Support to Bereaved Military Families

This review would not have been as comprehensive without the invaluable input of families, key stakeholders, and Canadian Armed Forces members.

Of utmost importance, I would like to personally thank the families who accepted to share their experiences. It is with your feedback that lessons can be learned, and contribute to a better understanding of the needs of bereaved Canadian Armed Forces families...

Ombudsman Message – Support to Bereaved Military Families

In April 2015, after conducting a systemic investigation, my office concluded that families should be given the option of engagement throughout the Board of Inquiry (BOI) process via a means of their choosing...

Response back to Minister Outlining Concerns

Dear Minister Sajjan:

Thank you for your response of 28 March 2017 to my report entitled The Case for a Permanent and Independent Ombudsman Office in which you indicate that you do not support my recommendation for a legislated mandate for this office. We will take steps to ensure that your response is appended to my report...

Ombudsman Recognizes the Commemoration of 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Victory at the Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917

On Easter Monday, the 9th of April 1917, the four Divisions of the Canadian Corps rose up and advanced on the defensive positions of the German Sixth Army at Vimy Ridge in a successful assault that would range over three days...

Introducing LGen (ret) Walter Semianiw as a new Council member

I am pleased to announce that Lieutenant-General (ret) Walter Semianiw, CMM, MSC, CD has accepted my invitation to join my Advisory Council...

Report: The Case For a Permanent and Independent Ombudsman Office

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces has a governance problem that needs fixing. After eighteen years of existence and five incumbents to the position of Ombudsman, it is time to take a step back to look at the mandate of this office in order to determine what works, what does not work, and why...

Message from the Ombudsman - Rangers

This serves as my second update about the progress of the Canadian Rangers Investigation. My team is working diligently on uncovering the issues that matter most to this important part of my constituency. We are currently conducting interviews across the country...

Message from the Ombudsman - Ongoing Risk to Cadets

Yesterday, the Minister of National Defence announced a compensatory program for those cadets and non-emergency worker first responders affected by the 1974 grenade explosion at CFB Valcartier that left 6 cadets dead, and countless more with physical and psychological injuries...

Message from the Ombudsman - PHA Update

In October 2015, I released a study in partnership with the Canadian Forces Health Services Group – The Feasibility of Providing Periodic Health Assessments to All Primary Reservists – with the purpose of examining whether Periodic Health Assessments could be provided to members of the Primary Reserve with the same standard of periodicity as the Regular Force ...

Ombudsman’s Appearance at the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs

Today I was invited to testify before the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs on the challenges facing members of the Canadian Armed Forces transitioning from military to civilian life. You can read my opening remarks below. ...

FAQ: Tax implications of Phoenix payroll issues

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is aware of the issues with the public service payroll system, Phoenix. Below you will find answers to questions many of you may have about income tax and/or government benefit and credit implications of certain situations...

Cadets: An Investigation of the Support Provided to Cadets Who Suffer an Illness or Injury as a Result of a Cadet Activity

The Office of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Ombudsman was created in 1998 by Ministerial Directive to increase transparency in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as to ensure the fair treatment of concerns raised by Canadian Armed Forces members, Departmental employees, and their families...

Message from the Ombudsman: Determining Service Attribution for medically releasing members

As you would expect, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) maintains a high level of health and fitness requirements for individuals who serve in the nation’s military. With this in mind, some 1,500 members are medically released from the CAF each year. Approximately 600 of those members have illnesses or injuries directly related to their military service...

Opening Remarks: House of Commons – Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs

It is my understanding that this committee has taken great interest in my two recent reports (Determining Service Attribution for Medically Releasing Members and Simplifying the Service Delivery Model for Medically Releasing Members) containing recommendations to the Minister of National Defence and has invited me here today to speak to them. Our military personnel from across the country have voiced concerns over a number of critical issues related to their service from recruitment to retirement...

Message from the Ombudsman: Ombudsman Launches Live Chat to better serve constituents

I am pleased to announce to all members of Canada's Defence community and visitors to our website that we now have a new, convenient way for you to communicate with our office.

Today we are releasing the first phase of our new Live Chat communication tool. With Live Chat, you will have immediate and easy access to a bilingual intake officer who will be available to help you...

Simplifying the Service Delivery Model for Medically Releasing Members of the Canadian Armed Forces

The Government of Canada has made a commitment to provide care for current and former ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members. Through a variety of services, benefits, and programs, two federal departments have primary responsibility for fulfilling this commitment: the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada..