Canadian Veterans Advocacy

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

New announcement: Military Veterans get increased access to government jobs

Military Veterans get increased access to government jobs
Military Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel get increased access to federal public service jobs

Les vétérans militaires ont dorénavant un accès accru aux emplois du gouvernement
Les membres et les vétérans des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) obtiennent un accès accru aux emplois dans la fonction publique fédérale

June 30, 2015 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada

The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs announced today that the Veterans Hiring Act (Bill C-27) comes into force tomorrow, July 1, 2015.

The Veterans Hiring Act makes it easier for Canadian Armed Forces personnel who are leaving the military to secure jobs in the federal public service. It does so by amending the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA)—the Act which governs the federal public service staffing process.

Starting on Canada Day, eligible military Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel will have increased access to jobs with the federal government.

Quick Facts

• Canadian Armed Forces Veterans whose medical release is attributable to military service are eligible for up to five years of statutory priority hiring status in the federal public service.
• Statutory status provides the highest level of priority in the hiring process.
• Canadian Armed Forces Veterans whose medical release is not due to a service-related injury or illness are eligible for up to five years of regulatory priority hiring status in the federal public service, an increase from the current two years.
• Canadian Armed Forces Veterans who honourably release with at least three years of military service will now receive preference in externally advertised public service employment processes.
• Still-serving Canadian Armed Forces personnel and military Veterans who honourably release with at least three years of military service will now be able to view and apply for internally advertised public service employment processes.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is keeping its commitment to help military Veterans thrive while making the transition to civilian life. With the coming into force of the Veterans Hiring Act, we have moved one step closer to achieving this goal. The federal public service will benefit from having more military Veterans join its ranks. Canadian Armed Forces Veterans bring more to the table than a set of valuable skills; they bring dedication, loyalty and integrity to all they do."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"Those who wear the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces serve Canada with loyalty, pride, and a commitment to excellence. The Government knows Veterans will continue to exhibit these qualities after their time in the Forces is complete. That is why we are encouraging them to join the federal public service."
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence


Related Products

• Bill C-27
• News Release – Harper Government Improves Veterans' Access to Federal Public Service Jobs
• News Release – Government of Canada Announces Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans
• Backgrounder – Priority consideration for federal public service jobs for medically released Veterans with a service-related injury
• Backgrounder – Improved Access to Federal Public Service Jobs for Veterans


Associated Links

• Infobytes – Hiring Veterans in the Government of Canada
• Hire a Veteran
• Priority Job Appointment in the Public Service

Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to ensuring Veterans are treated with the care, compassion and respect they deserve. Veterans and their families are at the centre of everything VAC does.

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Contacts

Martin Magnan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-992-7468

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Communiqué
Pour diffusion immédiate

Les vétérans militaires ont dorénavant un accès accru aux emplois du gouvernement
Les membres et les vétérans des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) obtiennent un accès accru aux emplois dans la fonction publique fédérale

Le 30 juin 2015 – Ottawa – Anciens Combattants Canada

L'honorable Erin O'Toole, ministre des Anciens Combattants, a annoncé aujourd'hui que la Loi sur l'embauche des anciens combattants (le projet de loi C 27) entrera en vigueur demain, soit le 1er juillet 2015.

La Loi sur l'embauche des anciens combattants facilite l'accès à des emplois dans la fonction publique fédérale pour le personnel des Forces armées canadiennes en voie de libération, en modifiant la Loi sur l'emploi dans la fonction publique (LEFP), la loi qui régit le processus de dotation au sein de la fonction publique fédérale.

À compter de la fête du Canada, les vétérans militaires et les membres des Forces armées canadiennes admissibles auront un meilleur accès aux emplois au sein du gouvernement fédéral..

Faits en bref

• Les vétérans des Forces armées canadiennes libérés pour des raisons médicales attribuables au service militaire ont un droit de priorité d'embauche statutaire au sein de la fonction publique fédérale pour une période maximale de cinq ans.
• Grâce à la priorité statutaire, les vétérans bénéficient du plus haut niveau de priorité dans le processus d'embauche.
• Les vétérans des Forces armées canadiennes dont la libération pour des raisons médicales n'est pas liée à une blessure ou à une maladie attribuable au service bénéficient d'un droit de priorité d'embauche réglementaire dans la fonction publique fédérale pour une période maximale de cinq ans, une période plus longue par rapport à la période actuelle de deux ans.
• Les vétérans des Forces armées canadiennes libérés honorablement, qui ont cumulé au moins trois années de service militaire se verront maintenant accorder la préférence dans le cadre des processus de nomination externes de la fonction publique.
• Les membres actifs des Forces armées canadiennes et les vétérans libérés honorablement qui ont cumulé au moins trois années de service pourront maintenant voir les offres d'emploi internes annoncées à la fonction publique et postuler à ces emplois.

Citations

« Le gouvernement du Canada tient sa promesse d'aider les vétérans militaires à bien réussir leur transition au civil. L'entrée en vigueur de la Loi sur l'embauche des anciens combattants est un pas de plus dans cette direction. La fonction publique fédérale tirera profit du fait que des vétérans joindront ses rangs. Les vétérans des Forces armées canadiennes apportent plus que de précieuses compétences. Tout ce qu'ils font, ils le font avec dévouement, loyauté et intégrité. »
L'honorable Erin O'Toole, ministre des Anciens Combattants


« Ceux et celles qui portent l'uniforme des Forces armées canadiennes servent le Canada avec loyauté, fierté et un engagement à l'égard de l'excellence. Le gouvernement sait que les vétérans continueront à démontrer ces qualités après leur service dans les Forces. C'est pour cela que nous les encourageons à se joindre à la fonction publique fédérale. »
L'honorable Jason Kenney, ministre de la Défense nationale

Produits connexes

• Projet de loi C-27
• Communiqué de presse – Le gouvernement Harper améliore l'accès des vétérans aux emplois offerts dans la fonction publique fédérale
• Communiqué de presse – Le gouvernement du Canada annonce la priorité d'embauche pour les vétérans blessés
• Document d'information – Changements apportés au droit de priorité d'embauche dans la fonction publique des vétérans libérés pour raisons médicales attribuables au service
• Document d'information – Accès amélioré des vétérans aux emplois offerts dans la fonction publique fédérale

Liens connexes

• Infobulles – Embauche de vétérans au gouvernement du Canada
• Embauchez un vétéran
• Placement prioritaire dans la fonction publique

Anciens Combattants Canada tient à s'assurer que les vétérans sont traités avec la bienveillance, la compassion et le respect qu'ils méritent. Les vétérans et leurs familles sont la raison d'être d'ACC.

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Personnes-ressources

Martin Magnan
Attaché de presse
Cabinet du ministre des Anciens Combattants
613-992-7468

Relations avec les médias
Anciens Combattants Canada
613-992-7468

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You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=15718.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Monday, June 22, 2015

New announcement: Standing Committee on VAC - Continuum of Transition Services June 16th

General framework for the study

When members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are ill or injured, whether or not the injury or illness is service-related, they may be medically released if their condition causes their long-term inability to be deployed with their unit. This release also means that responsibility for the member's rehabilitation and compensation will be transferred from the Department of National Defence (DND) to other stakeholders, in particular, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP). The process that begins the moment a member becomes ill or injured can be complex, and the programs established to support the member's transition are numerous. As a result, it can be difficult for members, veterans and the public to navigate them, and misunderstandings may arise.

With this study on the continuum of services, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs wishes to determine the key steps in this process, identify the programs available to serving members, veterans and their families at each of these steps, and establish an outline of the respective responsibilities of the various parties involved. The Committee hopes that this study will help point up the stronger and weaker points along this continuum in order to facilitate a sound transition to civilian life for injured members.

This document provides an overview of the transition process based on testimony heard from witnesses during the seven meetings the Committee held on this topic between February 26 and April 23, 2015. Its purpose is to outline the steps and time frames of the transition process and to highlight the issues identified by witnesses. The continuum of transition services is divided into three phases:
• The period starting when an injury or illness appears and ending when the decision is made to release a CAF member for medical reasons;
• The period between the decision to release a CAF member for medical reasons and the actual release;
• The adjustment period, of approximately two years following the release, and during which Veterans Affairs Canada services replace those provided by the Canadian Armed Forces.

The purpose of this report is not to provide another review of all the programs and services that Veterans Affairs Canada can offer to veterans; rather, it is to highlight the lesser-known elements of the transition process, such as what programs are available from the Canadian Armed Forces before the Veterans Affairs Canada programs take effect, what coordination measures are taken by both departments during the transition process, and what initiatives are available through third-party organizations that complement government measures.

Report 6 - Continuum of Transition Services (Adopted by the Committee on June 16, 2015; Presented to the House on June 18, 2015) http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=8049069&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=2&File=9


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Cadre général de l'étude

Lorsqu'un militaire subit une blessure ou souffre d'une maladie, qu'elle soit liée à son service ou non, cela peut entraîner sa libération pour raisons médicales, si cette condition entraîne l'incapacité à long terme du militaire d'être déployé avec son unité. Cette libération signifie également un transfert des responsabilités touchant la réadaptation et la rémunération du militaire, les faisant passer du ministère de la Défense nationale (MDN) à d'autres acteurs, en particulier Anciens Combattants Canada (ACC) et le Régime d'assurance revenu militaire (RARM). Le processus qui se met en branle à partir du moment où un militaire subit une blessure ou devient malade est complexe, et les programmes visant à soutenir la transition des militaires blessés sont nombreux. Il peut donc être difficile pour les militaires, les vétérans et le public de s'y retrouver, et cela risque de causer des malentendus.

Grâce à cette étude sur le continuum de services, le Comité permanent des Anciens Combattants de la Chambre des communes souhaite identifier les principales étapes de ce processus, les programmes offerts aux militaires, aux vétérans et à leurs familles à chacune des étapes, ainsi que délimiter les grandes lignes des responsabilités respectives des différents acteurs impliqués. Le Comité espère que cette étude contribuera à mieux faire ressortir les zones de force et de fragilité le long de ce continuum de manière à faciliter la transition harmonieuse des militaires blessés vers la vie civile.

Le document qui suit présente un survol du processus de transition, à partir des témoignages recueillis au cours des sept réunions que le Comité a tenues sur ce sujet entre le 26 février et le 23 avril 2015. L'objectif est de donner un aperçu du déroulement chronologique de ce processus, et de souligner les enjeux que les témoins ont identifiés. Le continuum des services de transition est découpé en trois étapes :
• la période qui sépare l'apparition d'une blessure ou d'une maladie et la décision de libérer un militaire pour raisons médicales;
• la période entre la décision de libérer un militaire pour raisons médicales et la libération effective;
• la période d'adaptation d'environ deux ans qui suit la libération, et durant laquelle les services d'Anciens Combattants Canada prennent le relais de ceux qui étaient offerts par les Forces armées canadiennes.

L'objectif ne consiste pas à présenter une fois de plus toute la gamme des programmes et services qu'Anciens Combattants Canada peut offrir aux vétérans, mais d'insister sur les éléments moins connus du processus de transition. Cela comprend le rôle joué par les Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) avant que les programmes d'Anciens Combattants Canada ne soient offerts, les mesures de coordination mises en place par les deux ministères lors du processus de transition, ainsi que les initiatives offertes par des tiers qui viennent en soutien aux mesures gouvernementales.

Rapport 6 - Continuum des services de transition (Adopté par le Comité le 16 juin 2015; Présenté à la Chambre le 18 juin 2015) http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=8049069&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=2&File=9&Language=F

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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Monday, June 1, 2015

New announcement: Dangerous Déjà Vu for Veterans: Send the Omnibus Plate Back to the Chef By Sean

From Sean Bruyea, full transcript of Hill Times Article

Dangerous Déjà Vu for Veterans: Send the Omnibus Plate Back to the Chef

By Sean Bruyea

In a bizarre and never-ending déjà vu, government is ramming through Parliament the fourth piece of veterans' legislation in a decade. It is plainly bad legislation swallowed inside yet another budget omnibus bill.

The proposed veterans' programs are joined by a torrent of feel-good political announcements. Does the hype match reality?
Do the programs fill the identified gaps and address the evidence-based recommendations?

No and no. The proposed veterans' legislation should be sent back to the kitchen until what was ordered by veterans is finally served after 10 years of painful hunger.

Retirement Income Security Benefit

A new Retirement Income Security Benefit claims it will top up to 70% of what the veteran received from government prior to age 65. However this is based upon the veteran's income loss benefit which already reduces military salary to 75%. This income loss benefit is inadequately adjusted for inflation to a maximum of 2% since military release from 1953 onwards. In the past twenty years, inflation has been above 2% nine of those years. Seventeen of the previous 20 years were above 2%.

For example, veterans released in 1996 have had their earnings loss benefit increased by approximately 30% while military salaries have increased 80%.

The retirement benefit therefore equates to the veteran effectively receiving 52.5% of their military salary, inadequately adjusted for inflation. The Ombudsman, Guy Parent, was quick to endorse this program during a partisan political announcement. Yet, Mr. Parent's office clearly recommended a retirement benefit matching 70% of release salary, fully indexed for inflation.

The majority of veterans' groups active in advocacy, the ombudsman, VAC's own advisory groups and Parliament in 2010 have all repeatedly recommended that the 75% earnings loss benefit be substantively increased to anywhere from 90 to 100% of release income matching salary increases of a typical career of promotions. Civilian courts have been doing this for decades. Implementing this universally supported recommendation would result in a dignified income loss program which would in turn provide a dignified retirement benefit for our most injured veterans.
The consequence of government's repeated dismissal of this evidenced-based research and recommendation: a paltry payout from this proposed retirement benefit which will go to just 261 veterans with disabilities by 2020.

Family Caregiver Relief Benefit

The Family Caregiver Relief Benefit is another puzzling creation. Only 351 family members by 2020 will qualify out of the anticipated 6000 totally impaired and disabled veterans.

No veteran group, parliamentary committee, ombudsman or advisory group asked for a benefit in this form. What others have asked for is everything from matching the DND Caregiver Benefit which pays up to $36,500 over any 365 cumulative days to providing spouses of disabled veterans with their own benefit to compensate for lost income in their poorly appreciated efforts to care for their struggling veteran spouses. One of the easiest solutions would be merely to open up the existing attendance allowance program to all injured veterans. The proposed family caregiver benefit pays $7238 per year equivalent to the lower levels of attendance allowance which pays up to $21,151.44 annually.

Critical Injury Benefit

The Critical Injury Benefit will provide a one-time payment of $70,000 to Canadian Forces members and veterans "for severe, sudden and traumatic injuries or acute diseases that are service related, regardless of whether they result in permanent disability". Countless veterans have come forward telling us that disabling PTSD, traumatic brain injury or loss of organ function are being low-balled below the approximately $40,000 average lump sum payment for pain and suffering. How can government justify to veterans enduring lifelong disability that their pain and suffering merits far lower a payment than a veteran who temporarily suffered an injury?

This leads to the obvious question: from what obscure bureaucratic orifice did this proposal originate? Absolutely no one in the veterans' community, the ombudsman's office, parliament or advisory groups asked for this benefit. We know little of the criteria but we know it is highly restrictive: only two or three individuals per year will receive it from a totally disabled and permanently incapacitated population of 6000 veterans in 2020 and a current CF serving and veteran population of nearly 700,000 individuals.

How is this in any manner fulfilling Canada's obligation to all of our veterans and their families? It does not. Why did government not do what all have been asking: increase the amount of the lump sum benefit to at least match court awards for pain and suffering? Why have so much time and tears been expended by suffering veterans for a potpourri of political pretense grudgingly helping too few.

Canada's Obligation to Our Veterans and Their Families
We are inundated by slick PR campaigns and political photo shoots as to the importance of military service but when it comes to addressing shortcomings for those most in need, government delays, deflects and unfortunately dances on the suffering of our veterans and their families. Much of this rhetoric is centred upon how much Canada is indebted to our veterans and their families.

The new legislation proposes an obligation to our serving members, veterans and their families to provide "services, assistance and compensation". It is more encompassing than some previous legislation but all offer little substance and are mostly meaningless. To what end is this obligation? To rehabilitate, re-establish, to offer opportunity, well-being, quality of life, education, retraining, employment or provide a clear service standard?

Professing an obligation absence a goal is hollow at best.

Why does this proposed obligation only recognize assistance to injured members, veterans and their families? Is Canada not responsible for all veterans? The duty of the Minister in the Department of Veterans Affairs Act is "the care, treatment or re-establishment in civil life of any person who served in the Canadian Forces" and "the care of the dependants or survivors". At one time this included "retraining". Is all of this not what government keeps claiming the new veterans charter accomplishes but has so far abysmally failed to deliver?

Why the Legislation Should be Sent Back to the Chef

These programs if passed without substantive change will set dangerous precedent.

First, they create yet more classes and subclasses of inequity between veterans. Second, unnecessary programs result in more red tape and more work for overstaffed frontline workers when merely expanding and improving existing programs will do more. Third, they will encourage government to create discriminatory policy under a political facade while simultaneously dismissing evidence-based research and widespread consensus of those directly affected who truly understand the options available.

Finally, government's bullying with 'it's better than nothing' attitude intimidates an already subserviently indoctrinated military culture to accept paltry scraps to compensate for genuine sacrifice and life-altering disabilities. Caving into bullying disguised as sweet-talk effectively endorses shoddily concocted programs. This gives license to government again to do nothing for the next five, ten or more years to fix these abominations while government ignores a host of outstanding programs veterans and their families need now.

Veterans must realize they deserve what they need and have it delivered in a timely fashion. Why would anyone swallow that which was never ordered or a spoonful from the menu haphazardly fried up a decade ago? Veterans deserve to have the dish remade as requested. Isn't a fair and square meal the minimum that lifelong sacrifice deserves?

And let's stop hiding veterans, let alone any unrelated legislation, in omnibus bills or otherwise ramming veterans' programs through parliament.

Almost 120,000 Canadians have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands more have lived and continue to live with lifelong disabilities. They have done this to serve our nation in protecting democracy and its vital pillars of transparency, accountability and due process. Surely Parliament can do better for its veterans. Send the programs back to the chef.

Sean Bruyea, vice-president of Canadians for Accountability, is a retired Air Force intelligence officer and a frequent commentator on government, military, and veterans' issues.

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