Spring 2019 The Newsletter of the Beret The BLUE Spring 2019
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COVER PHOTO Front Cover || 27 March 2019,Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Corporal Shantz Hallman, a member of the Multina- tional Force and Observers (MFO), stands guard during 11 12 a training exercise at the MFO South Camp in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt during Operation CALUMET. Photo: Sergeant Vincent Carbonneau (IS02-2019-0008-026)
PUBLICATION ADVISORY DISCLAIMER made in association with the CPVA or with its consent. The Blue Beret Newsletter is an official publication of the Opinions expressed by contributors in The Blue Beret are To obtain permission for reproduction please email the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) reg- not necessarily those of the CPVA. An Editorial Review Editor at [email protected]. istered with Library & Archives Canada. Board reviews all articles for form and content. THE CANADIAN PEACEKEEPING PUBLISHING AUTHORIZATION FOR REPRODUCTION VETERANS ASSOCIATION The Blue Beret is published in May and November. We Unless otherwise indicated, the information contained Founded in 1991 by Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans welcome items of interest to Veterans. Articles should in The Blue Beret may be reproduced, in whole or in and federally incorporated in 1993, the Canadian be provided at least two weeks prior to the month of part, and by any means, without charge and without Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) is a national, publication and be submitted in electronic format. permission from the CPVA, provided reasonable due democratic, apolitical, non-profit, Veterans-only Please address queries, comments and articles to the diligence is exercised in order to ensure the exactitude of organization open to all Veterans. More on page 14. Editor at [email protected]. The Blue Beret is the information reproduced, that the CPVA is mentioned available on the CPVA website at www.cpva.ca. as the source organization, and the reproduction is not presented as an official version nor as a copy having been
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 1 LGen (Ret’d) Louis Cuppens Special Advisor Advocacy, CPVA Are Military/Veterans’ Suicides Casualties of War?
espite the urging by many, neither DND nor Veterans Affairs known that there were approximately 1800 wounded casualties DCanada have an accurate number of suicide casualties during that operation—but what is not known is how many that are related to Canadian military operations. Figures from mental injury casualties there were unreported/undiagnosed. the operations in the Balkans elude us, while figures from the In Nov 2016, the Globe and Mail reported that more than 70 Afghanistan are inaccurate. The inaccuracy stems from the fact veterans of the Afghanistan operations took their own lives. that Canadian military reservists are not included in figures released by both government departments. In this article I Much is made of the 158 number including on the recently place before you casualty and suicide numbers that have been installed memorial at National Defence Headquarters and VAC quoted in the media. posters. What of the others? Are the military/veterans ’suicides casualties of war? The answer has eluded Canadians in all of Commemoration and recognition are the way that Canada our post war/post operations periods. The answer is surely YES honours those who gave all. There is a ministerial advisory and this answer should be considered in the monument that group studying the question I posed but there has been no the government intends to erect in Ottawa. What say you? BB release of information to the public. It is gratifying to note that designated relatives of suicide casualties are now receiving the Memorial Cross as witnessed by the Legion’s designation of the “Silver Cross Mother” of 2018. The foregoing notwithstanding, PHOTO CREDITS Canadians still speak of the 158 fatal casualties of Afghanistan Page 1 || 21 May 2010; CFB/8 Wing Trenton. of which several were “in theatre” suicides. allbearers carry the casket of fallen soldier Colonel Geoff Parker from the CC-177 Globemaster aircraft to the awaiting hearse. Colonel Parker was killed during an There are reports that since our forces ceased combat opera- explosion caused by a suicide bomber, who attacked a NATO convoy in Kabul. tions in Afghanistan more than 155 suicides have occurred. It is Photo: Corporal Brandon O’Connel (TN2010-0258-06)
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 1 Donald MacPherson National President, CPVA CPVA Change of Command
fter 13 years as head of CPVA, Ray Kokkonen stepped down to a sustained public Aas President at this year’s Annual General Meeting held relations press by 22 May 2019 by teleconference. He’ll not be going far, however, municipal politicians to as he has taken up the duties of Treasurer from Lorne Cooney, any news media that who had been doing that task almost as long. would carry it, I think Toronto mayor John Tory In his place, after a decade as Secretary, I ran and was had the winning strategy acclaimed by the AGM as the new President of CPVA. I’d say that by going door-to-door Ray would be missed, but he’s been grooming me for this for with information about over a year now and he’s not by any means out of the picture the potential cuts, and yet. I’m sure he’ll relish the important role of Past President and his threat to levy an make it in his own image. extra “Doug Ford Tax” to property owners to Looking closely at the organization over the past year as ma BB ke up for the lost I prepared for this, I’ve noticed a few points where a fresh revenue. perspective might be helpful. CPVA already contributes greatly to the overall veterans community, so my only focus as Though the reprieve President is to find ways to do this better, more efficiently, and is only temporary and more effectively. the province insists that the cuts will carry through next year as planned, it shows the value of a widespread campaign targeting Mission: Advocacy politicians through popular opinion.
At the national level, the mission of CPVA is to advocate for But that is only part of the equation. Embarassing the the care and support of veterans and serving members. We government will only get you so far. We need to engage both have collected some of the best minds in the community to put the public and the government in ways to make both entities together well-researched discussion papers and present them see the value and wisdom of our concerns. A large part of this to government political and bureaucrativ entities. is showing how those concerns can be met by presenting winning strategies to the government. As a community, we have the inside knowledge on what it takes to defend this country and understand the cost that many As a nation-wide organization, CPVA can do a lot to help with of us have endured for doing it. Our role is to convince the veterans issues using these strategies. Politicians respond to government that those things we ask for in return are deserved public pressure and the more personal that pressure becomes, and fair. the more effective it can be. While a postcard, form letter or petition can help, many politicians may discount their value as By design, it takes a lot to move a government. Mostly that it’s really easy to get signatures or mass mailings. is to ensure that changes are not made capriciously when that government changes hands. We need a sustained and coordi- It seems the best way to reach a politician is through a nated effort to raise a concern that the public will want to side personal letter. They respond to the fact that it took time and with, so that the government will adjust its focus from the many committment to craft that letter. Together, a relatively small other issues on their radar and turn to ours. As well, we need number of personal letters can be worth more than a large to present the government with answers, with solutions, with number of petition signatures or postcards. Put that together practical methods of taking care of our concerns. with phone calls to constituency offices and face-to-face comments to politicians in their home ridings, we can demon- The structure of the political side of government is well-suited strate a strong sense of purpose that will get their attention. to respond to appropriate and sustained pressure from the public. In recent news, for example, the Ontario provincial government In addition, we need to gain allies both within and outside of of Doug Ford backed down on its endeavors to reduce already the veteran’s community. Our vets live in every municipality and approved and budgeted funding to municipalities. In addition Continued on page 3
2 The Blue | Spring 2019 | Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 3 New Command, Continued from page 2 Some of our chapters really stand out for their community service. In Newfoundland, the chapter works with schools by participate in every community activity, making it easier for us to developing the Junior Peacekeeper program, and with commu- tie the treatment of our veterans to issues at the local level. nities to commemorate various military events.
Over the next few months, having assumed the role of Our newest chapter, Southwest New Brunswick and Manitoba, Communications Director along with the Presidency, I will have chosen to help the disadvantaged in their communities redesign our website to work more efficiently across all devices through developing a lending library of medical equipment (computers, tablets, smart phones). At the same time, I will add and helping those in need however they can. interactivity options to open a discussion about the issues that we believe matter the most and which of those the origani- In Alberta, our comrades clean a stretch of the highway and zation should support. From there, we will collect the best ideas do a lot of good work helping sell poppies each year. and form a strategy to effect change at the political level. There’s no shortage of good projects who could use our help, This strategy will include action at the individual level, where and it benefits ourselves the most when we benefit others. you will be asked to contribute. We all went through the same I would like to push for each chapter to find a need in their experiences in uniform and know that only as a team are we community that they are willing to work for and find ways to effective at completing a mission. As a team, this organization contribute. In return, I will advertise their activities in print and can present a coherent and viable option to the government, on the Internet, and try to find ways that the association can and press for it at every level from parliamentary hearings to help them do good. summer BBQs in the constituency. Mission: Cameraderie Mission: Community Service Finally, it’s important that we keep active at the chapter level If there’s anything else that we know about right down to our to forge relationships with our own kind. Having meaningful core, it’s service to our communities. Not only did we all serve activities on a regular basis helps use keep focused and inter- our country no matter what was asked of us, many if not most ested in our surroundings. While most of us may have emerged of us will continue with a life of service in many guises. from our military careers content and stable, no small number of us have sustained damage that may not become apparent I wore the green beret of an army signaller for twenty for quite some time. years, but I was capable of wearing many hats. I worked with community theatre in a couple of my postings, bringing laughs The issue of suicide among present and former service- and entertainment to our communities. I’ve worked with young members is currently on the public’s radar, due to a series of people both in organized and impromptu settings, doing what such individuals taking this regretful action. It’s not enough I could to mentor and guide them through to adulthood, and for us as an organization to advocate for better care by the am still in contact with some of those now-adults. government and medical services in this regard, we need to become part of the solution. Locally, I’ve organized a group for pickup volleyball for the LGBT+ community for around a decade, and have helped out Chapters will be the bedrock of this initiative as they are most when graphics, signs, posters and banners were needed. directly connected to the membership in general. You must form friendships with your veteran neighbours, both within I’ve also worn the uniform of a firefighter for almost as long CPVA and in the community at large. Even when we were as my military uniform. Starting in a small town as a volunteer alone in a foxhole or OP out in the middle of nowhere, we were firefighter, I’m still answering the pager at all hours of the day comforted by the knowledge that others were situated to our and night when my community needs help. I’m a Captain now left and right, all watching out for each other. This team respon- with Kingston Fire & Rescue, with incident command and sibility never leaves us, and leaders at all levels must always take teaching responsibilities. charge of the mission to sustain the team, no matter the condi- tions or environment. My point, here, is that my experience is far from unique. Wherever you look, past or present military people are out in I look forward to engaging our membership to help keep their communities making a difference in ways large and small. CPVA alive and vibrant, and to accomplish the missions we have Once again, the team mentality inside us manifests itself in a undertaken for ourselves. Watch, and shoot! BB spirit of belonging to a group of beings larger than ourselves. When you join your local CPVA chapter, you add yet another group to your tribe, and I am all for going out to do good in your communities as a way of giving back.
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 3 Ray Kokkonen VAC Announces Site Past President & National Treasurer, CPVA for National Afghanistan Monument
eprinted here is an email from VAC announcing the approval Dear Stakeholders and Advisory Group members; Rof the site of the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan. Attached is a map of site in the LeBreton Flats We are pleased to advise that the National Capital Commission Board has area in Ottawa, east of and across the major road from the War approved the recommended site for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission Museum. in Afghanistan. The site, recently endorsed by the Commemoration Advisory Group members—the LeBreton Riverfront east of the Canadian War Museum (see map The Ministerial Commemoration Advisory Group (CAG), of attached)—was presented at today’s (June 20, 2019) meeting of the National which I’m a member, had previously recommended another Capital Commission Board to seek Federal Land Use Approval. With this approval, Ottawa site, Richard’s Landing, but for reasons unknown to CAG, Canadian Heritage, as project manager, will now launch the design competition it was not accepted. Following a recce in February, in which I phase of the project in the coming months. participated, the CAG unanimously chose the LeBreton Flats site and made the recommendation to the Minister of Veterans Thank you to the Commemoration Advisory Group members for their hard work Affairs. The reason that VAC is directly involved is that the $5 on this important file. The Commemoration Advisory Group, Afghanistan Veterans million funding for the memorial will come from VAC. and their families and other stakeholders will continue to be consulted on the Monument. The situation has been quite complex and continues as such because of the large number of stakeholders and jurisdictions Thank you for your ongoing engagement and participation. which include VAC, DND, Canadian Heritage, National Capital Region, City of Ottawa, etc., all with some form of authority in Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Team the matter. Veterans Affairs Canada [email protected] The site will be very nice with the backdrop of the water in the canal directly behind the monument, and will be easily accessed by the public. The holding of parades and other large gatherings was considered in making the decision about the site. The LeBreton riverfront - East of the Canadian War Museum / It is interesting to note that there was little or no public Les rives des plaines LeBreton – à l’est du Musée canadien de la guerre knowledge that the CAG had been working for the past four years to select a site for the national memorial. When the recent flap about the Kandahar monument being set in NDHQ and not being open to the public or even the families of the fallen soldiers took place, there was not a single statement from DND, CAF or the government in general which indicated knowledge that there was an ongoing project for a real national memorial. If such a statement had been made in the beginning, much public outcry could have been avoided. Why VAC did not get involved in the fray is not known.
I will provide updates as things progress. BB
4 The Blue | Spring 2019 | Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 5 Ray Kokkonen Ray Kokkonen Past President & National Treasurer, CPVA Past President & National Treasurer, CPVA CPVA Attends PSHCP Meeting
n 7 March, Pierre Allard attended a meeting on behalf of As has been previously reported, CPVA has had various OCPVA about the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) contacts and interactions with NAFR for some time. Most impor- with the leadership of the National Association of Federal tantly, Tim Sparling represents us in the NAFR-driven Canadian Retirees (NAFR) formerly known as FSNA. Pierre’s report about Coalition for Retirement Security, an organization which is the meeting is attached. Thank you Pierre for attending on our working hard to protect our pensions from changes which the behalf and for your usual professional reporting. Government has proposed. As well, NAFR has been conducting veteran-related information gathering, including town halls, Pierre’s report provides an interesting history of the evolution and has held a veterans summit which CPVA attended. The of the PSHCP since the 1960s. discussion about the PSHCP with the President and senior staff of NAFR is a continuation of our relationship with NAFR.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION WITH NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FEDERAL RETIREES (NAFR) / 7 MAR 2019
Representing the CPVA President, Ray Kokkonen, I met with Eventually, the Government forced a reorganization of the NAFR representatives on 7 March 2019 to discuss issues related plan under Federal Law, ie the Financial Administration Act. to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) at their request. A separate entity was created, an Administrative Authority to review appeals and provide statistics. Sun Life administered the In attendance were Jean Guy Souliere, President of the Board plan. Two plan renewals were negotiated with the 3 parties, the of Directors, Candance Javzac, Advocacy Coordinator and last one ending in 2011. However, Treasury Bard rejected the Jessica Searson, Health Care Advocacy and Policy Officer. last renewal and ordered a change in contributions to a 50% split between the government and contributors. Discussions centered around the renewal process of the PSHCP since the 1960s and the current governance model. In FSNA never signed up to the new arrangement and the mid 60s, the PSHCP was strictly an employee sponsored pursued redress at the Federal Court. It lost at first instance plan subject to collective bargaining. It was responsive to an and proceeded to appeal that decision. It is unlikely that the Advisory Committee which provided advice. FSNA (precursor to decision will be reversed. NAFR) was a member with observer status and the plan was in a surplus position with a 75% contribution by the government The three partners started to meet again in 2018. A technical and a 25% contribution by plan members. committee was formed to address the renewal process. Some findings of this committee are that as a result of cost increases In the late 90s, a decision was made to change the gover- in various drugs and increased needs of pensioners, the plan nance model to a more participatory mechanism. Unions and may become unaffordable and significant increases may be management would have more say in the decision making. anticipated. The last increase for this fiscal year was in the 2% to Pensioners would be represented by FSNA/NAFR at the request 6% of annual dues depending on category. of the government. After long negotiations, a decision was made that all three parties would have to approve proposed NAFR Board President made a pitch for all retirees, including changes. The plan was reviewed every 3 years. CPVA members, to join their organization to ensure a strong voice for their advocacy. We were also invited to visit their website to keep up to date with their advocacy (www.federal- retirees.ca).
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 5 Brian Forbes Chairman, National Council of Veteran Associations and Chairman, The War Amps Executive Committee Credibility and Integrity of the Prime Minister in Question with Veterans’ Community This article has been published on June 10, 2019 in the Hill Times, which has a Parlia- Opposition parties will have to declare mentary/senior bureaucratic exposure in the Ottawa political community –this piece themselves vis-à-vis their intentions as to will also be distributed to Ministerial and departmental officials, widely to veterans’ the reform of veterans’ legislation and the stakeholders, and throughout the veterans’ community. glaring disparity which exists in the current two-tier/three-tier compensation system.
It remains our position that Canadians should be made fully aware of the fact that In this context, it is to be noted that a fundamental tenet of the 2018-19 NCVA Legis- the Prime Minister has betrayed his 2015 election campaign promise made to the lative Program is the call for the adoption of the Ministerial Policy Advisory Group veterans’ community as this will undoubtedly have impact on the voting patterns of recommendations as presented to the Veterans Summit of October 2016 in Ottawa veterans and their families, in addition to other supportive Canadians, as we approach – the implementation of these proposals would go a long way to achieving a “one the October federal election. veteran–one standard” solution so as to address the basic discrimination and inequity found in the current legislation. I would also advise that we have been in contact with the leaders of the Opposition parties to elicit their position in regard to these outstanding veterans’ concerns – It will be our intent to continue our focus on this important subject as we enter into clearly, in our view, if there is indeed to be a competition for the veterans’ vote, the this election period. iven recent tumultuous events with respect to the resig- Well-Being Act disability benefits which disparity has been from Gnation of two prominent Federal Cabinet Ministers the outset at the fundamental core of the Class Action Claim. surrounding the conduct of the Government in relation to the SNC Lavalin matter and the significant political concerns It remains our position that there is much to do in improving emanating from the Vice Admiral Norman debacle, it is readily Veterans Legislation so as to address the financial and wellness apparent that the integrity and credibility of the Prime Minister requirements of Canada’s disabled veterans and their families. and his Government have been placed in serious question. This is particularly so with respect to the Pension for Life Provi- sions originally announced in December 2017 and emanating From the perspective of the Veterans’ Community, there from Bill C-74 Part IV. remains a substantial parallel concern. Not only has the Veterans Affairs Portfolio been negligently de-prioritized in this process, It is self-evident that only a circumscribed number of seriously but the Prime Minister has also betrayed a formal commitment disabled veterans and their survivors may benefit from the new he specifically made to Canada’s Veterans and their families legislation when compared to the level of entitlement available during the 2015 election campaign. under the present New Veterans Charter/Veterans Well-being Act — some seriously disabled veterans are actually worse off. In the context of the Equitas Class Action Lawsuit, the Prime However, the greater majority of disabled veterans will not be Minister made a promise to Canada’s Veterans that should his materially impacted by the legislation in that the new benefits party be successful, it would not be necessary for the disabled under these legislative and regulatory amendments will have veterans to continue such a lawsuit as his Government would limited applicability. re-establish Life Long Pensions as an option to the Lump Sum Disability Award. It was clearly understood that this commitment This fails to satisfy the Prime Minister’s 2015 election would specifically address the basic discrimination that existed commitment to address the inequities and injustices in the between the Pension Act and the New Veterans Charter/Veterans New Veterans Charter and continues to ignore the “elephant in the room” which has overshadowed this entire discussion.
PHOTO CREDITS As stated in our many submissions to Veterans Affairs Canada Page 6 || Undated. (VAC) and Parliament, the Government has not met veterans’ From the NCVA website: https://ncva-cnaac.ca/en/about-us/executive Continued on page 7
6 The Blue | Spring 2019 | Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 7 Brian Forbes, Continued from page 6 It remained our hope through this period and more partic- ularly the 2019 Federal budget that VAC would be prepared to expectations with regard to this fundamental mandated consider changes to the legislation so as to make the Pension commitment to “re-establish lifelong pensions” under the for Life provisions more inclusive prior to its formal imple- Charter so as to ensure that a comparable level of financial mentation on April 1, 2019 and certainly prior to the October security is provided to all disabled veterans and their families election pursuant to the specific recommendations and over their life course. This financial disparity between the proposals contained in our 2018 Legislative Platform. Pension Act and Charter compensation has been fully validated by the recent Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report issued on Given the reality of a Federal Election in the Fall, a genuine February 21, 2019 which clearly underlines this longstanding opportunity still exists for a commitment to meaningful discrimination. improvement to the Legislation so as eliminate the blatant discrimination suffered by disabled veterans since the The National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada’s enactment of the New Veterans Charter in 2006. The alienation Legislative Program for 2018, unanimously approved by all of the Veterans’ Community in an election year does not make of our member-organizations at our Annual General Meeting for good politics, particularly given the perceived large swing in Toronto on November 23, 2018, states our fundamental vote of veterans to the Liberal Party in 2015, largely based on position in the following core recommendations: the Prime Minister’s campaign promises.
●●that VAC, working together with relevant Ministerial Advi- It will be of significant interest to the Veterans’ Community sory Groups and other veteran stakeholders, should think as to the positions to be adopted by the Government and “outside the box” by jointly striving over time to create a the Opposition Parties to remedy this longstanding injustice comprehensive program model that would essentially treat and inequity impacting Canada’s disabled veterans and their all veterans with parallel disabilities in the same manner as families. to the application of benefits and wellness policies — there- by resulting in the elimination of artificial cut-off dates that If the “one veteran — one standard” philosophy advocated arbitrarily distinguish veterans based on whether they were by VAC has any meaning, this glaring disparity between the injured before or after 2006. Pension Act and the New Veterans Charter/Veterans Well-being ●●that VAC needs to fully implement the Ministerial Policy Ad- Act benefits for disabled veterans requires that the Government visory Group recommendations presented to the Minister seize the moment and satisfy the financial needs of Canadian and the Veterans Summit in October 2016, with particular veterans and their dependants. The new legislation has missed emphasis on … utilizing a combination of the best provi- an opportunity to recognize that the longstanding social sions from the Pension Act and the best provisions from the covenant between the Canadian people and the Veterans’ New Veterans Charter/Veterans Well-being Act, producing a Community demands nothing less. BB form of lifetime pension in a much more realistic manner in order to secure the financial security for those veterans who need this form of monetary support through their lifetime.
Dealhack.ca: Canadian Military & Veteran Discount Guide We recently came across a website called Dealhack that � seems to provide a curated list of brands and services offering discounts to CAF members and veterans. They claim to verify each listing quarterly. Their website lists the discounts, and they SAVINGS TIPS & SHOPPING ADVICE provide a handy link to a PDF document of the same.
Canadian Military They break the discounts down into nine categories: discount & Veteran programs; vacation and travel; retail; transportation; enter- Discount Guide: tainment; health and fitness; pet and animal care; food and The Ultimate List restaurant; and technology. While we cannot endorse the website, it may prove to be of JUNE 12, 2019 · 13 MINUTE READ some benefit to bargain hunters. Good luck!BB
The Dealhack Canadian Military and Veteran Discounts List is the result of our quarterly survey of brands that offer discounts to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Every 3 months, our team independently verifies each and every discount on this list. We also add more brands to the list regularly when we come across them. Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 7
The list currently includes more than 80 brands conveniently broken down into 10 categories. You can also save or print the list to use as a handy reference.
Download the Canadian Military & Veteran Discounts List in PDF format here.
Note that in addition to the discounts listed below, many businesses offer informal discounts to military personnel and veterans across Canada. When buying something, always be sure to ask the store associate about whether or not they offer military or veteran discounts.
Go to: Discount Programs, Retail, Vacation & Travel, Transportation, Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Financial, Pet & Animal Care, Food & Restaurant, Technology
Discount Programs and Lists Annual Sam Sharpe Breakfast David Human 2nd Vice President, CPVA Each year, during Mental Health Week, the Hon Erin O’Toole continues to hold a Sam Sharpe Breakfast, an event that he and LGen (Ret’d) Senator Roméo Dallaire began in 2013 with the help of sponsors Wounded Warriors and Bell ‘Let’s Talk’. Two Members of Parliament raised and commanded battalions in World War I, LCol George Harold Baker (6th Hussars) and LCol Sam Sharpe (116th Battalion — Ontario County). LCol Baker was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres while LCol Sharpe succumbed to PTSD following the Battle of Passchendaele. Parliament erected a bust of LCol Baker in the Hall of Honour while LCol Sharpe’s tragic death went unrecognized by his fellow members of parliament. Through the efforts of the Hon Erin O’Toole this oversight has been corrected and a bust of Sam Sharpe will also be installed in the Hall of Honour. The Hon Erin O’Toole and CPVA 2nd Vice President David Hyman In November 1915 Sharpe organized the 116th Battalion and began recruiting men throughout Ontario County and commander. Sharpe’s widow, Mabel Edith Sharpe, unveiled a departed with his battalion on 23 July 1916. After training in memorial tablet to her husband. All of the mourners treated England, the battalion deployed to France in February 1917 and Sharpe as a causality of war. (Extracted from a booklet by Matt saw action at Vimy Ridge as part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Barrett, official historian with the Ontario Regiment Museum.) Division in April. By the end of October, the battalion had lost Each breakfast has a keynote address by a veteran. This year’s nearly 100 men and Sharpe sank into a deep depression and speaker was Major Dr Trevor Jain OMM, MSM, CD, MD, MSc who became incapable of commanding. He was hospitalized in spoke of his service as a pathologist while studying fourth-year England in January 1918 and returned to Canada in May. medicine and serving as an Infantry Reservist and being called out While convalescing at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montréal to conduct autopsies of bodies recovered from the 1998 Swiss Air he learned that he would not be returning to his battalion. disaster off Peggy’s Cove, NS. Over the years, this service resulted Unable to accept leaving his soldiers in battle he jumped to his in an Operational Stress Injury. His was a remarkable journey as death on the 25th of May. His sudden death shocked everyone evidenced by his biography, reproduced below. in Uxbridge and throughout Ontario County. He stressed “It is not how you fall… it’s how you get up” In June 1920, citizens gathered in the Uxbridge Methodist beginning with the recognition of your injury, the seeking of Church to pay tribute to the 116th war dead and their late assistance, and the importance of social support. BB
Major Dr Trevor Jain OMM, MSM, CD, MD, MSc received a military commendation for education and training of Canadian Armed Forces Medics. Dr. Jain grew up in the Annapolis Valley, Nova He holds subspecialty in Disaster Medicine and Scotia where he received his BSc from Acadia currently is completing his PhD in this area. He University in 1993. While still in high school Dr. Jain has taught Disaster medicine in Europe and in joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry Atlantic Canada and has been invited by the soldier. He continued his studies in Halifax where International Federation of Medical Students to he obtained his MD from Dalhousie Medical School. developed pre hospital module for their Disaster During medical school he was seconded by the Medicine Course. In May of 2012 he envisioned military for the Swiss Air Disaster to design, set up a BSc in Paramedicine degree for the Atlantic and run the morgue as the pathology operations region. Working with the Provincial Government officer. He was awarded the Meritorious Service of PEI, the University of Prince Edward Island and Medal of Canada for his efforts by the Governor Holland College the Program was sanctioned General in 1999. He attended Ottawa University where he with enrollment starting in 2017. He is the Medical Director for completed family medicine residency and joined the Royal Paramedicine Programs at Holland College and the Program Canadian Medical Service branch in 2001. Dr. Jain deployed to Director for the Degree Program in Paramedicine at UPEI. His multiple austere locations providing medical support to both latest research project involves the use of UAV’s during MCI’s. armed conflicts and humanitarian operations. It was here he He is an attending Emergency Physician at the Queen Elizabeth developed a keen interest in Disaster medicine. He completing Hospital. He continues to serve in the army as the 36 Canadian his dive medicine and flight surgeon qualification during his Brigade Group Surgeon and the Deputy Commanding Officer full time service with the army. He attended Queen’s University of the Prince Edward Island Regiment. He is a humble servant to completing 3 years of additional emergency medicine training. his wife Kara and a taxi driver to his beautiful daughters Sydney He recently returned from a Middle East deployment where he and Natasha.
8 The Blue | Spring 2019 | Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 9 Coffee Meeting with the VAC DM, March 2019 Ray Kokkonen Past President & National Treasurer, CPVA
he VAC Deputy Minister, General Walt The most recent session took place on TNatynczyk (Ret’d), holds a meeting with the 27 March 2019 and was special in that the “real” veterans organizations on a fairly regular new Minister of Veterans Affairs, Lawrence monthly basis. Tim Sparling and David Hyman MacAulay, attended a part of the meeting. take turns attending for CPVA, based on David Hyman, CPVA 2nd VP, attended on our availability. The meeting is called the Deputy behalf. His clear and comprehensive report of Minister’s Kaffeeklatsch. The meeting can the proceedings is reprinted here. Thank you be considered as one of the most important for your excellent work, David. I recommend venues for the veterans organizations to have that everyone read David’s report as it provides direct input to VAC and to receive information current information about veterans issues, from the source. particularly the Pension for Life benefits.BB
VAC Attendees:
●●Hon Lawrence MacAulay, Min VAC (30 minutes) “Pension For Life” dominated the remainder of the meeting. ●●General (Ret’d) Walt Natynczyk, Deputy Minister ●●Michel Dorion, ADM Services Michel Dorion is the implementor of the pay system (he’s the ●●Guy Gallant, COS Min VAC operator, not the policy guy). He knows that there will many unhappy recipients because PFL is adjusting increases to initial Representatives of Veterans Organizations lump sum payments and many veterans are expecting a “pot of gold” in addition to their lump sums. The roll out is the ●●Joe Sharp ( Ministerial Advisory Group on Policy) beginning of PFL project, not the end product. For instance, ELB ●●Wayne McCulloch (CAVUNP) 90 is at 114% and this adjustment will be incorporated in PLF. ●●Brad White (RC Legion) ●●Deanna Fimrite (ANAVETS) It is 95% ready for roll-out and his team of 680 persons are ●●Brian Forbes (NCVAC) working overtime to meet the 1 April implementation. ●●Randy Stowell (NATO Vets) ●●Mike McLennan (Gulf War Vets) The number of cases anticipated has been vastly exceeded as VAC is receiving 4,500 applications per month; they have The Minister arrived at the beginning of the meeting as he received 64,000 applications to-date. Streamlining has helped wished to meet the reps attending. After introductions, he the adjudications as there is no longer an attempt determine introduced himself as a VAC “retread” who was very keen to percentage of incapacity. Data shows that, for instance, learn where VAC had arrived at since his last participation. He amputees need a whole package of benefits. They will no is well-versed in the VAC world (better than the past several longer need to apply for wheelchairs, walkers, braces, etc., as ministers) and pointed out how important VAC HQ is to the the system uses AI to allocate these items to the applicant. PEI community. (As a politician, I bet he knows the name of MyVAC accounts will reflect one’s whole file with entitlements every veteran on PEI — I say this as he appears to be very well and the staffing of requests. Up until the recent federal budget informed on the issues.) He is an older minister and so knows there was no funding for the “MyVAC” project, it was a gun-tape how to communicate and isn’t trying to impress the boss as a McIver operation with stamp money from various office young keener. He has a genuine respect for veterans and very drawers. It is now a fully funded VAC Service Delivery Project. much enjoys meeting them. As more injuries are adjudicated, the associated benefits will be awarded as a package and not require constant applications On the go-around he asked if CPVA had any foreign veterans for additional benefits unless there are unusual requirements. in our CPVA communities. I didn’t know the answer but thought Benefits are awarded on NEEDS not WANTS. there might be some British members. Brad White pointed out that when you go to a Legion Branch for information you need to speak to a Service Officer (and they PHOTO CREDITS will need to receive extensive briefings on the PFL) because the Page 8 || Undated, photo contributed by David Hyman. usual person you meet is a “form filler” who helps you fill out Page 8 || Undated, photo and bio courtesy Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, any forms. Division of Emergency MedicalServices (link). Page 11 || Undated, VAC website (link). Continued on page 11
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 9 Tom Hoppe PBO Reports Former President, CPVA on Cost of Pension Regiemes
Over many years, I and many others have been saying the reason for the switch from the Pension Act to the NVC was a cost saving measure by the government, which was confirmed by a few ADMs and the DM of the day. The NVC does have some good initiatives, such as the rehabilitation program, but Section 3, the financial component, was far less generous than The cost differential the financial component of the Pension Act which this report between three confirms. regimes of Veterans Benefits I know many Veteran’s leaders have stated we will never go back to the Pension Act or the government has no interest in going back to the Pension Act. With this report, what would happen if leaders from the main veteran’s organizations would instead band together and say that we as veterans want to adjust the financial component of the NVC or PFL to reflect the financial component of the Pension Act? If all leaders would Ottawa, Canada 21 February 2019 change their voice to push the government in this election www.pbo-dpb.gc.ca year, then it would put the government in the position to or those who have not seen this report, the Parliamentary change. As we know, Treasury Board follows the direction of the FBudget Officer’s report compares the three pension systems, government in power. Pension Act, NVC and Pension for Life. As you will see in the report, every pension system has something to offer but the Should the leaders of veteran’s organizations and current Pension Act is the most generous of all three and also the most members on VAC policy committees continue to advocate for costly for the government.The Cost Differential Between Three Regimes of Veterans Benefits less in light of such a researched report then it will be a disad- vantage to all current andThe Cost future Differential veterans. Between Three RegimesBB of Veterans Benefits
Figure 3-1 Total Net Present Value of Lifetime Costs of Veterans Figure 3-5 Scenario 1: Average Client
Benefits by type of client ($ thousands)
$ Billions Veteran’s Characteristics $500 60 Date of Application: May 2019 50 Sex: Male $400 40 Age: 54 (Life expectancy: 28 years) $296 30 $300 Marital Status: Married
20 Dependent Children: No $200 10 Age at release: 29 $93 $95 0 Disability: 25% $100 Pension Act Veterans Well-being Act Pension for Life Grandfathered Pensioners Present Clients DEC: No Present Survivors New Entrants 2019-2023 CIA grade: N/A $- Pension Act Veterans Well-being Act Pension for Life Source: PBO calculations using data from VAC EIA grade: N/A Pension Act Source: PBO calculations using data from VAC. Notes: Dual clients have benefits included under the grandfatheredAA Grade: N/A pensioners category. The rest of their benefits is included under present clients. In this scenario,We estimate the projectedthat between lifetime, 2013 and net-of-tax 2018, the valueaverage of newbenefits recipient to ofveterans shows As detailed in the report, the federal net cost of veterans benefits under the three that thoseVAC’s covered benefits by hadthe aPension disability Act assessment will see ofa 25value per overcent, was3.1 times54 years that old under the PBO also calculated the federal cost by client type (Figure 3-1). The net future and was married. In this case, the veteran is not eligible for severe incapacity different regiemescost associated ranges with from grandfathered $29 billion pensioners under (clients the Veteranscurrently receiving Well-being Act to Pension for Life. benefits or income replacement benefits. $50 billion Pensionunder theAct bPensionenefits) is Act,rough leavingly $13 billion little, which doubt represents to the reasoningrespectively behind44 the establishmentper centof the and Veterans 40 per cent Well-being of total costs Act. under Scenario 2 and 3. In this scenario, the veteran chooses to receive the Pain and Suffering PHOTOC CREDITSompensation benefit as a monthly payment. As a result, this veteran would The policy rationale for the types of financial support also differs across the receive marginally more in Pain and Suffering Compensation than they would three regimes. To illustrate this, PBO classified them into different categories Page 10 || 21 February 2019, Ottawa. have received from a Disability Award. as detailed in Appendix D. A breakdown of the cost by type of benefit is also All images taken from the PBO report (link). presented in Figure 3-2. If the same individual had chosen the lump sum, the net present value of his Veterans Well-being Act PBO estimates that disability pensions represent 95 per cent of the total benefit would have been identical under the and under Pension for Life (see Box 3-2). 10 Thecosts Blue associated with the | Spring Pension 2019Act benefits. | Newsletter Under the of newer the Canadian regimes, Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 11 direct financial compensations for disability through the Disability Award or Under the Pension Act, the same person would have received lifetime the Pain and Suffering Compensation represent a much smaller portion of payments with a net present value equal to 3.1 times what he is to receive the total cost. A greater proportion of the money is directed towards under Pension for Life. programs that compensate exceptionally injured veterans, or programs for lost income due to disability.
With the transition to Pension for Life, costs related to disability and income replacement benefits will increase. With the elimination of the Career Impact Allowance Supplement, less money will be spent on severe incapacity benefits.11
11
17 Newfoundland & Labrador Chapter: Junior Peacekeeper Award Just wanted to send along some photos from our school visits to show how we have incorporated our Peacekeeper Project with the Memory Project to keep the memory of our veterans alive. We have presented this Junior Peacekeeper Award to many youth since we started five years ago. I originally designed it to recognize youth who helped out some other youth being bullied. It’s gone from that to the schools asking if we would incorporate it with their Remembrance Day ceremoney and, of course, we have. This has gone over extremely well and I expect it will get bigger each year, as it has so far. This certificate, illustrated here, can be changed with the click of the mouse to fit any province/chapter wishing to participate. Our veterans and Legion members visited every school in our town, speaking to thousands of youth in an effort to keep the memory of the veterans alive and will continue to do so. If you or your Memory Project members get the opportunity to visit Newfoundland we would be honoured if you would consider a visit to our legion. If you have any questions or concerns about our activities just give me a call. Thank you for everything you do the keep the memory of our veterans alive.
The picture is of the presentation and talk to the St. John’s Boys and Girls Club of St. John’s, NL. The Junior Peacekeepers award was presented to Cassandra Murphy and Amy Wilcox. The event was attended by The President of the Canadian Peacekeepers Association of NL, Garry Best. The event was organized by Cpl. Lynn-Ann Pearce of 37 Signal Regiment. The certificates were designed by Hon/Col Wayne Miller, Hon/Col 37 Signal Regt. and Memory Project speaker. BB
PHOTO CREDITS Page 13 || Undated photo provided by Wayne Miller, CPVA NL Chapter.
Coffee Meeting, Continued from page 9
Mike McLennan (Gulf War Veterans) pointed out that there ●●Ensure releasing members are given 30 days leave to were 4,500 Gulf War Veterans yet the “Gulf War Syndrome” prepare for their impending release, attend a SCAN seminar has not been authenticated/recognized while many of these and meet a VAC representative should they be interested. veterans have serious injuries. ●●The presentation is well worth view and can be viewed at: http://caface-rfacace.forces.gc.ca/mnet-oesc/web/docs/ Randy Stowell indicated that his group had received a briefing Outreach_Info_Session_Presentation.pdf from Col Kevin Cameron of the new CF Transition Project. The highlights are: The Minister left the meeting by telling us that if “Public Purse” gets behind VAC they can do a great many more things. BB ●●The CF must determine why members are leaving the ser- vice, ●●Attempt to retain the member by resolving any service- related issues,
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 11 Craig Dalton Veterans Veterans Ombudsman Ombudsman Releases 2019 Report Card June 10, 2019, OTTAWA, ON
eterans Ombudsman Craig Dalton today released his STATUS OF VETERANS OMBUDSMAN RECOMMENDATIONS BY THEME
office’s 2019 Report Card, which reports on the Govern- V Recommendation (Total = 63) 2018 2019
ment’s progress to improve services and support for Veterans Health Care and Support (10) and their families. The release was made before the House of t e iniste ete ans ai s t put a d t e ne essa e is ati e and e u at a end ents t a ete ans t e pensated et a ti e t eat ent ene its t date app i ati n unde t e Pension Act and t e Canadian Forces Members and
Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. The Report Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act up nta t it ete ans ndependen e a e ipients s u d e ade n at east an annua asis and e e uent t se at i e is it in e assess ents en ne essa t ensu e ti e and a u ate identi i ati n an in needs as
Card, first introduced in 2017, is a tool used by the Office of ete ans a e idin t e sa e a ess t t e easu a d ensi ne enta e i e an t ete ans and t ei a i ies as t at p ided t t e ete ans ai s anada unde t e u i e i e ea t a e an the Veterans Ombudsman to capture, track and report on i inate t e in nsisten in ete ans ndependen e a e i i i it use eepin and unds aintenan e su i s and sp uses s t at t e a a a e a ess t t e se i es t e need e a d ess at t e ete an e ei ed did n t e ei e p i t action taken in response to recommendations made by the t ei deat in unta sepa ati n d ust t e e i i i it ite ia t e a e i e e niti n ene it t p ide easie a ess t pensati n a e i e s en se i e Ombudsman to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Progress is e ated nditions inhibit a Veteran’s ability to perform Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and childcare
nt du e additi na inan ia supp t t at an e used t su sidi e assisted i in pti ns ete ans se needs d n t e ui e n measured against these evidence-based recommendations. e a e ut ann t sta in t ei n es
Merge the Veterans Independence Program and Long Term Care program into one “Continuum of Care” program such that access is dete ined n e and ite ia a e t anspa ent unde standa e and ased n t e p si a and enta ea t needs t e ete an
edu e t e p e it di e ent e i i i it ups u ent usin se i e t pe su t at a ess t ntinuu a e supp t is “As of 2019, the Government has implemented — at least in ased n t e p si a and enta ea t needs ete ans
e e p and pu i uni ate a st ate t ensu e t at t e ntinuu a e needs a ete ans a e ein et it in t e u ent part — 79 per cent (or 50) of the Office’s 63 recommendations nte t t e anadian ea t a e s ste
ide enta ea t t eat ent ene its t a i e e s in t ei n i t made over the last 10 years,” said Mr. Dalton. “Of particular
note, are the following changes that have been implemented Veterans Experience (25) at t e ad inist ati n une a and u ia ene its e si p i ied usin a dis eti na u p su app a ei u sa e e penses at e t an t e p esent ite i ed app a to improve programs and services for Veterans: Veterans will at ete ans ai s anada en a e in a p a ti e u ti a eted uni ati ns a pai n t aise a a eness t e une a and u ia a now be retroactively compensated for treatment benefits from the date of their disability application, as opposed to the p e ented a tia i p e ented t i p e ented a e 1 5
date of decision; Veterans at the age of 65, with a diminished earnings capacity, will now receive 70 percent of their Income Replacement Benefit; and, the issuance of a Veterans Service STATUS OF VETERANS OMBUDSMAN RECOMMENDATIONS BY THEME Card. While this shows progress, there is still more to be done –
That Veterans Affairs Canada be more fle ible and allo for e traordinary circumstances to be considered hen the established little progress has been made on addressing recommendations timeframe is e ceeded
or Veterans Affairs Canada to improve the mechanisms by hich disability benefit assessment letters are generated to ma e sure related to health care.” essential information is captured for inclusion in letters This information should be presented in a form that is understandable and is in
relation to the decision made An e planation of ho this information has been used to arrive at the decision is re uired The Department should also ensure that a notice of the right to appeal is contained in every disability benefit decision letter or reasons for decisions to be ritten in plain language Any legal medical or administrative terms used should be e plained A separate brochure or other companion piece ould serve this purpose and could be included ith decision letters At the same time, the Veterans Ombudsman shone a light on or procedure manuals and training modules to be e amined to ensure that ad udicators are a are of the minimum information to be provided in letters and hat is needed to substantiate the reasons for their decisions areas that have not received the level of attention necessary to or uality assurance procedures to be put in place to ensure decision letters fully comply ith standards for ade uacy of reasons for decisions effect change. Of the 13 recommendations to be implemented, That the Veterans evie and Appeal oard report to Parliament on its performance using the percentage of Federal Court judgments that uphold Board decisions as an indicator of fairness in the redress process and on remedial measures to attain the percent target the majority focus on health care supports and service delivery. That the Veterans evie and Appeal oard provide reasons for its decisions that clearly demonstrate that its obligation to liberally construe the legislation has been met as ell as its obligations under ection of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act to dra
He advised the Committee that his office will be monitoring every reasonable inference in favour of applicants to accept credible uncontradicted evidence and to give applicants the benefit of evidentiary presumptions benefit of the doubt progress on these recommendations, including: expanding That the Minister of Veterans Affairs ensure that the Veterans evie and Appeal oard is sufficiently resourced so that the oard may publish all of its decisions on its eb site and all ederal Court udgments pertaining to oard decisions
access to caregiver benefits that assist injured Veterans with or the Veterans evie and Appeal oard and the ureau of Pensions Advocates to revie their processes and service standards for the priority treatment of cases returned by the ederal Courts for rehearing
That Veterans Affairs Canada clarify ho service and health records re uired to process disability benefit applications ill be obtained and meeting their daily needs; covering mental health treatment by hom and that this be included in a policy available to applicants
That Veterans Affairs Canada more clearly inform applicants of its intent to retrieve service and health records upon receipt of the for family members in their own right; and, providing fair and application and the types of records that ill be retrieved and notify applicants that not ithstanding the actions deemed to be
authori ed by the consent form applicants remain responsible for the accuracy of the information adequate access to long term care and the Veterans Indepen- Provide clients ith a chec list of all re uired documents on the application form Triage applications upon receipt based on health and financial need dence Program. Apply once for all benefits Provide Members Veterans amilies ith a navigator throughout the transition process
nsure that all VAC benefits are in place at time of release The Ombudsman also took the opportunity of his Committee
appearance to outline his priorities developed over past months Implemented Partially implemented ot implemented Page 2 of 5
Continued on page 13
12 The Blue | Spring 2019 | Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 13 Report Card, Continued from page 12 STATUS OF VETERANS OMBUDSMAN RECOMMENDATIONS BY THEME
based on what he has heard from individual Veterans and their tandardi e ervice tandard tart Dates to improve transparency and e uity and facilitate accurate performance reporting pon receipt immediately return applications if re uired documents are missing families and through engagement with Veterans organiza- That the Minister of Veterans Affairs by April consolidate financial benefits to reduce comple ity and better address the financial needs of Veterans and survivors or the Minister of Veterans Affairs to mandate the ureau of Pensions Advocates to represent applicants on udicial revie of decisions tions, Veterans advocates, the Veterans Ombudsman Advisory of the Veterans evie and Appeal oard in the ederal Court
Council and a variety of other stakeholders and partners. Partic- Provide equitable access to timely decisions regardless of factors such as the applicant’s gender and language hen a Veteran dies ith a disability benefit application in progress continue to process the application and permit payment to the ularly, the Veterans Ombudsman will be monitoring health estate if the decision is favourable Provide each applicant ith an individuali ed e pected turnaround time for their application and inform them if the decision ill be care supports; quality of service delivery to Veterans; supports delayed and hy to families; and the unique experiences and needs of women Financially Secure (19) Providing additional financial support after age to eligible totally and permanently incapacitated Veterans to ensure that their monthly Veterans and Reservists. Regardless of the type of service, the benefits are no less than percent of their inde ed pre release salary length of service or where that service occurred, the goal of Increasing the arnings Loss enefit to percent of pre release salary the Veterans Ombudsman is to ensure that Veterans and their Providing the same arnings Loss enefit to former part time eserve orce members hose in ury or illness is related to service
Calculating the annual cost of living ad ustment to the arnings Loss enefit based on actual annual increases in the cost of living as families are treated fairly. BB measured by the Consumer Price Inde
increasing the ma imum amount of the Disability A ard to the ma imum udicial cap for non pecuniary damages a arded by Canadian courts
Conducting a comprehensive review, including consultations with Veterans’ stakeholders, to determine what the appropriate maximum amount should be to fairly compensate Canadian Armed orces members and Veterans for pain and suffering resulting from an in ury or
illness in service to Canada evie ing the ade uacy of the provided for financial counselling
That the Minister of Veterans Affairs amends section of the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Regulations to include, “other permanent and severe injury or illness that affect employment and career progression
opportunities” in the definition of a permanent and severe impairment
Implemented Partially implemented ot implemented Page 3 of 5
STATUS OF VETERANS OMBUDSMAN RECOMMENDATIONS BY THEME STATUS OF VETERANS OMBUDSMAN RECOMMENDATIONS BY THEME
hat the inister and the epartment of Veterans ffairs amend relevant Permanent mpairment llowance regulations and policy to t is recommended that the epartment of Veterans ffairs Canada amend its policies relating to vocational rehabilitation and assistance include specific loss of earning capacity criteria to ensure alignment between the determination of the extent of impairment and the to ensure that the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Regulations are liberally interpreted to
objective of the allowance allow more flexibility for Veterans to acquire new skills and higher education while also taking into consideration the Veteran’s aptitude hat the inister and the epartment of Veterans ffairs amend the Permanent mpairment llowance policy and the relevant and motivation in the development of an ndividual Vocational ehabilitation Plan regulations so that the assignment of grade levels is based on specific criteria including the number of working years affected that liminating the time limit for surviving spouses to apply for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services
characteri e the impact of a permanent and severe impairment on loss of employment and career progression opportunities
hat the inister of Veterans ffairs provide compensation to Veterans and their survivors under the VC to recogni e for the non economic effects of exceptional incapacity Purpose (1) hat Veterans ffairs Canada develop new eligibility criteria for the non economic benefit that compensates for exceptional incapacity ncreasing partnership opportunities to better help Veterans obtain good paying civilian jobs, in collaboration with the inister of i e criteria that are not based on a specific minimum disability percentage ational efence educe C first pension payment delay
hat the ceiling for Veterans funeral and burial expenses be raised to reflect industry standards and that an indexing formula be Social Integration (4) introduced to ensure that the rates keep up with the economic increases Providing proper counselling, information, communications and outreach to families
hat Veterans ffairs Canada extend the uneral and urial Program to all Veterans xtending access by families to ilitary amily esource Centre programs after the medical release of the Canadian orces member, in collaboration with the inister of ational efence hat eligibility related to the uneral and urial Program be extended to include Veterans who suffer from multiple pensioned conditions where the total aggregate suffering and weakening of their body may contribute to the cause of death hat Veterans ffairs Canada broadly publici e and make prominent on its eb site and in appropriate publications the definition of a veteran for commemorative purposes hat the estate exemption surviving spouse for the means test be increased and aligned with current income and cost levels hat Veterans ffairs Canada, in consultation with the Canadian orces and the C P, pursue a strategy for the issuance of a National Veterans Identification Card to Veterans and releasing members of the Canadian orces and the C P eveloping a caregiver recognition program to compensate the spouse or family member who acts as the primary caregiver to a seriously disabled Veteran
hat the inister of Veterans ffairs amend the Veterans Well-being Act and Regulations to permit a single C member with no dependent children to designate a family member to apply for and receive the eath enefit
Life Skills and Preparedness (4) t is recommended that the inister of Veterans ffairs amend the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Regulations to ensure that all costs associated with post secondary education are paid
t is recommended that the epartment of Veterans ffairs Canada amend its policies relating to vocational rehabilitation and assistance to ensure that the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Regulations are liberally interpreted with
regard to the cost and duration of an ndividual Vocational ehabilitation Plan
mplemented Partially implemented ot implemented Page 4 of 5 mplemented Partially implemented ot implemented Page 5 of 5
Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 13 About the CPVA
he CPVA, founded in 1991, is a national, all Veteran, Tall volunteer, not-for-profit, apolitical organization with Chapters from Vancouver Island to St. John’s, Newfoundland. It has its Headquarters in Kingston, Ontario, and is not funded by the Government in any way. Our Mission Statement is: “To be a strong and leading advocate for all Veterans and to provide a forum of comradeship for Veterans”. The CPVA is a longstanding Veterans’ organization, national in scope, which welcomes all Veterans of all generations, of all CPVA member HCol Wayne Miller, ONL, CD, presents a Junior Peacekeeping conflicts, men and women, regular or reserve, military Award, one of the NL Chapter’s ongoing efforts. or police, serving or retired, who participated in peace support, peacekeeping, antiterrorist, or war operations, national and international, overseas or on the home ●●CPVA has consistently worked cooperatively, albeit front. without always being in agreement, with the Minis- ter of Veterans Affairs and senior VAC staff, provid- In addition to its long-term work for Veterans, which ing them with innovative suggestions on a wide has produced substantial gains, CPVA has a number of variety of topics. Topics such as a comprehensive notable organizational strengths such as an effective method of validating VAC’s statistics, rational and governance, democratic representation of all members reasonable ideas on how to resolve the on-going and a nationwide communications network which issue of cash versus disability pension, and other reaches virtually all Veterans and a large portion of the ways to improve the NVC and VAC support to Vet- CAF. As well, the CPVA has a bona fide behavioural sciences erans. The Association has always provided strong capability and component. Below is a summary of some membership and leadership to numerous VAC com- of the Association’s achievements and capabilities: mittees, working and advisory groups, NVC regula- tory discussions, and so on. At present, the CPVA is a ●●CPVA’s proposal in the late 1990’s led to the es- member of the VAC Stakeholders Committee. CPVA, tablishment of the VAC-Canadian Forces Advisory alone amongst Veterans associations, has taken the Council, the first forum established by VAC to allow initiative to recognize the VAC staff for good sup- CAF (modern-day) Veterans organizations to partic- port and service to Veterans with its outstanding ipate equally at the table with the traditional Veter- national and regional service awards program. ans organizations. ●●CPVA, in its nearly twenty-five years of existence, CPVA’s steady and active leadership to the Canadian Veterans Association Veterans has provided the Canadian Veterans community Veterans community, while avoiding public confron- with focused, knowledgeable, innovative and coop- tation with VAC, has earned it a reputation for being erative leadership. This leadership has reached far a straight-shooting Veterans organization that has a beyond our own membership and has expressed proven and recognized capacity to reach far beyond itself in many ways, ways that have benefited all its own membership to influence events and activ- The Canadian Peacekeeping The Canadian Canadian Veterans. The Veterans Bill of Rights, the ities affecting all Canadian Veterans. CPVA is a staunch Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, the 1-800 member of the Veterans Consultation Assembly and VAC assistance line, the Veteran’s Ombudsman, and fully supports the collective initiatives of about twenty the 9th of August National Peacekeepers’ Day being Veterans groups. BB just five achievements of such benefits. The CPVA has also made several appearances at the hearings of the House Standing Committee on Veterans Af- fairs to provide input about various Veterans issues.
14 The Blue | Spring 2019 | Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association Newsletter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association | Spring 2019 | The Blue 14