Canadian Veterans Advocacy

Monday, February 25, 2013

New Personal Message: VAC Apps - PTSD Coach Canada + ACC Coach ESPT Canada

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PTSD Coach Canada

Questions and Answers for the National Client Contact Network

Background for Analysts – On February 25, 2013, Minister Blaney announced that the Department is partnering with Veterans participating in the Veterans Transition Program to preview a new mobile application, PTSD Coach Canada. The app will be made available for all Veterans and their families later in the year.

Q1. How do I get PTSD Coach Canada?
A1. The PTSD Coach Canada app is still under development. It will be made available free of charge later in the year through the iTunes store and the Android Market.

Q2. Do I have to pay for PTSD Coach Canada?
A2. No. The app will be free.

Q3. If I do not have a smart phone or another mobile device, how do I get PTSD Coach Canada?

A3. PTSD Coach Canada will only be available through a mobile device, but non-interactive features such as the factsheets will be available on the VAC Web site. Please discuss PTSD Coach Canada and your situation with your case manager who may be able to provide an alternative.

Staff members can refer to the Treatment Benefits Guidelines for Hand-Held Electronic Devices.

Q4. If I need immediate assistance, what can I do?
A4. If the caller is not in any immediate risk of harming himself or others:

You can call the Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service Line, a confidential 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free line where Veterans and their families can receive support: 1-800-268-7708.

Health Canada's Employee Assistance Services is the service provider of the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) and the Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service. It provides free, confidential, voluntary, short-term, solution-focussed counselling services by telephone to assist Canadian Armed Forces members, former military members, and their eligible family members with support to resolve many of today's psycho-social stresses. The telephone line is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by fully-trained bilingual counsellors.
• CAF members, former military members, and their eligible family members within Canada and the U.S.A. can access this program through the toll-free telephone number (1-800-268-7708).
• Those from other countries must dial the International Access Code of the country which they are calling from, followed by 800-268-7708.

If suicidal ideation may be present, follow the Suicide Prevention Protocol that includes screening and cues for referral. Assess risk of harming others and intervene as recommended.

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Coach ESPT Canada

Questions et réponses à l'intention du Réseau national des centres d'appels

Contexte pour les analystes – Le 25 février 2013, le ministre Blaney a annoncé un partenariat entre le Ministère et les vétérans qui participent au Programme de transition des vétérans, en vue de leur offrir en primeur l'accès à une nouvelle application mobile, Coach ESPT Canada. Cette application deviendra accessible à tous les vétérans et à leurs familles plus tard dans l'année.

Q1. Comment puis-je obtenir l'application Coach ESPT Canada?
R1. L'application Coach ESPT Canada en est encore à l'étape de la mise au point. Elle pourra être téléchargée sans frais plus tard cette année à partir des sites iTunes et Android Market.

Q2. Y a-t-il des frais pour accéder à Coach ESPT Canada?
R2. Non, l'application sera offerte gratuitement.

Q3. Si je n'ai pas de téléphone intelligent ni d'autre appareil mobile, comment puis-je obtenir l'accès à Coach ESPT Canada?

R3. Coach ESPT Canada ne sera accessible qu'au moyen d'un appareil mobile, mais certains éléments non interactifs de l'application, comme des fiches d'information, se retrouveront sur le site Web d'ACC. Vous pourrez discuter de votre situation par rapport à Coach ESPT Canada avec votre gestionnaire de cas, qui pourra peut-être vous suggérer des solutions.

Les membres du personnel peuvent consulter les lignes directrices des avantages médicaux portant sur les dispositifs électroniques portatifs.

Q4. Si j'ai besoin d'une assistance immédiate, que puis-je faire?
R4. Si la sécurité du client et celle d'autres personnes ne sont pas menacées dans l'immédiat :

Vous pouvez composer le 1-800-268-7708 pour communiquer avec le Service d'aide d'Anciens Combattants Canada. Il s'agit d'un service téléphonique sans frais, confidentiel et accessible en tout temps, qui fournit un soutien aux vétérans et à leurs familles.

Le Service d'aide aux employés de Santé Canada est le fournisseur de services pour le Programme d'aide aux membres des Forces canadiennes (PAMFC) et le Service d'aide d'Anciens Combattants Canada. Il offre des services de consultation gratuits et confidentiels axés sur la recherche de solutions à court terme et à participation volontaire, afin d'aider les membres des Forces armées canadiennes, les anciens militaires et les membres admissibles de leurs familles à résoudre un bon nombre des problèmes associés aux tensions psychosociales qu'ils subissent aujourd'hui. Des conseillers hautement qualifiés et parfaitement bilingues sont disponibles pour prendre les appels 24 heures par jour, 365 jours par année.
• Les membres des Forces armées canadiennes, les anciens militaires et les membres admissibles de leurs familles qui se trouvent au Canada ou aux États-Unis peuvent avoir accès à ce programme en composant le numéro sans frais 1-800-268-7708.
• Ailleurs, il faut composer le code d'accès international selon le pays, suivi de 800-268-7708.

Si la personne manifeste des tendances suicidaires, veuillez suivre le protocole pour la prévention du suicide, qui prévoit une évaluation préliminaire et offre des conseils pour l'aiguillage. Évaluez les risques pour la sécurité des autres personnes et intervenez en suivant les recommandations appropriées.

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POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE Le 25 février 2013

Le ministre Blaney renforce le partenariat avec le Programme de transition des vétérans

Ottawa – L'honorable Steven Blaney, ministre des Anciens Combattants et ministre de la Francophonie, a annoncé aujourd'hui qu'Anciens Combattants Canada renforce son partenariat avec le Programme de transition des vétérans en offrant, aux vétérans participant au programme, l'accès en primeur à sa nouvelle application mobile, Coach ESPT Canada, qui deviendra accessible à tous plus tard dans l'année.

« La santé mentale et le bien-être psychologique des vétérans et de leurs familles sont des plus importants pour notre gouvernement. Nous savons que le recours à la technologie mobile dans le domaine de la santé ne cesse de s'accroître. Coach ESPT Canada exploite cette technologie pour apporter un précieux soutien aux personnes atteintes d'ESPT, a expliqué le ministre Blaney. Cette application mobile vient en complément des prestations de professionnels de la santé mentale et ne les remplace en aucun cas. Ceux-ci demeurent essentiels dans le diagnostic et le traitement de l'ESPT. »

Coach ESPT Canada est une application mobile conçue pour apporter une aide aux vétérans canadiens et aux hommes et femmes en uniforme qui éprouvent des symptômes d'état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT), et à leurs familles. Il s'agit d'un outil informatif d'autogestion de la santé qui peut les aider à composer avec les symptômes d'ESPT.

Le partenariat annoncé aujourd'hui s'ajoute au Plan d'action de transition des vétérans annoncé par le ministre à l'automne 2012, qui prévoit un nouveau soutien financier pouvant s'élever à 600 000 $ sur quatre ans pour permettre aux vétérans de participer au Programme de transition des vétérans de l'Université de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC), un programme avant-gardiste qui offre des thérapies de groupe aux vétérans partout au pays. Les participants d'Ottawa recevront l'application Coach ESPT Canada et auront la chance de l'essayer en primeur. Le Plan d'action de transition des vétérans prévoit également une suite complète d'outils et de services visant à aider les vétérans et leurs familles avec leur transition de la vie militaire à la vie civile.

« Lorsque je suis revenu d'Afghanistan, je n'avais aucune idée de ce qu'était l'état de stress post-traumatique. Savoir qu'il existe maintenant un outil pour informer les vétérans au sujet de l'ESPT et les aider à en gérer les symptômes est rassurant, a déclaré Tim Laidler, directeur exécutif du Réseau de transition des vétérans, qui est l'organisme à but non lucratif mis sur pied à UBC pour administrer le Programme de transition des vétérans. Alors que le Canada continue à s'adapter aux besoins d'une nouvelle génération de vétérans, des outils innovateurs comme Coach ESPT Canada sont d'excellents compléments à l'aide déjà offerte en matière de gestion de l'ESPT. »

« L'application annoncée par le ministre Blaney est un grand pas en avant en matière de sensibilisation à l'ESPT, tout en respectant l'anonymat des soldats et des vétérans qui, autrement, ne parleraient pas de leurs symptômes d'ESPT, a dit Chris Dupee, fondateur de l'association Military Minds. Les soldats et les vétérans vont pouvoir profiter de l'aspect formatif de l'application, que Military Minds a bien hâte de voir offerte à tous au printemps. » .../2

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« Notre partenariat avec le Programme de transition des vétérans constitue pour notre gouvernement un autre moyen de répondre aux besoins des vétérans aux prises avec un traumatisme lié au stress opérationnel et de leurs familles, a déclaré le ministre Blaney. Nous sommes heureux d'offrir aux participants du Programme de transition des vétérans la primeur de ce nouvel outil à la pointe de la technologie. »

L'application Coach ESPT Canada a été conçue par Anciens Combattants Canada, en collaboration avec le ministère de la Défense nationale et l'Association canadienne pour la santé mentale. Coach ESPT Canada est une adaptation de PTSD Coach autorisée par le département des Anciens Combattants et le département de la Défense des États-Unis. L'application mobile pourra être téléchargée plus tard dans l'année à partir des sites iTunes et Android Market.

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Demandes des médias :
Janice Summerby
Conseillère, Relations avec les médias
Anciens Combattants Canada
613-992-7468

Dace Marsh
Coordonnateur, Relations publiques/médias
Réseau de transition des vétérans
604-315-1819 Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Attaché de presse
Cabinet du ministre des Anciens Combattants
613-996-4649

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2013

Minister Blaney Expands Partnership with Veterans Transition Program

Ottawa – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced that Veterans Affairs Canada is enhancing its partnership with the Veterans Transition Program to provide the Veterans participating in the program with the opportunity to be the first to test the new PTSD Coach Canada mobile application before it is made widely available later this year.

"The mental health and well-being of Veterans and their families are of paramount importance for our Government. We know that the use of mobile technology continues to grow in the health domain. PTSD Coach Canada uses this medium to deliver needed assistance to those with PTSD," said Minister Blaney. "This mobile application complements the work of mental health providers. It does not and cannot replace them. They remain essential for the assessment and treatment of PTSD."

PTSD Coach Canada is a mobile app that can assist Canadian Veterans, and our men and women in uniform, with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as their families. It is an informational and self-care tool that can provide assistance to individuals with the management of PTSD symptoms.

Today's partnership announcement adds to Minister Blaney's fall 2012 announcement which launched the Veterans Transition Action Plan, a plan which included new support of up to $600,000 over four years for Veterans to participate in the ground-breaking Veterans Transition Program. The program provides group-based support to Veterans across the country. Veterans participating in the program in Ottawa will be receiving the PTSD Coach Canada app so they can have an opportunity to test it out. The Veterans Transition Action Plan also includes a full suite of tools and services to assists Veterans and their families with the transition from military to civilian life.

"When I returned from Afghanistan, I had no idea what PTSD was, so knowing there is now a tool that can assist Veterans in learning about and coping with PTSD is reaffirming," said Tim Laidler, Executive Director of the Veterans Transition Network, the non-profit organization developed at UBC to administer the Veterans Transition Program. "As Canada continues to adapt to the needs of the latest generation of Veterans, innovations like the PTSD coach are great additions to the help available in managing PTSD."

"This app announced by Minister Blaney is a great step forward in promoting PTSD awareness and offers anonymity to Soldiers and Veterans who wouldn't come forward otherwise with their symptoms," said Chris Dupee, founder of the Military Minds Association. "Soldiers and Veterans will be able to benefit from the coaching aspect of the app and Military Minds looks forward to its release later this year."

"Our partnership with the Veterans Transition Program is another way the Department can help meet the needs of Veterans with an operational stress injury and their families," said Minister Blaney. "We are pleased to offer the Veterans Transition Program the first glimpse of this new, cutting-edge tool."
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PTSD Coach Canada was developed by Veterans Affairs Canada, in partnership with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Mental Health Association. PTSD Coach Canada has been adapted from PTSD Coach thanks to the generosity of the United States' Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. The mobile app will be made available later this year through iTunes and the Android Market.

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Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468


Dace Marsh
PR/Media Coordinator
Veterans Transition Network
604-315-1819 Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649


Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Reply to this Personal Message here: http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;f=inbox;pmsg=1036;quote;u=53

Saturday, February 23, 2013

New Personal Message: Veterans Independence Program Grant Determination Tool Backgrounder

You have just been sent a personal message by Sylvain Chartrand CD ResF on Canadian Veterans Advocacy.

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The Grant Determination Tool (GDT) was developed as part of the Budget 2012 initiative to assist with the implementation of the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) Grant for Housekeeping and Grounds Maintenance.

To support the implementation of the new Grant Determination Tool (GDT), it was necessary to establish a usual and customary rate for services by geographic area. The approach to establish rates included considerable analysis and was designed to be fair and consistent.

Various data sources were used in establishing the rates:

o Payments to registered service providers in the 2011/12 fiscal year;
o Consultations with VAC staff who administer the VIP Program on the current approach to establishing rates for housekeeping and grounds maintenance;
o A telephone survey with a representative sample of current VIP service providers to determine their approach to pricing services; and
o References to the Labour Market Information (LMI) provided by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) for the wage component of the various housekeeping and grounds maintenance services.

The proposed rates were validated through a review by VAC staff across the country who currently administer the VIP program and determine the need for grounds maintenance and housekeeping services.

The validated and recommended approach is based on a multiple of the Labour Market Information of HRSDC which is an independent, geographically-based and regularly updated reflection of the value of the service in the labour market.

The Grant Determination Tool ensures that there is adequate funding to cover the services needed up to the maximum rate for the geographic area.

For all update and to view the document, please visit: http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=8501.0
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L'Outil de détermination des subventions (ODS) a été élaboré dans le cadre de l'initiative du budget de 2012 en vue de contribuer à la mise en oeuvre de la subvention pour les services d'entretien
ménager et d'entretien du terrain offerts dans le cadre du Programme pour l'autonomie des anciens combattants (PAAC).

Pour appuyer la mise en place du nouvel Outil de détermination des subventions (ODS), il fallait établir un taux habituel pour les services selon la région géographique. Pour ce faire, on a procédé à une analyse approfondie et utilisé une approche équitable et uniforme.

Différentes sources de données ont été utilisées pour établir les taux :
o Les paiements versés aux fournisseurs de services inscrits pendant l'exercice 2011-2012;
o Des consultations avec le personnel d'ACC qui administre le PAAC en ce qui concerne l'approche utilisée à l'heure actuelle pour établir les taux des services d'entretien ménager et d'entretien du terrain;
o Un sondage téléphonique auprès d'un échantillon représentatif de fournisseurs de services actuels du PAAC afin de connaître leur approche pour établir le prix de leurs services;
o Des références à l'information sur le marché du travail (IMT) fournie par Ressources humaines et Développement des compétences Canada (RHDCC) en ce qui concerne le salaire versé pour les services d'entretien ménager et d'entretien du terrain dans les différentes régions économiques du pays.

Les taux proposés ont été validés dans le cadre d'un examen mené par tous les membres du personnel d'ACC d'un bout à l'autre du pays qui administrent le PAAC et déterminent les besoins en matière de services d'entretien ménager et d'entretien du terrain.

L'Outil de détermination des subventions permet d'assurer un financement adéquat pour couvrir le coût des services demandés sans toutefois dépasser le montant maximal établi pour la région géographique.

Pour les mise a jour, SVP aller : http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=8501.0


Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

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

Reply to this Personal Message here: http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;f=inbox;pmsg=447;quote;u=53

Saturday, February 16, 2013

New announcement: Educating about PTSD after soldier takes his life

Educating about PTSD after soldier takes his life

Country music concert organized in memory of Chris Bourque
Reported by Chris Mangatal
First Posted: Feb 15, 2013 12:24pm

A group of local musicians are getting together tonight to raise awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"The Heart of Country" is a country music concert organized in memory of Chris Bourque.

"We want to raise awareness. That's the main focus and also to help the family out in this devastating time," said event organizer Mark Friesen.

Bourque died late last year, leaving behind his wife and two daughters.

"We lost Chris back in November due to his service in Bosnia and Afghanistan, tragically he took his own life due to the effects of PTSD."

"I worked with Chris for the past seven years. He was a correctional officer at the psych centre."

Friesen had previously been to an event held by the Wounded Warriors, a non-profit group dedicated to providing mental health and other services to returning soldiers.

He decided to draw on that experience to help the Borque family.

The event goes Friday night at the Broadway Theatre, doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 8 p.m.

cmangatal@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter: @ChrisMangatal

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

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

New announcement: BUSY START TO SESSION FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS CRITIC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2013 BUSY START TO SESSION FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS CRITIC

NDP continues to ensure government respects veterans' rights OTTAWA — It was a busy start to the session in the House of Commons for NDP deputy critic for Veterans, Sylvain Chicoine (Châteauguay?St- Constant). The MP held the Conservative government's feet to the fire on several important issues for our veterans.

On January 31, Chicoine questioned Veterans Affairs Minister, Steven Blaney, on the government's unfair treatment of RCMP veterans. Recently, they launched a class action suit against the government to get their pensions and disability awards back. "The Federal Court has already ruled and the government didn't appeal the decision. This treatment is unfair."
This unfair behaviour from the Conservative government doesn't stop there. On February 4, Chicoine reacted quickly to the veterans' ombudsman's report saying the Conservative government is hiding important information from veterans who are trying to obtain the pensions and disability awards they are entitled to. "The government must be transparent; it's a matter of justice and fairness for all our veterans."

Following the tabling of the government's action plan in response to this report, Chicoine accused the Conservatives of settling for half-measures. "The veterans' ombudsman was clear: the government's action plan won't solve the problems. But the Conservatives refuse to listen to reason."

Finally, on February 7, the minister tabled in the House the report of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Depleted Uranium. Chicoine was disappointed and shocked by the results of the report. "Soldiers leave healthy and come back sick, for unknown reasons. The government must do everything it can to help those who defended Canadian values and stop blocking their efforts. The government has the duty to help veterans like Pascal Lacoste and his brothers in arms," said Chicoine.

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For more information, please contact: David Patry, Press Secretary, Quebec Caucus Services
514-238-8240 or david.patry@parl.gc.ca

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Made By A Veteran For A Veteran stained glass Canadian flag memorial

Lory Ann Reilly-DeCoste

Hello Friends,

My name is Cpl Lory Ann DeCoste. My spouse Cpl Blair DeCoste and I will be commencing a Made By A Veteran For A Veteran stained glass Canadian flag memorial keepsakes for families of Fallen Soldiers.

The concept is a stained glass Canadian flag approx 10 x 13 in size with additional glass attached to the art piece below the flag with the Fallen Soldiers name etched into the glass.

The flag can then be hung in a window to have light shine through or it can be resting in an easel on a mantel with a light shining behind it illuminating the Canadian flag and the Fallen Soldier's name.

I will be contacting local vendors in Kingston, Ontario to assist in fundraising for packaging and mailing costs however the glass and supplies will be absorbed by my spouse and I as our way of commemorating our fellow comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

My intentions are to start with the most recent Fallen Soldier and create the commemorative piece to provide a level of comfort for their families and to then work from there backwards in time.

It will be a slow process that will require time to create each piece however, I can not think of any better way to pay it forward.

In the interim, I am traveling to Halifax on the 13th of Feb to support Dennis Manuge with the Sisip Ltd Law case and intend on reading my drafted letter to Justice Barnes if I am able to emotionally get through it.

Upon return, I will commence with a new website that our son Andre and our daughter Jennifer will develop in order for each Canadian flag to be photographed and posted on it once it has been completed. My hope is also to connect people together through this website whether it be the families of Fallen Soldiers, Veterans and the general public by way of seeing what sacrifices were made by our Fallen Soldiers.

I look forward shortly to begin this journey and I hope you will all share in it with my family to yours.

Cpl Lory DeCoste & Cpl Blair DeCoste

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Sean Casey on Service Canada & PEI Cuts (worth while reading)

Sean Casey

Charlottetown had 2 big snow jobs this weekend: one from Mother Nature, the other from The Minister of Veterans Affairs. Prior to the last federal budget, the Minster and his Conservative colleagues defeated a motion to have VAC exempted from the cuts to be imposed across Government. Gail Shea did not run out of the Chamber for that vote.

The Conservative mantra at that time was that veterans benefits would be maintained. The cuts were deep and disproportionate. VAC announced it would be closing District Offices, leaving PEI as the only province without one and as the only province without any case managers. The Minister then wrote to the Auditor General that ALL case managed veterans would have access to case managers, something that is, at best, disingenuous.

When I challenged him on this, he said that VAC's "expanding partnership" with Service Canada would provide vets with more points of access than before and that case managers would drive from Saint John and do house calls.

When I explained to him that Service Canada was reducing their staff by 46% over the next 2 years on PEI, he seemed completely unaware. Not much of a partnership, in my view.

So the brain trust within The Minister's Office hatched a plan. It has all the makings of a spy novel. He would come to PEI,schedule no public appearances, not notify the local MP, do a series of media interviews under an embargo until 5 pm, thereby ensuring that only the Minister's spin would be in the public domain, and he would be long gone before the media knew what they had been fed.

So here's what he announced:
There will be a new "access office" in PEI when the district office is closed next year, and 3 new Director General positions would be located in Charlottetown.

His strategy of coming to PEI under the cover of night and making a 5 pm Friday afternoon announcement succeeded in unnerving employees, justifiably concerned for their jobs.

He did not say whether the new access office would include case managers, or resemble another Service Canada wicket.

Of the 3 DG positions, none of them are new. 2 of them have always been in Charlottetown. The 3rd one, DG of Communications, was moved out of PEI by the previous Minister. Last May, the current Minister said he was convinced to move it back to PEI by Gail Shea. That still hasn't happened. So much for Gail's influence.

There are only 2 conclusions to be drawn from this escapade:

1. The Minister has no idea what is happening in his Department, or

2. He thinks Islanders are stupid.

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

New announcement: Press Release: Canine Assistance and Rehabilitation Services Program (CARES)

Press Release: Immediate 10 FEB 2012 - anine Assistance and Rehabilitation Services Program (CARES)

Retired Captain Medric "Cous" Cousineau, a former Air Force Navigator, was seriously injured more than two decades ago during a daring rescue mission, off of the coast of Newfoundland. Cousineau received the Star of Courage which recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great Peril, for the daring helicopter rescue of two injured American Fishermen. He bravely volunteered to be lowered to the deck of a distressed US Long liner fishing boat to rescue the 2 men during a violent storm on the 6th of October, 1986. But the injuries resulted in serious mental health issues with which he has struggled for more than 26 years.
Recently, however, he has seen vast improvements in his situation- improvements that his family credits to his service dog and partner, Thai. He is embarking on a new phase of his recovery: raising funds to help other Canadian Veterans gain access to the canine assistance that has made a difference in his own life.

CARES Program.
Cous was paired with Thai, in August 2012 through the Canine Assistance and Rehabilitation Services Program (CARES) located in Concordia , Kansas.
Thai was made possible thru the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy fund, specifically Branch 164 in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia. Cousineau is deeply appreciative of the support he received from the Legion.

CARES dedicated volunteers breed raise and train hundreds of dogs as service and therapy dogs. After whelping, the puppies are raised by a cadre of foster families, before intensive training at one of several correctional facilities in Kansas. For Cousineau, one of the most important events in his life was meeting the prisoner who had spent six and a half months training the dog for her role. After they completed their basic training and certification, their public access test and a few months of intensive public training, Thai and Cousineau began appearing in public to continue to advocate for service dogs for veterans who often battle horrible injuries sustained in the line of duty. Many of these injuries are invisible and carry a huge stigma.


Long Walk to Sanity
Upon returning home to Nova Scotia, the team continued their training through a series of increasing long walk that eventually totalled more than a thousand kilometers. Cousineau calls these his "long walk to Sanity". In early January, a long walk with Thai, and Cousineau's wife, Jocelyn, resulted in the idea of using a "Long Walk" to raise public awareness and funds to help other veterans. Though the long walk is a daunting challenge, says Cousineau, it pales in comparison to the battles mental health issues pose within society and veteran's communities.

Paws Fur Thought.
Cousineau's Long walk aimed at raising awareness and funds beginning August 1, 2013. It will continue for 50 days, averaging a half marathon (about 21 kilometers) in distance per day. The Long Walk is scheduled to end 19 September in Ottawa, with a fascinating historical walk on the final day. He hopes to be joined that day by a cadre of those wishing to join in and make "Paws-itive Outcomes".

Cousineau's route will have two major sections the first part of the journey will be from Canadian Forces Base Shearwater in Dartmouth, NS to the Naval Memorial in Point Pleasant Park and then onward to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in NB.

After a two day rest and travel break, with a very pivotal stop in Montreal, Cousineau will begin the second part of the Long walk at Sunnybrook Veterans Memorial Hospital in Toronto, Ont. Thai and he will walk to Ottawa, through the Ontario communities of Newmarket, Peterborough, Marmora, Trenton, Belleville, Kingston and Smiths Falls. During this time, the Canadian Army Veterans Riding Club, which includes 83 units and more than 4,800 dues paying members, will support the Long Walk.

Cousineau's goal is to raise money for 50 Dogs in 50 Days for 50 Veterans. This will support the provision of service, therapy and other canine assistance to help treat veterans suffering from Mental Health issues. Funds will be raised mainly from three sources, "Dogs for Dogs" barbeques, dog tag sales, and donations.
Cousineau says he hopes the initiative spreads throughout the country. In fact during the walk, he hopes to recruit a team of volunteers to continue the work while he returns home to "Keep calm and walk the Dog" while pursuing his hobbies of photography, reading, gardening , motorcycling and playing the occasional bridge game.

The assistance and friendship of Brenda Andersen, of Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia and her guide dog, Noble, were instrumental in Cousineau's recovery. As part of the team's training for the Long Walk, Andersen, Cousineau and their Service Dogs will be participating in the Bluenose Half Marathon on the 19th of May 2013, Funds raised during this awareness campaign will be used to fund the Long Walk helping others to acquire Service Dogs and continue on their own personal "Long Walk to Sanity".

Medric "Cous" Cousineau Biographical Notes:
- Graduated Royal Military College of Canada, 1983.
- Received his Air Navigator wings, October of 1984
- Located HS443, then located at 12 wing Shearwater as a Tactical Co-ordinator. His primary role was Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) with a Secondary role of Search and Rescue.
- In October of 1986 he was a member of the helairdet onboard Her Majesties Canadian Ship, Nipigon
- In October of 1986, he was involved in the rescue of two American fisherman hundreds of miles from Cape Race, Newfoundland.
- In November 1987, the Governor General announced that Cousineau would receive the Star of Courage for his efforts. The pilot, Hans Kleeman received the Meritorious Service Cross for his extraordinary flying skills on the night of the rescue, while the remainder of the crew were awarded the Chief of Defence Staff commendation.
- As a result of his injuries, Cousineau left the forces in 1991, his final posting as a flight instructor at HT406 Maritime Helicopter Training Squadron at 12 Wing.


For more information:
Medric and Thai can contacted for comment via email at Pawsfurthought1@gmail.com
Sarah Holbert, CEO of CARES can be contacted for comment at cares.ks@sbcglobal.net

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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: Projet de recherche - mieux comprendre comment les services offerts par FC

De Audrey:

Je suis travailleuse sociale et je travaille avec les familles des militaires qui sont blessés ou malades. Je suis également étudiante à la maitrise en service social à l'université de Montréal.

Pour ma recherche je cherche à mieux comprendre comment les services offerts par FC répondent aux besoins des militaires diagnostiqués d'un TSPT et à la leur conjointe. Je suis à la recherche de participants. Voici les critères de sélection:

Militaire ou libéré depuis moins de 3 ans avec un TSPT
Blanc
Francophone

je cherche aussi
Conjointe de militaire avec un TSPT (toujours militaire ou libéré depuis moins de 3 ans)
Blanche
Francophone

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

Pour ceux qui sont intéresser, SVP envoyer un courrielle a veteran_advocate@canadianveteransadvocacy.com SVP respecter les critère de sélection.

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

Saturday, February 9, 2013

New announcement: Silver Cross mother desperate to get back memento of fallen soldier

Silver Cross mother desperate to get back memento of fallen soldier

Tamara Elliott, Global News : Friday, February 08, 2013 3:10 PM

Read it on Global News: Global Calgary | Silver Cross mother desperate to get back memento of fallen soldier

CALGARY- A Calgary woman is desperate to get a treasured memento back, that was stolen by a heartless thief.

Anita Bowes' truck was stolen from the Somerset CTrain Station, but the license plate is what she's especially concerned about.

It was dedicated to her 21-year-old son Chad Horn, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 while serving with the military.

"It said, 'Chad Horn, for those he loved he sacrificed,' and it's a picture of him in Afghanistan," remembers Bowes. "We never saw him after Afghanistan, he never made it home for us to talk to him and see him."

The stolen truck is a white, 2005 Ford F-250.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police.

Read it on Global News: Global Calgary | Silver Cross mother desperate to get back memento of fallen soldier

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

Thursday, February 7, 2013

A Little Juice to the Brain Eases Depression

A Little Juice to the Brain Eases Depression

 

By Crystal Phend, Senior Staff Writer, MedPage Today

Published: February 06, 2013

Reviewed by F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE; Instructor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Action Points

 

    Note that this single-center, randomized, controlled trial demonstrated a benefit to the combination of electrical current therapy and sertraline in the treatment of major depression.

    Be aware that long-term results have not been published; it is unclear if the benefit of electrical current therapy will persist after the active treatment phase.

 

Noninvasive, electric stimulation of the brain appears to help the initial phase of treatment in major depressive disorder, especially in combination with an antidepressant, a double-blind trial showed.

 

Six weeks of daily transcranial direct current stimulation sessions reduced depression scores roughly the same as sertraline (Zoloft, P=0.35), Andre R. Brunoni, MD, PhD, of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and colleagues reported online in JAMA Psychiatry.

 

The two together brought scores down by an average 8.5 points more than sertraline alone on a depression rating scale, and by 5.9 points more than direct current stimulation alone (P=0.002 and P=0.03, respectively).

 

A 3-point difference on that Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is considered clinically relevant.

 

"Noninvasive brain stimulation is becoming an established therapy for the treatment of depression," Brunoni and colleagues wrote.

 

The weak electrical current applied across large electrodes on the scalp may work by boosting activity in an area of the brain known to be hypoactive in depression, with the advantage of not having the same adverse effects and contraindications as antidepressant drugs, the group pointed out.

 

The device also is relatively inexpensive, so it might be a "cost-effective alternative for regions with low resources where the prevalence of major depressive disorder is high, such as most developing nations," they added.

 

However, the treatment is less practical than taking a pill, and it's not clear how its results would hold up in the maintenance phase.

 

"Even if transcranial direct current stimulation becomes available for in-house use, it would still require 20- to 30-minute daily sessions for several weeks," Brunoni's group wrote.

 

Their Sertraline vs Electrical Current Therapy for Treating Depression Clinical Study (SELECT TDCS) compared in a two-by-two design treatment with 6 weeks of sertraline at 50 mg per day or placebo and 2-mA anodal left/cathodal right prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (30-minute sessions each weekday plus two extra sessions every other week) or sham.

 

It included 120 antidepressant-naive patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder but no psychotic or bipolar component, seen at a single outpatient center in an academic setting in São Paulo. The cohort had a relatively low degree of refractoriness and short duration of the index episode.

 

The only thing that wasn't better than inactive treatment at the end of the 6-week period was sertraline alone, with a mean difference of 2.9 points versus placebo (P=0.20).

 

The explanation may have been that 50 mg per day was a low dose for some participants, though there have been negative trials with sertraline in major depressive disorder, the researchers pointed out.

 

Transcranial direct current stimulation improved MADRS score by 5.6 points over sham (P=0.01).

 

The combination of the two appeared to work fastest, as that was the only group with a significant change in score at week two. Factorial analysis suggested that the initial effect was driven primarily by the electric stimulation treatment.

 

The two appeared to be additive rather than synergistic.

 

Clinical response with at least a 50% reduction in baseline MADRS score was significantly more common with transcranial direct current stimulation or combination treatment than with placebo (43% and 63% versus 17%).

 

Remission, with MADRS score falling to 10 points or less, occurred in 47% of the combo group and 40% of the electrical stimulation group, which were both significantly better than the 13% rate with placebo.

 

Sertraline alone induced remission in 30%, although this difference didn't reach significance.

 

No negative cognitive effects were seen with transcranial direct current stimulation, though skin redness was more common at the end of week two.

 

Of the seven episodes of treatment-emergent mania or hypomania, five were in the combined treatment group, including one severe manic episode requiring pharmacologic intervention.

 

Mania or hypomania induction may be similar with transcranial direct current stimulation as with antidepressants, so such events need careful monitoring in future trials, Brunoni's group noted.

 

Further research is needed into longer-term effects and into use in the inpatient setting, they added.

 

Their trial includes an open-label phase for sham nonresponders to cross over to 10 days of active transcranial direct current stimulation, as well as a 6-month follow-up phase for those who responded to active treatment in the first 6 weeks.

Global National Ottawa should treat vets better: ombudsman

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Depleted Uranium and Canadian Veterans: A Review of Potential Exposure and Health Effects.

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today released a report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Health on the issue of depleted uranium titled: Depleted Uranium and Canadian Veterans: A Review of Potential Exposure and Health Effects.
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=8273.msg8858%3Btopicseen#msg8858

 

Uranium appauvri et anciens combattants canadiens : Bilan de l'exposition possible et de ses effets sur la santé.

L’honorable Steven Blaney, ministre des Anciens Combattants, a déposé aujourd’hui un rapport sur l’uranium appauvri, préparé par le Comité consultatif scientifique sur la santé des anciens combattants, intitulé Uranium appauvri et anciens combattants canadiens : Bilan de l’exposition possible et de ses effets sur la santé.
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=8273.msg8859;topicseen#msg8859

Minister Blaney Releases Scientific Advisory Committee Report on Depleted Uranium - Le ministre Blaney dépose un rapport du Comité consultatif scientifique sur l'uranium appauvri

Good Day Fellow soldier, veterans, and VAC stakeholders,

 

Here is the Report on DU.

 

-----

 

Français suit

 

Minister Blaney Releases Scientific Advisory Committee Report on Depleted Uranium

 

February 6, 2013

Ottawa - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today released a report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Health on the issue of depleted uranium titled: Depleted Uranium and Canadian Veterans: A Review of Potential Exposure and Health Effects. The report addresses the subject of the potential exposure of Canadian soldiers to levels of depleted uranium that could be harmful to their health and the overall potential health effects of depleted uranium exposure.

"As some Canadian Veterans continue to be concerned about this issue, I asked the Scientific Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Health to look at the scientific literature and assess the information available on the effects of exposure to depleted uranium," said Minister Blaney. "I wish to thank the Committee for this sound and in-depth report, and the members for their continued commitment to examining issues of concern to Canadian Veterans."

Over the past year, the Committee completed a thorough review of the international scientific literature, and listened to expert witnesses and Veterans on this topic. The report was independently reviewed and validated by international experts.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Health is an independent committee that comprises five experts with collective expertise in scientific, medical and military matters. Two of the members are Veterans, including the Committee Chairman, Major-General (ret’d) Pierre Morisset, MD.

"We are not suggesting that these concerned Veterans do not have health problems," said Dr. Morisset. "However, we firmly believe that whatever health problems they do have are unlikely related to depleted uranium."

"It is imperative that our approach to Veterans’ concerns be based on science to ensure our Veterans are receiving the best and most appropriate support and treatment," said Minister Blaney. "The work of these experts will add another layer of assurance that the Government of Canada is using the most up-to-date research and analysis in considering Veterans’ health issues."

To read the report Depleted Uranium and Canadian Veterans or for information on research activities, benefits, services and programs at Veterans Affairs Canada, visit veterans.gc.ca.

- 30 -

Media Enquiries:

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-996-4649

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca

 

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/pdf/Reports/scientific-advisory/2013-du-veterans.pdf

 

Le ministre Blaney dépose un rapport du Comité consultatif scientifique sur l’uranium appauvri

Le 6 février 2013

Ottawa – L’honorable Steven Blaney, ministre des Anciens Combattants, a déposé aujourd’hui un rapport sur l’uranium appauvri, préparé par le Comité consultatif scientifique sur la santé des anciens combattants, intitulé Uranium appauvri et anciens combattants canadiens : Bilan de l’exposition possible et de ses effets sur la santé. Le rapport porte sur la question de l’exposition possible de militaires canadiens à des concentrations d’uranium appauvri qui pourraient représenter un danger pour leur santé ainsi que les effets possibles sur la santé liés à l’exposition à l’uranium appauvri.

« Puisque la question de l’uranium appauvri continue de préoccuper certains vétérans canadiens, j’ai demandé au Comité consultatif scientifique sur la santé des anciens combattants de procéder à un examen approfondi des publications scientifiques et d’évaluer l’information qu’ils y trouvent sur les effets de l’exposition à l’uranium appauvri, a affirmé le ministre Blaney. Je tiens à remercier les membres du comité pour ce rapport solide et approfondi, et pour leur engagement indéfectible à s’intéresser de près aux préoccupations des vétérans canadiens. »

L’an dernier, le comité a procédé à une étude approfondie des publications scientifiques internationales et a écouté des témoignages d’experts et de vétérans. Le rapport a été examiné et validé par des experts indépendants de renommée internationale.

Le Comité consultatif scientifique sur la santé des anciens combattants est un comité indépendant composé de cinq experts scientifiques, médicaux et militaires. Deux membres du comité sont eux-mêmes des vétérans, dont le président, le Major-général (retraité), Dr Pierre Morisset.

« Nous ne suggérons pas que ces vétérans n’ont pas de problèmes de santé, affirme le Dr Morisset. Cependant, nous croyons fermement que les problèmes de santé dont ils souffrent ne sont probablement pas liés à l’uranium appauvri. »

« Il est essentiel de répondre aux préoccupations des vétérans en nous fondant sur la recherche scientifique si nous voulons qu’ils reçoivent les meilleurs traitements et le soutien adéquat, a ajouté le ministre Blaney. Le travail de ces experts confirme de nouveau l’engagement du gouvernement du Canada à recourir aux études et analyses les plus récentes lorsqu’il est question de la santé des vétérans. »

Vous pouvez lire le rapport Uranium appauvri et les anciens combattants canadiens ou obtenir des renseignements sur les activités de recherche, les bénéfices, les services et les programmes d’Anciens Combattants Canada en consultant veterans.gc.ca.

- 30 -

Demandes des médias :

Janice Summerby
Conseillère, Relations avec les médias
Anciens Combattants Canada
Téléphone : 613-992-7468

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Attaché de presse
Cabinet du ministre des Anciens Combattants
Téléphone : 613-996-4649

Autres demandes :
information@vac-acc.gc.ca

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/pdf/Reports/scientific-advisory/2013-du-veterans_f.pdf

 

 

 

 

Sylvain Chartrand CD ResF

Director Information Management & Information Technology  / Directeur Gestion de l’Information & Technologies de l’information

Director Client Services Québec / Directeur des services aux client du Québec

Canadian Veterans Advocacy - Groupe de défense des intérêts des anciens combattant canadien

veteran_advocate@canadianveteransadvocacy.com

 

Main Web Page | Notre page internet  http://www.canadianveteransadvocacy.com/index.html 

FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CdnVetsAdvocacy/ 

FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianVeteransAdvocacy

FaceBook Page FRANCHOPHONE: Groupe de défense des intérêts des anciens combattants canadiens

Discussion Forum | Forum de discussion http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php  

Document Repository | Dépôt de documents http://www.scribd.com/Canadian_Veterans_Ad

 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Laureen Harper makes rare public appearance at Calgary fundraiser for military members and families

Laureen Harper makes rare public appearance at Calgary fundraiser for military members and families

 

By Trevor Howell, Calgary Herald February 2, 2013

 

http://www.calgaryherald.com/touch/story.html?id=7908187

 

When Laureen Harper makes a rare public appearance on her home turf and throws down an even rarer challenge to Calgary’s corporate jet set, people tend to show up and listen.

 

Harper, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, spoke Friday night to a small, yet influential crowd of this city’s business, political and philanthropic leaders to throw their weight behind a planned fundraiser in Calgary for Canada’s military men and women and their families.

 

Established in 2009, the True Patriot Love Foundation has raised more than $14 million for Canadian Forces members, veterans and their families. Each year the foundation has hosted a fundraising dinner in a Canadian city.

 

It raised more than $2.3 million at its annual Tribute Dinner last year in Toronto and aims to surpass that benchmark at this year’s event in Calgary slated for Oct. 9.

 

“This is a great cause,” said Laureen Harper. “This is a way for ordinary Canadians to give back to provide support for military members and their families. They sacrifice so much, the least we can do is buy a seat at a banquet.”

 

According to the foundation’s website, its vision is to “permanently bridge the military and civilian worlds, to ensure always that our Canadian Forces men and women have private dollars at their disposal to address the various gaps inevitably left unfunded by government.”

 

The organization focuses its funding and efforts into three categories: mental health and well-being, physical health and rehabilitation, as well as family health and support.

 

Michael Burns, vice-chair of the foundation, encouraged the dozens in attendance to sign up or encourage the companies they work for to book tables for October’s dinner.

 

“We’re here because our Canadian military, veteran and families need us,” said Burns. “We do a really good job in this country of celebrating success, whether it’s in business or entertainment or sports, but we don’t do a lot to recognize and support those who sacrifice the most for this country.”

 

He said this year’s dinner in Calgary is “a real opportunity for Calgary to step up” and support Canada’s military members and their families.

 

Harper said the event and the foundation can help rebuild the connection between the nation’s military members and regular civilians.

 

“You feel for people you know, and if you don’t know soldiers and their families, you can’t connect,” she said.

© Copyright (c) Calgary Herald

War veterans say meditation could solve PTSD

Agence France-PresseFebruary 4, 2013 21:30

 

US war veterans on Monday suggested meditation to help heal the post-war mental disturbances that afflict a growing number of American soldiers, including possibly the ex-Marine who gunned down the country's most famous sniper over the weekend.

 

Meditation might sound an unlikely activity for men trained in killing people and blowing things up in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

But Luke Jensen, a former undercover police officer who fell apart mentally on arrival in Afghanistan, said that after trying to commit suicide in front of his family, he agreed to try transcendental meditation -- and was saved.

 

"There's a lot of coping methods out there that are offered to our veterans. This needs to be one of them," the heftily built man said in a shaking voice at a meeting of the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes meditation for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Jensen said he has since taken a job in the government's Department of Veterans Affairs, helping other stressed out vets. Just two weeks ago, one of those he worked with committed suicide.

 

Transcendental meditation "needs to be implemented. It needs to be an option," Jensen told the panel in New York.

 

After years of being a little-talked about subject, PTSD is increasingly acknowledged as a mental health epidemic in the United States and one of the less easily quantifiable costs of America's wars on the other side of the world.

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that PTSD occurs in between 11 and 20 percent of veterans from the Afghan and Iraq wars, and in 31 percent of Vietnam war veterans.

 

Although combat is commonly assumed to be the main cause of PTSD, simply witnessing the effects of bombings, for example, or the stress of being in a hostile country, are also blamed.

 

Another major source of PTSD, though less often discussed, is what the government calls military sexual trauma. Veterans Affairs figures show that 23 percent of women report sexual assault in the ranks, while more than half have experienced sexual harassment.

 

The most frightening result associated with PTSD is the rising number of suicides, which now run at 22 a day among military veterans, according to a government study released last week.

 

And the problem is no less alarming among active duty soldiers, with a record 349 killing themselves in 2012 -- more than were killed by the Taliban or other enemy in the field.

 

In the latest incident to highlight the violence engulfing former soldiers, an ex-Marine in Texas was accused Saturday of shooting dead another veteran who had devoted himself to helping comrades adjust to peaceful life.

 

Adding to the shock value, the victim, Chris Kyle, was an author of a best-selling book about his former exploits as a sniper with 150 confirmed kills.

 

In the effort to address the problem of PTSD, meditation is an outlier.

 

However, early studies show remarkable success, and demand is growing, advocates at filmmaker Lynch's foundation said.

 

Transcendental meditation involves entering "a state of rest in many cases deeper than sleep," said Bob Roth, executive director of the David Lynch Foundation. "This allows deeply rooted stresses to be dissolved."

 

Retired rear admiral Richard Schneider, president of the private military institute Norwich University, said tests showed that cadets using the techniques increased focus in class and were better "emotionally prepared."

 

The meditation instructor, a chisel-faced air force veteran called David Zobeck, said a stigma long attached to meditation was evaporating among students, who are preparing for careers as officers.

 

"They're not getting the weird stares anymore," he said.

 

Jerry Yellin, a fighter pilot in World War II who spoke of losing comrades and making dangerous missions in the bloody Pacific theater, said he began suffering nightmares, then behavioral problems on return home at a time when PTSD was rarely discussed.

 

"The hard stuff began in my life, because I didn't sleep," he said. "I had an addiction that ruled my life."

 

Meditating, he said, "got my life back 100 percent."

 

sms/nss

 

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130204/war-veterans-say-meditation-could-solve-ptsd

Monday, February 4, 2013

Government moves to lift veil after ombudsman says vets 'kept in dark' when applying for disability benefits


By Lee Berthiaume, Postmedia News February 4, 2013 8:09 PM



OTTAWA — The Harper government unveiled new measures Monday to help serving and retired military and RCMP members seeking disability benefits after an ombudsman found veterans’ rights were being violated through a bureaucratic push for greater efficiency.

Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney said officials have been directed to be more inclusive after veterans’ ombudsman Guy Parent slammed what he called an “unfair” process that keeps veterans “in the dark” when applying for a disability benefits.

“To best serve veterans, we are making the right decision as quickly as possible,” Blaney said in a statement. “Veterans can be assured that every application is reviewed and fully considered to ensure a fair outcome.”

Parent, however, said only time will tell whether the changes will make a difference.

“A plan is just a plan until there is action,” he said in an interview.

In a report tabled in Parliament on Monday, Parent found Veterans Affairs officials have taken it upon themselves to collect information for retired and serving military personnel and Mounties applying for disability assistance.

This includes gathering service and health records taken from Library and Archives and Canadian Forces bases across the country or RCMP headquarters.

Officials also routinely flag aspects of an applicant’s service and health history before the information arrives on an adjudicator’s desk, Parent found, even though they don’t have the authority to do so.

The idea was to speed up the application process and make the veterans’ disability system more efficient, Parent says, but the result actually undermines an applicant’s right to a fair and impartial hearing.

“Efficiency and effectiveness cannot take away the rights of an individual,” Parent told Postmedia News, “and that’s very important.”

The ombudsman found veterans and serving members are not told by officials what information is being considered when an adjudicator is deciding whether to approve their disability pension requests.

“We were also informed (by officials) that operational practice is to not consider service and health records if they are supplied by applicants,” his report reads.

This is directly at odds with the law, which states that it is an applicant’s responsibility to provide information backing a request for disability benefits.

Parent also found that the practice of flagging files “may introduce bias” into the process.

The ombudsman acknowledged Veterans Affairs has a responsibility to ensure information included in a disability benefits application is accurate and not tampered with, and that there are other cost and time advantages to having officials collect records themselves.

However, he said the practice of not telling applicants what information has been gathered and refusing to consider records from applicants themselves effectively shifts responsibility for providing evidence to support a claim from the veterans, as intended by the law, to bureaucrats.

“The application process is one of the most important steps that a veteran can take so they can obtain benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada,” Parent said. “And although a process can be efficient and it can be effective, it needs to be fair as well.”

Blaney welcomed Parent’s report and said a number of changes will be made to the process to make sure veterans aren’t excluded from the application process, and that they know what information is being considered in deciding whether to grant them benefits.

At the same time, Blaney defended the government’s record, noting that 74 per cent of the 33,000 applications for disability benefits received last year were approved the first time around.

A spokesman confirmed, however, that the figure was 85 per cent after appeals were factored in, which means more than 3,000 applications were initially rejected but ended up being overturned.

Parent said he took issue with the assertion that more than 70 per cent of applicants have received a “favourable decision.”

“The unfortunate part is the veterans never knew the evidence in front of the board, so it’s pretty hard to comment on whether a decision is right or not,” he said.

“ ‘Favourable’ is a strong word because in some cases a decision might be considered favourable by the department but might not be up to the expectations of the applicant who expected maybe a higher percentage of a pension.”

And he added that while disclosure of information to applicants may require a bit more time at the beginning of the process, the overall process will be more efficient by reducing the need for reviews and appeals.

lberthiaume@postmedia.com

Twitter:/leeberthiaume
© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

Read more: http://www.canada.com/Government+moves+lift+veil+after+ombudsman+says+vets+kept+dark+when+applying+disability+benefits/7914620/story.html#ixzz2Jz6AnupW

 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Veteran called 'traitor' in note on car

8:10 pm, February 1st, 2013

SARAH FERGUSON | QMI AGENCY

WELLAND, Ont. -- After having coffee at a doughnut shop, Ken Hallett walked outside to his Toyota-made Lexus to head for home.

His daily routine of stopping at the Welland, Ont., coffee shop went from being pleasant to hurtful when he saw a typed note left on the windshield of his car.

The 85-year-old Korean War Veteran told was shocked by the letter that branded him a "traitor" for driving a foreign car. The letter suggested to Hallett that buying foreign cars and "screwing on a veteran plate is a slap in the face" for the men and women who have served for Canada.

"This is hate literature. We (as veterans) fought for our right to freedom and for freedom of speech," Hallet said.
Those rights include proudly displaying veteran status on any car a person chooses to drive.

The veteran said he didn't know who would prepare such a letter nor does he understand why someone would write it.
At least one other veteran in the Welland area has also been tagged.

Hallet pointed out Toyota has manufacturing plants in Canada.

"The public should know what's going on, and whoever is doing it (writing these letters) should have second thoughts about what they are writing," Hallett said.

Niagara Regional Police Const. Derek Watson, referring to the note placed on Hallett's windshield, said, "From a police perspective there is no offence."

However, the NRP spokesman said, "If the recipient feels they are being continuously targeted and are feeling harassed they are encouraged to call the police."

 

More Defence Budget Restraints Being Passed On Down The Chain

A Defence Watch reader reports that DND is considering de-linking rations with quarters. Here is what he writes:

 

“When on course, pers would have to pay for their rations – this is unfair as most quarters don’t allow pers to bring and cook their own food – the charges for rations at CFB Halifax, Juno Tower are, $7/breakfast, $15/lunch and $16/supper. Some courses can run into the months, the French course is a year . . . More budget restraints are being passed on down the chain.”

 

Source: More Defence Budget Restraints Being Passed On Down The Chain

Canadian Forces can't compete with oilsands salaries

Canadian Forces can't compete with oilsands salaries

CBC News

Posted: Feb 2, 2013 12:30 PM MT

Last Updated: Feb 2, 2013 1:53 PM MT

Video Content

Energy competes with army1:58

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What kind of military can Canada afford?

The Canadian Forces is finding it difficult to attract new recruits in Alberta, where a thriving energy sector is competing for the same demographic of skilled young people.

Canadian Forces Capt. Isabelle Jean said military pay doesn't match the range of pay available to oil and gas workers.

"The people that are going into the oilfield, we are competing with them on a salary basis, basically, so we can't compete with that," Jean said.

Last year, the Edmonton detachment recruited 254 regular force personnel from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and the North. Of those who sign up, fewer than 50 per cent are accepted.

Jean says the pitch to young people is increasingly one that highlights career flexibility.

"They can come in, get the skills. And [if] they realize that the military is not made for them then they can go back in the civilian industry and still have those skills," she said.

On Friday, a small crowd gathered at Edmonton Canada Place Service Canada Centre to witness the swearing in of new recruits — just two of them.

Andrei Suba, 22, said it was initially a tough choice to leave his home and his friends, but now he says he's glad to be joining the exclusive group that serves this country.

New recruit Andrei Suba is sworn into the Canadian Forces. He was one of only two new members joining in Edmonton Friday. (CBC)

"I'm definitely ready. I'm so excited to start. I've been waiting a long time for this," he said.

Suba's father served in Romania's air force before coming to Canada, and the family tradition is part of what swayed him away from heading north to the oilsands for quick cash.

"It's money, at the end of the day but also at the end of the day, it's serving your country and there's no better feeling," Suba said.

The two newest members of Canada's military ship out Saturday.

 

Friday, February 1, 2013

PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 - RELATED HEALTH SERVICES

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA (VAC)

PROGRAM OF CHOICE (POC) 12 – RELATED HEALTH SERVICES
(MASSAGE THERAPISTS)

FREQUENCY CHANGE – ALL PROVINCES

December 2011

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) would like to advise you of a change in the benefit for Massage Therapy under Program of Choice (POC) 12 – Related Health Services (Massage Therapists).

249432 MASSAGE THERAPIST – VISIT

Effective January 1st, 2012, the limit for the benefit code described above will change from $800/CY to 15 one-hour sessions per calendar year. Providers will be reimbursed their usual and customary charges per hourly session up to the maximum rate as indicated on the benefit grid.

Pre-Authorization
Effective March 2011, you no longer need to request an authorization number on a yearly basis for most clients, as this benefit now only requires pre-authorization the very first time a client accesses the benefit. In most cases, you will only need to provide verification that a physician’s prescription has been obtained on a yearly basis. If a client is expected to require more sessions in one calendar year, you must request authorization from the VAC Treatment Authorization Centre (TAC).

In order to avoid delays in payment, it is important to request authorization for additional sessions as soon as it is evident they will be required.

Please communicate this information to the members of your association. Members may direct their inquiries to their regional Blue Cross office by calling toll free 1-888-261-4033.

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

Two More Fammlies Speak out Against: Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

Sunnybrook. Feb 1 Another family speaks out.

Attached is two more letters I have received from sisters who's father is at Sunnybrook that they have encouraged me to share.

I would note that families or veterans are welcome to speak out on there own behalf but I am very uncomfortable allowing Sunnybrook, as a vested interest, promoting their letters.

Should any family member who's father or mother is a resident as Sunnybrook, past or present, have issues they would like to discuss with me or letters they would like to address, please contact me through the CVA website. Or post direct, as long as the letters are in conformance with the Code of Conduct rules// send a letter by post with permission for me to scan and post in your name.

Sisters testimony

January 30, 2013

Mr. Michael Blais, President
Canadian Veterans’ Advocacy

Dear Michael,

Thank you for listening to my story over the phone yesterday.
I would like to note that we spoke about my 87 year-old father who is on the third floor of the Sunnybrook Veterans’ Residence.
When my father, John, arrived at Sunnybrook Veterans’ Residence on April 3, 2012, he was unable to walk but could talk.

Within a short period of time, with the help of physiotherapy and a positive atmosphere as compared to a general hospital, or home care, he was mobile in a wheelchair. He still has his genuinely caring personality and sense of humour as he always had earlier in his life. With great pleasure we saw him, once again, play the piano.

Sadly, this past Boxing Day, my father suffered a stroke.

Now he cannot speak and is paralyzed on his right side and on one side of his mouth.

The nurses now have more work to do with my father.

Consequently, we have noticed lapses in his care, such as being left in a wheelchair for how many hours?

I found my father this past Saturday night lying on his bed without his undergarments or covers and a diaper beside him which he had removed. Both of his roommates were sound asleep but one of their televisions was blaring.

My father would be mortified at the indignity if we ‘had him back’.
Having made my concerns known at a ‘families’ meeting and privately to the Manager, Patient Care and Safety, I will be interested to see what happens.

Regards,
MQ

January 30, 2013

Mr. Michael Blais,
President, Canadian Veterans’ Advocacy

Dear Michael,

I am writing to you about the noticeable difference for the worse, on the third floor of the Sunnybrook Veterans’ Residence; my Dad’s floor.

My 87-year-old Dad had a stroke on December 26, 2012. Before that, he had made great progress. He went from zipping around in his wheelchair to now being dependent on the nurses for all his needs. He is paralyzed on his right side and his mouth droops on one side.

There have been times that I was uneasy about his handling since he is now a stroke patient and has dementia. I understand that there is a certain way to handle paralyzed limbs in a stroke victim.
As well, recently, the woman we have hired to be my Dad’s companion was ‘reprimanded’ by the nurse on duty for an imagined wrongdoing!

The Manager of Patient Care and Safety was notified the next day and is looking into this awful occurrence.

Well, we shall see the outcome, Michael!

Yours truly,
SR

 

CF Appreciation - Free Tax Software for CF Community

H&R Block is once again pleased to offer their online tax software program free to members of the CF Community!... http://t.co/S7nzRKZK

H&R Block is proud to support the military
 
H&R Block is once again pleased to offer their online tax software program free to members of the CF Community. Please note – in order to gain access to this offer, members must have their CF Appreciation Program Membership Card. Note that the distribution process is slightly different this year. Simply go to http://www.hrblock.ca/military/index.asp. and enter your CF Appreciation Membership number in the designated field. You will be given a unique H&R Block discount code. Use this unique code when ordering your software download Just click the “Download Now” button to begin your order. An email will be sent to you after your order with the download link and the activation key.

The software should be downloaded on the computer you intend to use to complete your tax return. Only 1 download per CF Appreciation membership number is allowed.

In addition, members can visit their local H&R Block locations and receive 10% off their tax return preparation costs for Complex and Premier returns only. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. You must present your CF ID or CF Appreciation Membership card at participating H&R Block office. Spouse must file with the member in order to be eligible for the discount. Applies to regular personal tax preparation cost only (cash back returns not included).

Valid at only participating H&R Block offices in Canada. If H&R Block makes any error in the preparation of your tax return that costs you any interest or penalties on additional taxes due, although we do not assume the liability for the additional taxes, we will reimburse you for the interest and the penalties.

If you require client support from H&R Block please call 1-800-HRBLOCK (1-800-472-5625).