Major General Richard Rohmer said Ottawa needs to start making veterans a "priority" rather than forcing them to fight for the benefits they deserve.

"Quite often the veterans get the short shaft and are not treated the way they should be. They have to fight for everything they get when it should be the other way around," said Rohmer, who is a veteran of the Second World War and Canada's most decorated citizen. "They should be treated with the greatest of respect and they should be treated with all the benefits that the government can provide."

Rohmer, an officer of the Order of Canada, was a reconnaissance pilot during the Second World War and took part in the Battle of Normandy.

Upon retirement from full-time duty in 1953, he was admitted to the bar; however he continued to serve his country in the reserve forces and ultimately became the Chief of Reserves of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Speaking with CP24 prior to attending a Remembrance Day ceremony at Queen's Park Sunday, Rohmer said the government must do more to help veterans, particularly ones struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and physical disabilities incurred on the battlefield.

"We have a problem with veterans who have been injured and not looked after properly. World War II, the Korean War and certainly Afghanistan. It's a serious problem and I think this message is going to become fairly clear to the Prime Minister in the next little while," he said. "Whether it is the loss of a limb, PTSD or whatever it may be they (veterans) should have high priority and be totally looked after."

'A day of remembrance'

On a day intended to honour Rohmer and others like him, the Major-General told CP24 that he too would be remembering the many he served with that lost their lives fighting for their country.

"To me personally it is a day of remembrance," he said. "I think about the boys that I flew with in 430 Squadron that we lost before D-Day and after. I can see all their faces, their names, they are still alive in my memory and it's important to do."

Reflecting on the importance of the sacrifice made by many, Rohmer said Toronto simply would not be the city it is today without the actions of veterans.

"When we came back in 1945 Toronto was a flat city, it was totally British, and the highest building was the Royal York Hotel, but the men and women who fought in World War II and won the victory there really established a system of equality and magnanimity and bringing people to this country," he said. "From that base of war until today the growth of this city has been absolutely fantastic and that began in World War II with the people who fought the war and the people who provided supplies during that time. That's the beginning of one of the greatest cities in the world and that's Toronto."

Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/news/government-must-do-more-for-veterans-rohmer-1.1033653#ixzz2Bx5BpIeY

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

New announcement: Public Concerned About Plight of Modern Veterans, According to New Survey

Public Concerned About Plight of Modern Veterans, According to New Survey

News release from the Commissionaires:
Ottawa, Ontario &#38;#38;#8212; November 5, 2012 ? A Nanos national survey released today by Commissionaires, revealed a growing concern among Canadians with the plight of modern veterans, many of whom are struggling to make the &#38;#38;#8230;
Source: Public Concerned About Plight of Modern Veterans, According to New Survey

News release from the Commissionaires:

Ottawa, Ontario — November 5, 2012 – A Nanos national survey released today by Commissionaires, revealed a growing concern among Canadians with the plight of modern veterans, many of whom are struggling to make the transition from the Canadian Forces to civilian life.

An astonishing 94 per cent of those surveyed (an increase from 89 per cent in 2009) believe that Canadians have an obligation to ensure our modern veterans find meaningful employment after they've finished their service in the Canadian Forces.

"We have always observed Remembrance Day in this country to remember the sacrifice our veterans have made in defence of Canada," noted Ted Barris, military historian and bestselling author. "This survey tells us that Canadians not only honour our soldiers who have fallen, but they care about our modern vets who have faltered in the transition from the Canadian Forces to the next stage in their lives."

The survey probed Canadians on their views and attitudes towards the hardship many modern veterans confront when their military service draws to a close and they begin to look for their next career. The survey reported that nearly 43 per cent of Canadians feel that today's veterans have a more difficult time making the transition to civilian life compared to veterans in the past, while only 28 per cent thought they have an easier time of it today.

More than half of Canadians (51.8 per cent) believe that the support veterans affected by conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are receiving today is inadequate. Finally, the survey showed that while 82.1 per cent of Canadians think primarily of veterans of the first and second world wars on Remembrance Day, 88.9 per cent believe that all vets, whenever and wherever they served, should be honoured on November 11th.

The survey results for Ontario did not differ in any meaningful way from the national results. This is perhaps not surprising given that Ontario respondents accounted for 30 per cent of the national sample, the largest share of any region.

"These survey results don't surprise us," said Paul Guindon, CEO Commissionaires Ottawa. "Every day we see the challenges many modern veterans face when they finish their military service. We also see how a supportive and familiar work environment can help them make that transition more easily."

Since 1925, Commissionaires has been providing meaningful employment for veterans as they make the transition from the Canadian Forces to civilian life. With 16 divisions and more than 20,000 men and women employed across the country, Commissionaires is a leading national provider of security services.

"The brave men and women who risked their lives serving their country deserve our support," added Guindon. "At Commissionaires Ottawa, our commitment to Canada's veterans is total.

The Nanos survey was conducted between October 4th and 11th with a sample size of 1,000 Canadians. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

A video by Commissionaires entitled "Thanks" will be airing in Cineplex Odeon theatres across Canada from November 5-11 this year in honour of Remembrance Week.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.