Canadian Veterans Advocacy

Friday, December 27, 2013

1K$ to get help from experts of their choice to finding civilian employment

Anyone in the CTS aware of this or got this benefit?

As of January 1, 2013, the Government changed the Career Transition Services Program to provide $1,000 for eligible Veterans and survivors to get help from experts of their choice to finding civilian employment.

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

New announcement: Think of 'brave men and women in uniform,' says Harper in Christmas message

Think of 'brave men and women in uniform,' says Harper in Christmas message

The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, December 25, 2013 9:21AM EST

VIDEO: http://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/think-of-brave-men-and-women-in-uniform-says-harper-in-christmas-message-1.1607572

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper has issued a brief message to mark the Christmas season.

He says it is a time for "joyful reunions with family and friends, a time to reflect on our good fortune, and a time to remember those in our midst who have less."

Harper adds that as Canadians count their "many blessings," he asks that we also "give a moment to our brave men and women in uniform."

Harper asks that we offer a "thought and a prayer for them and their families."

In his Christmas message issued early Wednesday, Governor General David Johnston also aimed his remarks at member of the military and their families.

He said the recent deaths of Forces members are a reminder of the stresses in the military and the mental health challenges personnel can face.

At least four apparent military suicides occurred this month in different parts of the country, reigniting a debate around how Canada treats returning veterans.

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You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=12033.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

New announcement: Understanding PTSD through Anthropology

In November 2013, I attended the annual conference of the American Anthropological Association, where I chaired a session on "Ethnographies of Mental Health and Mental Health Care", and gave a paper entitield "Let's Talk: Stigma and the Illness Paradigm in Mental Health".

During the conference I was approached and agreed to do an interview for "Anthropod", the podcast of the Society for Cultural Anthropology. That interview has now been made available online, albeit in edited form (it was originally 30-minutes in length).

My interview, "Understanding PTSD through Anthropology", begins at the 22-minute mark.

http://www.culanth.org/fieldsights/452-conversations-on-right-wing-activists-algorithms-ptsd-and-drug-replacement-therapy

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You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=12029.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

New announcement: CVA Mental Health Alert - Suicide prevention - Buddy System Christmas 2013

CVA Mental Health Alert - Suicide prevention - Buddy System

Seasons greetings from Niagara,

I hope that all is well and that you are enjoying the spirit of the holiday season. On behalf of Sylvain, Jerry, Barry and myself, I would extend to you at this time wishes for the very best of times as the year draws to an end, hopefully, you will be bless with the company of family and friends, good health and in the new year, prosperity in heart and soul.

Today, however, I would speak to the wounds of the mind many have experienced as a consequence of their service to Canada and the heightened sense of discord that many experience during the Christmas period. This issue has been identified by many recently, perhaps most noteworthy, General Rick Hillier, who has launched a dedicated PR campaign to encourage those who are suffering and considering suicide to reach out to their buddy's, to Send Up The Count.

This is a admirable course of action and the CVA, dedicated to providing solutions and suicide prevention recourse on a variety of levels, fully supports General Hillier's and others public quest to encourage those suffering from mental wounds to stand forth, reach out for help and, equally important, provide some assistance for those who have been called upon to save lives.

Many of us are not equipped to deal with the mental health wounds our brothers and sisters have sustained, dealing with a potentially suicidal crisis when their brother or sister in arms reaches out for help. Many are not cognizant of the symptoms that would indicate that the problem is more serious that we might expect, symptoms that are oft times inclined to be exacerbated during the festive season. Quite frankly, the experience can be terrifying, emotionally draining and I can assure you, there have been times when I have been left in tears, trembling, unable to sleep for days...

Fortunately, I have been blessed in those who have been attracted to the Canadians Veterans Advocacy's mission and our quest to ensure that compassion, understanding, and the appropriate professional resources, civilian, DND and VAC, are expediently applied to those who have sustained mental wounds.

I am grateful to Doctor Jane Storrie, President -Elect of the Ontario Psychologist Association and Dr Dee Rajska, C. Psych. Clinical Psychologist, who is my friend and author of a popular blog dedicated to military mental trauma. Having experienced a particularly troubling call last evening, I reached out to them this morning defining my concerns about the Send up the Count initiative and the need to present some protocols that those who have been sent the count, who have been called on to render help, some information to cope with and hopefully, effectively deal with situation with the compassion required.

We are a brother/sisterhood in arms, by definition we have been hardened, physically, emotionally, perhaps spiritually, by the journey we have embraced and the sacrifices we have made on behalf of our nation. Many are oblivious to the warning signs of a festering mental wound until the cycle of despair commences or tragically, our friends have taken their lives.

The time for change has come, the sacrifice of five valiant Canadians over the past month leaves us no recourse if we are to fulfill our obligation to the wounded. We must, serving or not, defeat the stigma, embrace the spirit of the warriors code and in that spirit, join together to assist our brothers and sisters who have been wounded of the mind and need our help if they are to heal, to enjoy the quality of life that many of those of us who have been wounded or injured enjoy.

The good doctors have provided some short guidelines, please, take the five minutes it will take to read to do so, you never know, my brother or sister, when it will be your turn, when your war or peace buddy will turn to you for help.

Will you be ready?

Will you answer the Patriot's call, for their is no greater definition of patriot that one who has sacrificed mind and/or body for his nation in war and peace?

Will have his/her Six?

Once again, special thanks to Doctors Storrie and Rajska for responding to my request in such an expedient manner and providing some guidelines that you might find useful in the near future. Pass the word, lets make this holiday season truly specialy, lets save a life or change a life, together, we can make a difference, we will prevail.

Michael L Blais CD
President/Founder - Canadian Veterans Advocacy

Buddy System guidelines - Suicide prevention information provided by Dr Jane Stprrie and Dr D Rasjka.

Service members and veterans who have experienced traumatic events may have feelings of anxiety, anger, guilt, sadness or isolation. These emotions are common and considered normal and expected responses to extraordinary situations. Some people go on to suffer from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, if they don't get the support they need, may become suicidal as they feel there is no escape or help for their symptoms.
Even if you are coping relatively well, you may know someone who isn't doing so good. Here is a list of things that should concern you:

Dramatic changes in mood
Thoughts about hurting or killing him or herself
Withdrawing from family and friends
Talking or writing about death or suicide
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Flashbacks or nightmares
Increased alcohol or drug use
Reckless or risky behavior
Poor anger control
Feeling anxious or hopeless.

Words

It isn't easy to talk to someone about their suicidal thoughts and feelings, and some people are afraid that talking about it might push them to do it. Studies have shown, though, that this isn't the case and that talking openly and honestly about suicide has actually led people to reach out for help. Here are some things to remember:
Be yourself. Don't worry about having the right words. If you're concerned, your voice and manner will show it. And that's okay- it's lets the person know you care.
Listen. Be compassionate and non-judgemental. Let the suicidal person unload, vent or rage. Don't worry about how negative the conversation is- that they're talking at all is a positive thing.
Offer hope and reassurance. Help is available. There are people out there who are trained to deal with this- and people do get better.
Avoid arguing, or lecturing, or preaching, or minimizing their suffering.
Refuse to be sworn to secrecy. When a life is at stake, you may need to get help to keep someone safe.

Here are some ways to start a conversation about suicide:

I've been concerned about you lately.
I've noticed some changes in you and wonder how you're doing.
I wanted to check in with you because you haven't seemed yourself lately.
Here are some questions you can ask:
When did you start to feel like this?
Did something happen that made you start feeling this way?
How can I best support you right now?
Have you thought about getting help?
Here is some encouragement you can give:
You are not alone in this. I'm here for you.
I know it's hard to believe right now, but the way you're feeling will change.
I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.


Here are some things that won't help:

"Suicide is wrong"
"Suicide is selfish"
"You have so much to live for"
"You don't want to hurt your family"

Actions

Help the suicidal person to get professional help. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help to locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor's appointment.

Follow-up. Make sure they're attending treatment sessions and doctor's appointments. If medication has been prescribed, make sure they're taking it as directed.
Be proactive. Don't wait for them to call you- call them, text, drop by.
Encourage positive lifestyle changes: eating well, getting enough sleep, exercise.
Make a safety plan- work with them to come up with a series of steps to follow in the event of a suicidal crisis (what to do, who to call).

If you promise to be there, then be there. Even after the person starts to feel better, stay in touch. Ongoing support is important.

Dr. Jane Storrie, President-Elect, Ontario Psychological Association
Dr. Dee Rajska, C. Psych, Clinical Psychologist; Blogger, canadianveteransadvocacy.com/comingbackhome/

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

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http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=12011.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Friday, December 20, 2013

New announcement: Soldier faces court martial for bringing service dog to work

Soldier faces court martial for bringing service dog to work

VIDEO: http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=264181&playlistId=1.1602894&binId=1.810401&playlistPageNum=1

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: VAC - PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 – RELATED HEALTH SERVICES PYSIO RATE INC

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC)
PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 – RELATED HEALTH SERVICES
PHYSIOTHERAPY – ONTARIO

December 2013

Effective January 1, 2014, the dollar limit for benefit code 244987 – Physiotherapist Visit – (subsequent visits) is increased to $60 in the province of Ontario. The dollar limit for the initial visit remains unchanged at $70.

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.

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

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You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=11996.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

New announcement: Earning Loss Replacement/ War Pensioner Allowance Retro-activity Class Action

CVA Situation Report - Earning Loss Replacement/ War Pensioner Allowance Retro-activity Class Action Suit

Sit rep. Over the past year, the CVA has been steadfast in seeking equitable resolution on the issue of retroactivity for those who are covered by the War Pensioners Allowance or Bill C-55's Earning Loss Benefits programs.

To the government's credit, the Manuge case principles of non inclusion of VAC Pain and Suffering awards were applied to the ELB and, earlier this year, legislated into effect for those who are supported finically through the War Pensioners Act provisions.

The government has ceased deducting these awards in ELB/WPA financial determinations yet has yet to honour the retro-activity protocols accorded to the thousands of veterans affected by the Manuge - SISIP case Retro-activity.

This is, of course, not acceptable and is in direct of the One Veteran, One Standard principles the Canadian Veterans Advocacy has been created to foster. Accordingly, we have engaged with a prominent legal practice to seek resolution through the courts if necessary and are requesting all veterans affected by the unjust policy to contact the Canadian Veterans Advocacy with all due haste.

Your testimony is vital to our success. We merely need your name, contact information and a brief synopsis of how long you have been affected by the respective program clawback and in general figures, if you wish, how much you think you are owed.

The time for action is now, the decision on the ELB/WPA has taken far to long to be delivered, we must prepare for the fact that this prolonged and unnecessary delay signifies denial may very well be the option the government has taken.

Adapt, overcome, prevail.

The CVA will not Pass the Fault. The Sacred Obligation will be restored!

To all veterans, young and old.

Please give this missive maximum dissemination, particularly to those who are, by definitions, older and surviving on the War Pensioners Act provisions. ELB retro-activity will only be few years when the program was implemented, those who are on WPA may very well be entitled to a substantial sum if the date back on retro-activity matches the SISIP decision. Please print off a copy for those not on internet.

Step up, do your part in ensuring this message reaches out to those effected through your social networks and personal friendships. There may be a mêlée looming, we are in the Prepare for Battle zone.

Pro Patria Semper Fidelis

Michael L Blais CD
President/Founder, Canadian Veterans Advocacy
http://www.canadianveteransadvocacy.com/index.html

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Dr Dee: Suicide Awareness for our CAF Soldiers Lake Street Armoury (31 GBC)

Dr Dee: Suicide Awareness for our CAF Soldiers Lake Street Armoury (31 GBC)

Just recently we have lost four members of our Canadian Armed Forces due to Suicide. Major Carrie Riddell and the 31st Brigade wanted to get an awareness video out to give our returning soldiers who are having problems a chance to get help.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=11886.msg12900;topicseen#msg12900

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Sunday, December 15, 2013

New announcement: Humbling Video of War Told Through the Eyes of a Soldier Wins National Prize

Please take 4 minutes and watch this short film from Australian soldier Tom Abood who shares his new gratitude for life, freedom, education and home. The video is not graphic and does not contain any violence. It does have a powerful message though. I'm sure a lot of our fans can relate to Tom whether through their own experience in war or the experiences of friends and family.

The short film is titled HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE which is an Anglo-Norman phrase that can be translated to "Shamed be he who thinks evil of it." The film was created by Tom Abood of Australia and was the Tropfest Australia 22 2013 Third Prize winner.

After watching this video, it was difficult to get back to work. Usually, I have music playing in the background even while watching videos. Once I heard the narrator begin talking, I paused my Christmas playlist and listened only to the video. Immediately after the video ended, I realized that many soldiers will not get to see their families this Christmas. As I constructed my playlist the day before, I was worried about what songs to pick. Which songs would be good, what songs I would get sick of and if my parents would agree with my taste. Little did I know how little all that matters.

I am now much more grateful I get to simply spend time with my family this Christmas. I'm grateful we will be able to share a meal together and exchange gifts. I'm grateful for all the things I've come to take for granted over the years. I'm sure Tom Abood hopes that the video does the same for you. If you feel the same way, choose a way to be grateful today. Make it a habit and be grateful everyday. I want to say thank you to all of the soldiers overseas. All of you are one more thing I'm not taking for granted anymore.

http://xlcountry.com/humbling-video-of-war-told-through-the-eyes-of-a-soldier-wins-national-prize-video/

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You can view the full announcement by following this link:
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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Committee from the Senate of Canada - Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs - Dec 11

Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent returns to the committee to answer questions about his report on the New Veterans Charter. Senators had begun their discussion on his report at the previous meeting last week. The ombudsman's report provides recommendations to fix current weaknesses in the Charter. Deputy ombudsman Gary Walbourne also responds to questions. (December 11, 2013)

Please watch:

http://www.cpac.ca/en/programs/in-committee-from-the-senate-of-canada/episodes/29000946/

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Rick Hillier calls for public inquiry in wake of soldier suicides

Rick Hillier calls for public inquiry in wake of soldier suicides
Former chief of defence staff worried there could be more suicides during the holidays

By Kristen Everson, CBC News Posted: Dec 14, 2013 6:00 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 13, 2013 11:26 PM ET

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rick-hillier-calls-for-public-inquiry-in-wake-of-soldier-suicides-1.2463941

Former chief of defence staff Rick Hillier fears more soldiers may take their own lives over this holiday season and is calling for a board of inquiry or Royal Commission into what the military is doing to help those with mental health problems.

In an interview with CBC Radio's The House, retired general Hillier told host Evan Solomon the recent apparent suicides of four serving Canadian soldiers was a tragic and needless loss of life.

Soldiers join forces to combat suicide and PTSD

"What a tragedy it is and I really do worry about this next period of time, as we head into the Christmas season, that we could in fact see more," because personnel may feel more alone in the Christmas season as they are away from their combat units and comrades.

The recent apparent suicides within days of each other at the end of November and early December have thrown a spotlight on the military and government programs around supporting members with PTSD and other mental health illnesses.

According to recently released statistics by National Defence, 10 regular forces members have taken their own life this year. That is on par with past years. In 2012, 13 regular force members took their own lives. In 2011, 22 regular force soldiers committed suicide.

The military does not track the number of reservists who commit suicide.

Hillier said while the military has taken action on this and there are good programs available, more needs to be done and confidence in the system needs to be restored.

He said stigma around mental health illnesses in the military is what prevented many people from coming forward in the past, and there is still a fear by some soldiers their careers will suffer if they come forward with a problem.

"I think that now this is beyond the medical issue. I think that many of our young men and women have lost confidence in our country to support them," he said.

'I don't think we had any idea of the scale and scope of what the impact [of Afghanistan] would be. I truly do not.'- Retired General Rick Hillier

Hillier suggested that confidence could be restored through some kind of public inquiry into how mental health illnesses are treated and what is being done to support soldiers who are struggling.

"I think we have to have a big change here to restore that confidence. I actually think we have a public board of inquiry..... or even something like a Royal Commission to say how are we doing our business in the Canadian Forces.

"How are we building those family teams that allow people to go through the most extreme frightening experience in the world and come out with the best possibility of remaining healthy for the rest of your life," he said.

Veterans Charter needs work

The other area Hillier pointed to for improvement was the new Veterans Charter, in particular the part of the charter that replaced a pension for life or payment system with lump-sum awards and allowances.

"Many of us, certainly, almost all of us, agree that the charter is now lacking," he said.

He said the system now does not provide ill and injured veterans with the support they will need throughout their lives. And it does not go far enough to make sure they are properly taken care of for their entire life.

'This is now a different battlefield ... Go talk to your battle buddies. Talk to them and tell them you've got a problem'- Retired general Rick Hillier

"That is the key point we need to change in that Veterans Charter, to make sure we look after those veterans who've paid an incredible price — a brutal price for us, for our nation — right through 'til when they're 95 years old, and this charter doesn't do it."

The Military and Veterans Ombudsman has warned cases of PTSD and other operational stress injuries could rise as the mission in Afghanistan winds down. Canada's training mission will formally wrap up in March 2014, but the majority of Canadian soldiers have already returned home.

Hillier, who was the chief of defence staff when Canadian troops were sent into combat in Kandahar, said the military did not understand the full scope of the mental impact on the troops fighting there.

"I don't think we had any idea of the scale and scope of what the impact would be. I truly do not."

Hillier, who also served in Afghanistan as the commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Kabul in 2004, said he suffered only minuscule symptoms of PTSD when he returned home, having the occasional dream or waking up at night.

He credits his strong circle of friends and family for making him feel healthy and comfortable upon his return, but warns that not all soldiers are so lucky.

His final message to troops is to not be alone this holiday season.

"Don't be alone. Do not be alone over this period of time.

"If you've got a problem, we learned long ago in combat that there is no embarrassment in admitting a weakness. No embarrassment in approaching somebody else," Hillier said.

"You know, we entrust our battle buddies with our very lives on the battlefield, this is now a different battlefield, so trust them. Go talk to your battle buddies. Talk to them and tell them you've got a problem."

Listen to the full interview with retired general Rick Hillier on CBC Radio's The House with Evan Solomon, Saturday at 9 a.m. on CBC Radio One and SiriusXM Ch. 169.

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Recent PTSD-Driven Suicides of Four Canadian Soldiers - Service Dogs: Helpmates for Lives in Chaos

The Recent PTSD-Driven Suicides of Four Canadian Soldiers - Service Dogs: Helpmates for Lives in Chaos

Upcoming Documentary to Address Soldiers' Suffering and the Canine Solution

For Immediate release

Ottawa, Ontario, December 11, 2013: The recent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) driven-suicides of four Canadian soldiers underscore the severity of "coming home from war" to an environment with little support for those suffering mentally and physically. This time of year is particularly difficult as these soldiers and their families are far removed from the idyllic "White Christmas" that's playing everywhere. With many case workers taking holidays, the resources so crucial to PTSD sufferers are in short supply as well.

Now that Canada's combat role in Afghanistan is winding down, a more responsible PTSD treatment program is urgently needed. According to a 2011 Parliamentary Report on PTSD and Mental Health in the Canadian Forces, between 25,000 and 35,000 soldiers are expected to be discharged over the next five years. Based on past diagnosis rates, as many as 2,750 of them will suffer from a severe form of PTSD. In a recent report, Canadian Military Ombudsman Pierre Daigle observed that the military's mental health treatment system is 15 to 22 per cent understaffed in some places.

Local producer Deborah Lewis has taken on the challenge of making "A Life of Thai", a documentary that hits home with the strong message: Our service men need help and they need it now in the form of their four-legged friends. It's becoming apparent that trained service animals (dogs and horses) can aid Veterans, RCMP and First Response Emergency Workers dealing with PTSD to cope with everyday situations; assist them in reconnecting with their family members; help reinstate their return to the workforce; and make a positive contribution to their community.

Veterans with service dogs have either reduced or completely eliminated the cocktail of medications used to treat their PTSD. "ZERO" Canadian Veterans that have service dogs have committed suicide.

The documentary will follow two veterans and their families before, during and after their introduction to a service dog. Interviews will be interspersed throughout the documentary that include the Veterans, their families; the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Hon. Julian Fantino; Medric Cousineau (a Veteran who walked from Nova Scotia to Ottawa with his service dog Thai to raise awareness); Kevin Berry, Veteran with Military Minds; Sylvain Chartrand, Veteran with Canadian Veterans Advocacy; MP Jim Karygiannis; Senator Romeo D'Allaire; among a number of other Veterans with PTSD that have service dogs or are service dog trainers.

Fundraising efforts to raise awareness of this "canine solution" in Canada, where 100% of all donations will go toward the documentary's financing are underway with a major push expected in the New Year to ensure the film's anticipated release in summer 2014. Donations can be made directly at www.channelproductions.ca

(30)

Media Contact: Kita Szpak, KS Communications, kita@sympatico.ca #613-725-3063


Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Soldier who was told PTSD will end military career no longer facing discharge

Soldier who was told PTSD will end military career no longer facing discharge

By Murray Brewster and Terry Pedwell, The Canadian Press December 5, 2013 11:30 AM

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Vets+urge+government+beef+support+systems+soldiers+distress/9251130/story.html

OTTAWA - Master Cpl. Kristian Wolowidnyk is no longer facing an imminent discharge from the Canadian Forces because of his post-traumatic stress disorder.

The former combat engineer and Afghan war veteran, who survived a recent suicide attempt, was told this week that he now qualifies to remain in the military as part of a prolonged release process for injured soldiers.

The change of Wolowidnyk's classification means that upon his eventual release, he will have reached the 10-year service mark and will qualify for a fully indexed military pension.

For Wolowidnyk and his wife, Michele, the news eliminated a major source of stress. But more than that, they say it validated his psychological injuries.

"They've recognized his injury, I think is a lot of it," Michele Wolowidnyk said in an interview Thursday.

"Not just that his release is not pending anymore, but that they've recognized this is a very serious injury for him and now he's going to get the proper treatment going forward."

Until Wednesday morning, it appeared Wolowidnyk — father to a two-year-old child — would be discharged, even though he was desperate to stay in the Forces and re-qualify for another military trade.

He tried to kill himself on Nov. 21 — two days after being told he was being discharged.

He spent a week in the mental-health wing of the civilian Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton before being released to his family.

But shortly after The Canadian Press first reported his story, Wolowidnyk was told he qualified for the prolonged-release process.

For now, he says he'll focus on healing. But he hopes to begin training to be a machinist in the new year.

Wolowidnyk says he and his wife have been getting calls, emails and text messages of support from friends and fellow soldiers. Even complete strangers touched by his story have reached out to him through Facebook.

"I think this experience has been good for him and cathartic because there are a lot of other people out there who are undoubtedly going through the same thing and hopefully him speaking out about it lets them know that they're not alone and that they can look for some help, talk to their friends," Michele Wolowidnyk said.

The escalating struggle of soldiers like Wolowidnyk has been resonating across Canada after a number of apparent suicides within the military in recent days.

Veterans advocates say the four apparent suicides since last week may only hint at the magnitude of the problem. For every death by suicide, they warn, as many as 12 others may have sought the same fate.

On Thursday, former soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder pleaded with the federal government to provide more support to veterans suffering from the illness.

A visibly distraught Kate MacEachern told an Ottawa news conference the heart-wrenching story of how she nearly took her own life a little over a year ago after learning that she might be forced out of uniform.

MacEachern said she doesn't believe the prime minister or military brass when they tell soldiers in distress that help is available.

"Lots of words are now being spoken, but it's too late for some," she said. "Why did we have to wait until now?"

The government says soldiers and their families trying to cope with PTSD can call a confidential toll-free referral service at 1-800-268-7708.

But another veteran, Mike Cole from Trenton, Ont., said soldiers are telling him that when they call, they get put on hold, or are simply told to go to the hospital.

MacEachern is a former corporal who quit the military last summer after being ordered not to repeat a 2012 fundraising walk in aid of injured soldiers.

She called on the government — and Canadians at large — to do everything possible to prevent further deaths.

"The conversation needs to happen," she pleaded tearfully. "Please, no more of my brothers and sisters. We can't lose any more. One is too many. Four is a national tragedy."

MacEachern says former defence minister Peter MacKay offered words of encouragement when she completed her first fundraising walk, but they now ring hollow.

"He told me that day that if I ever needed anything to contact his office," she said. "2,080 miles later, and many more tears than that, I never saw nor heard from him again."

The news conference took place as a funeral was held in Truro, N.S., for one of the four suicides.

A coffin with the body of Warrant Officer Michael McNeil, 39, was carried into the town's armoury by comrades from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regimen, his brother Kevin and cousin Tim McNeil.

The younger McNeil brother said members of the military who are suffering need to know help is available.

___

The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program's confidential 24/7 toll-free telephone advisory and referral service for all military personnel and their families can be reached at 1-800-268-7708.

___

—With files from Steve Rennie

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Campaign update: Minister Fantino's plan backfires

Campaign update: Minister Fantino's plan backfires

Minister Fantino's plan backfires

An attempt by Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino to quell growing outrage over VAC office closures appears to have backfired, leaving veterans even more determined to stop the closures.

Fantino announced last Thursday that Veterans Affairs offices in eight communities will close their doors to veterans on January 31 next year. In an attempt to allay concern about the impact of the closures, he announced what he called an "enhancement" that would leave a single Veterans Affairs worker in a Service Canada outlet in each of the communities to "assist with the transition".

It appears the so-called "enhancement" will be short lived – our component that represents Service Canada workers tells us they've heard the move is a temporary one.

The minister's ill-conceived scenario said nothing about Prince George, where veterans lost their office last January.

Veterans quickly spoke out against the scenario, asking how eight workers placed in could make up for the loss of veterans-only spaces and almost a hundred front line workers.

As PEI Legion Command President Gilles Painchaud wrote in this letter in the Charlottetown Guardian, one Client Service Agent cannot possible serve all of PEI's veterans and the same is true across the country.

Columnist Leroy Peach weighed in on the issue too, calling on Nova Scotia MLAs Alfie MacLeod and Eddie Orrell – who once supported the idea – to help stop the closures.

This Cape Breton Post editorial says Fantino's scenario has "backfired" and calls on local politicians to stop skating around the issue. Cape Breton mayor Cecil Clarke, says the Post, has been "politically smooth on the file, vocalizing his support for veterans, but avoiding public criticism of the federal Conservatives, with whom he is aligned."

The editorial goes on to say that "if this is supposed to be the feds' final offer, there will likely be increasing pressure on politicians such as Cecil Clarke, MacLeod and Orrell to dispense with diplomacy and sing more stridently from the same hymn sheet as most of their constituents."

On Saturday Cape Breton veteran Ron Clarke teamed up with frontline Veterans Affairs workers to meet with Orrell and MacLeod and urge them to do just that. They asked the MLAs to go back to Minister Fantino and tell him the plan just won't work and that veterans need the offices to stay open.

Our news release opposing the plan is here.

Opposition critics blast Fantino's proposal

Opposition critics were also quick to criticize the proposal during Question Period on November 29. The NDP's Peter Stoffer called the idea "unconscionable" and asked the government to reverse what he called "hazardous cuts" and reopen the offices.

Stoffer also asked why veterans were having trouble accessing services in Halifax, citing the story of one couple who had been waiting weeks for assistance. That situation is likely to get much worse if the closures go ahead: Halifax workers are expected to take on 4,200 files from Sydney without getting additional staff to help with the increased caseload.

The same is true across the country. When office closures go ahead, files are being transferred to other offices where in most cases, staffing levels will remain the same or have been cut. That means longer wait times for veterans in those communities too – not just in communities where offices are closing.

Liberal Veterans Affairs critic Jim Karigiannis also spoke out in Question Period, saying recent suicides by returning soldiers show we are not doing enough to care for our military. He asked how putting one worker in a Service Canada office was going to help when veterans are already being told there is no-one to talk to them.

Members of Parliament asked to help stop the closures

The same day Fantino made his announcement, Ron Clarke and a group of veterans travelled to Conservative MP Peter MacKay's constituency office in Antigonish. They spent the afternoon hosting a "postcard signing" and talking to passers-by about the closures. That was covered with a great photo and article in the local paper here.

Peter MacKay is one of 26 Members of Parliament we have asked for meetings with – each is being asked to go on the record opposing the closures and to help us stop them. We asked for that meeting in October, but MacKay has so far been unable to find time to meet, something Ron Clarke took up with staff in his office while they were there.

You can see the full list of MPs we are approaching for meetings here. So far we have scheduled meetings with Kelowna MP Ron Cannan, Prince George MP Richard Harris and some MPs who are themselves veterans: Gordon O'Connor, Laurie Hawn and Corneliu Chisu. We are working on scheduling meetings with a few more and will be sure to pass on a full report on our lobbying efforts as they go forward.

What you can do

Please help us keep showing that momentum is growing.
• Send a letter in to the editor of your local newspaper.
• Help us reach out to veterans in the ridings of MPs we are lobbying.
• If you live in any of those MPs' ridings – especially Saskatoon and Kelowna – please let us know as soon as possible.
• Let us know if you want to organize "postcard signings" in your community.
• Be sure to pass along this link to our campaign page and keep sharing our YouTube video.
I'm attaching our updated Questions and Answers sheet here, along with the full transcript of questions raised by opposition critics – and the minister's responses.

Kerry Pither
National Campaigns Officer, Public Service Alliance of Canada

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Veterans Affairs office closures
Questions and Answers


Can't veterans get the services they need from Service Canada locations, as well as online and through the phone, when these offices close,

• Veterans Affairs workers receive specialized, ongoing training because Veterans Affairs services and programs, like the needs of veterans, are vast and complex and always evolving. Service Canada workers have received very limited training about Veterans Affairs services and programs, so can only answer general questions and supply and receive forms. They cannot sit down with veterans to help them fill out their applications for benefits and services or check to ensure that forms are properly completed. One mistake can result in the denial of benefits to a veteran.

• Service Canada workers cannot access veterans' files and therefore cannot give advice or guidance related to individual cases. Veterans Affairs workers do access those files and have often built long term relationships with clients so are much more able to understand and respond to their needs. This is especially important for veterans with complex physical and mental health conditions.

• PSAC represents the workers at Service Canada too. They'd like to do more for our veterans, but it is unrealistic to expect them to have the same degree of expertise. They are often left with no choice but to point veterans to the computer or the toll-free phone line for help. Veterans tell us the phone line and internet are problematic, especially for those who are older or living with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

What about the Minister's plan to place a Veterans Affairs worker in the Service Canada outlets where Veterans Affairs offices are closing?

• It just isn't possible for one worker to make up for the number of front line workers being lost when these offices close. Closing the Sydney office, for example, means losing 13 front line workers. In Thunder Bay, the closure means losing seven front line workers. Plus, it appears this plan may be a temporary one.

• Veterans say they need their own space in which to access these services. These offices have been set up with veterans' needs in mind. They have reception areas designed for veterans and their families and private interview rooms for meetings with Client Service Agents and Case Managers. They also have examination rooms where veterans can meet with nurses and other healthcare practitioners.

If a veteran has trouble travelling to a VAC office, medical or other facilities, can't doctors, nurses or case workers go to the residence of the veteran?

• Only veterans who have Case Managers receive home visits from Veterans Affairs. Clients without case-managed files will have to travel to the closest remaining Veterans Affairs office for in-person services that require access to their file or expertise in Veterans Affairs programs and services. With the exception of travel for pension-related medical appointments, veterans must cover their own travel costs.

• For veterans in Thunder Bay, the office closure means traveling to North Bay, 13 hours away. For veterans in Sydney, the closure means a five to six hour drive to Halifax. For veterans in Corner Brook, it means an eight hour drive to St. John's. For veterans in Charlottetown, it would mean traveling out of province to Saint John. Given these distances, and given that there will be fewer Case Managers working once the offices close, it is unlikely veterans will still receive the home visits they need when they need them.

• The government has not committed to adding staff to the offices taking on clients from offices they want to close. This means increased caseloads, longer wait times for home visits and less service for all the veterans being served by those offices. If the government goes ahead with the Sydney closure, for example, more than 4,200 client files, including 120 case-managed files, will be transferred to Halifax.

Don't veterans have access to Operational Stress Injury Clinics and Integrated Personnel Support Centres too?

• There are no Operational Stress Injury Clinics or Integrated Personnel Support Centres in the communities where the government wants to shut down Veterans Affairs offices.

Don't these closures reflect the changing demographics of Canada's veterans?

• Altogether the nine offices the government wants to close serve more than 17,000 veterans and their family members. Those numbers demonstrate the closures simply don't make sense.
• In the last two years, the number of traditional veterans served by Veterans Affairs has decreased from 63,000 to 49,000. But the number of Regular Force Veterans served by Veterans Affairs has increased from 68,000 to 76,000. That number will continue to increase. In 2013, the average age of the 594,300 Canadian Forces veterans is 56. And none of these numbers include family members, survivors and the RCMP who are served by Veterans' Affairs.

• As older veterans age they require more care and services. Younger veterans, such as those returning from Afghanistan, tend to have more complex needs, such as those who have been diagnosed with serious mental health conditions as a result of their deployment.

The government says it has invested almost $5 billion in new funding to improve Veterans benefits, programs and services,and that close to 90% of the department's budget goes towards direct services and support for Veterans. Isn't this enough?

• Any investments this government has made are spread over many years and don't make up for cuts to front-line services for veterans. In fact, the government has cut the budget for Veterans Affairs by $129 million since 2011. A further $132 million in cuts are planned by 2016. In total 784 jobs will be cut including case managers, client service agents, disability pension officers, nurses and administrative staff who process all the claims. Veterans and their families must be able to access the benefits and services available or the investment is meaningless.


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

November 29, 2013

Veterans Affairs

Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, January 31 of next year will be very sad day for veterans and their families from across this country. That is the day the government announced for the closure of all eight district affairs offices for veterans and their families across the country.
However, the government has a plan, and I love this. It will take one person from each office and will put them in a Service Canada office. In Sydney, Cape Breton, for example, which Mr. Ron Clarke pointed out, an honoured veteran from Cape Breton, what took 13 officers to do the job will now be done by one person in a Service Canada office.
That is simply unconscionable. We ask the government to reverse these hazardous cuts and to reopen those offices to ensure that all our veterans and their families, and RCMP members and their families, get the one-on-one service they so rightfully deserve.

Veterans

Mr. Sylvain Chicoine (Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, too many of our valiant veterans have to fight for the benefits and the services they are entitled to.
The Conservatives have closed nine regional offices and slashed hundreds of thousands of dollars from Veterans Affairs' budget, thus forcing veterans to use online services instead of being given the personal help they deserve.
How can the Conservatives be so indifferent towards our veterans?

Mr. Parm Gill (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government has made substantial investments to support Canada's veterans, including almost $5 billion in new additional dollars since taking office.
This funding has been put towards improved financial benefits, world-class rehabilitation and tuition costs to help veterans transition to civilian life. While our government is making improvements to veterans' benefits, the Liberals and the NDP voted against this new funding for mental health treatment, financial support and home care services.

Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I was wondering if the parliamentary secretary would like to tell Kim and Blair Davis of Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia that, because they have sent us all a very disturbing email about what is going on in the Veterans Affairs office in Halifax.
For weeks and weeks, they have tried to get assistance but to no avail. Mr. Davis is in a very precarious situation. His wife Kim is very worried about her husband. In fact, she even fears going back to work when she does not know the state of mind he may be in.
The parliamentary secretary is fully aware of this file. Can he please advise the House exactly what the government is going to do to assist this family and this hero of our country to immediately get the help he needs?

Mr. Parm Gill (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank my colleague from the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs for bringing this issue to my attention. Veterans Affairs officials were immediately directed to undertake a review of the circumstances. I can assure the House that, today, directions have been given to the Veterans Affairs officials to reach out to the veteran and his family.
We will continue to ensure that veterans have the programs and services that they need, even if the member opposite and his party continue to vote against every measure.


December 2, 2013
Veterans Affairs
Hon. Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough—Agincourt, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, last week we had three members of the military who committed suicide. Clearly, we are not looking after our military. Nine veterans affairs centres will be closed by the end of January and 17,000 veterans will be deprived of their case managers.
The minister is letting one case manager per centre move into the local Service Canada office. With veterans already being told that there is no one to talk to them, how does the minister expect veterans to get the services they need, the services we owe them and they deserve?

Hon. Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, among the variety of options available to veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada case workers and nurses do personalized home visits for those who need them. While the member opposite engages in scare tactics, we will continue to deliver services and support our veterans no matter where they live and will do that ongoing. If they need assistance among many services, we will cut their grass, shovel their snow and clean their homes. That is our commitment to veterans and that good work continues.


Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

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

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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.

Monday, November 25, 2013

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

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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

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

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 –

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

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.

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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)

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

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

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.