Analysis of Minister’s Submission to Parliament

analysis and comparison to our submissions

            The Minister’s submission to Parliament is a carefully crafted document by experienced bureaucrats designed to give the impression of strong support to the report by the Standing Committee but laced with delay language such as “further study”, “ third party consultation”, “explore options”, “agrees to explore”, “careful review is being considered”,” intends to continue research”, and “further due diligence”. In short, there is very little to which the government has made a definite commitment to implement now. The following statement is indicative of the muzzled state, of the Department of the Veterans Affairs, whether self-imposed or from above.

 “Building on these enhancements to the New Veterans Charter, the Government is pleased to indicate that it agrees with the spirit and intent of the vast majority of the Committee’s

recommendations. Many of these recommendations involve potentially complex changes to some Veteran programming. The implications of any potential changes must, therefore, be carefully assessed. Therefore, the Government plans to address the recommendations made in the Report using a phased approach.

The first stage is to address those recommendations that can be quickly achieved within existing authorities and budgets of Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence and which will improve the continuum of service provided to Veterans and their families when they leave the Canadian Armed Forces.

The more complex recommendations require further inter-departmental work, budgetary analysis, and coordination with a wide range of federal departments, as well as with the Veterans Ombudsman and Veterans’ groups. These recommendations will be considered in a second phase. Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Government has recently launched a similar third-party analysis.”

RECOMMENDTIONS AND RESPONSES

Committee Recommendation 1

That military members seriously disabled as a result of service not be medically released until the following conditions are met:

-The individual is in a stable medical condition.

-The individual’s medical records have been transferred to Veterans Affairs Canada in   accordance with privacy legislation, an official copy of the medical files has been given to the veteran, and the initial application for services and financial benefits provided under Part 2 of the New Veterans Charter has been adjudicated by Veterans Affairs Canada.

- The healthcare and rehabilitation professionals who will be supporting the individual during transition have been identified in the area where the veteran is planning to live once medically released and their respective responsibilities have been defined.

- And that an internal committee be struck by Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Forces to:

- develop a unified list of service conditions to be used interchangeably by Veterans Affairs Canada the Department of National Defence.

- ensure to the greatest extent possible that the service-related condition, identified by the Canadian Armed Forces and that led to a veteran’s release on medical grounds, be recognized by Veterans Affairs Canada for adjudication purposes.

-establish a follow-up protocol for all military members who have been released for medical reasons.

 Government Response 1

The Government of Canada is pleased to confirm that it will, as per current practice, ensure that all military personnel who are medically released from the CAF will only do so after they are medically stabilized. (Comment: Implies this is current policy)

Committee Recommendation 2

That the Veterans Bill of Rights be included in the New Veterans Charter and in the Pension Act, and that a modified version of section 2 of the Pension Act be incorporated into the New

Veterans Charter, and read as follows: The provisions of this Act shall be liberally construed and interpreted to the end that the recognized solemn obligation of the people and Government of Canada to provide compensation to those members of the forces who have been disabled or have died as a result of military service, and to their dependants, may be fulfilled.

Government Response 2

The Government of Canada confirms it will introduce legislation to amend the New Veterans Charter with a construction clause in line with that of the Pension Act which has served Canadian Veterans since shortly after the First World War. (Comment: Positive and no cost item)

Committee Recommendation 7

That independent access to Veterans Affairs Canada’s psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation services be given to spouses or common-law partners of veterans with a service-related disability, that access to psychological counseling be also given to parents and children of veterans with a service-related permanent disability, and that financial support be provided to family members of seriously-disabled veterans acting as “primary caregivers” as defined under section 16. (3) of the Veterans Health Care Regulations.

 Government Response 7

The Government shares the view of the Committee that support for families is a key component to facilitate a successful transition to civilian life. In this context, we fully agree with its recommendation to extend psychological counseling for Veterans families and will introduce new measures in this regard in due course.

the Veterans rehabilitation program. With this in mind, further analysis of this aspect of the recommendation is currently underway. (Comment: Further analysis.)

Committee Recommendation 8

That Veterans Affairs Canada undertake a comprehensive review of the amount of the disability award to more adequately reflect awards in civil liability cases for personal injuries, implement a transparent and clear process for determining its value, and improve support for financial counseling throughout the process.

 Government Response 8

 The Government agrees in principle with this proposal and will explore options for addressing the recommendation. (Comment: Explore Options)

 Committee Recommendation 9

That the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Long Term Disability program be provided only to veterans medically released for a disability not related to military service, that all veterans released for service-related medical reasons benefit from the programs offered under the New Veterans Charter, and that the Canadian Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada work together as quickly as possible to eliminate overlap between Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) programs and those provided by Veterans Affairs Canada.

 Government Response 9

The Government agrees in principle with this proposal and will explore options for addressing the recommendation. (Comment: Explore Options)

Committee Recommendation 10

That eligible vocational rehabilitation training programs be allowed greater flexibility, and be less strictly related to skills acquired during military service.

 Government Response 10

The Government fully agrees on the need to ensure maximum flexibility for Veterans and their families with regards to vocational rehabilitation. In 2013, the Government made improvements to the program by expanding the list of eligible training expenses. Veterans are now also able to claim individual vocational rehabilitation expenses through an overall program funding envelope, to a maximum total value of up to $75,800 per person. This change gives Veterans more flexibility in their vocational rehabilitation plans, which are based on the individual needs of each Veteran and simplify training plan approval and claims processing.

Committee Recommendation 11

That Veterans Affairs Canada establish a more rigorous case manager training program, and review the standard under which one case manager is assigned to 40 veterans, to determine if the ratio is appropriate, and to provide necessary resources for its adjustment if required.

(Comment: Positive action)

 Government Response 11

lower intensity cases in order to help case managers give the appropriate amount of care to each Veteran.(Comment: Positive Response)

 Committee Recommendation 12

That Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence build on their existing collaborative efforts by providing adequate resources for research and understanding of known and emerging manifestations of operational stress injuries.

Government Response 12

The recent studies in the use of animal therapy for Veterans or related to the role of psychiatric service dogs in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) demonstrate the Government’s ongoing commitment to military and Veterans health research. The Government agrees that research in this field is valuable and necessary to develop new tools and treatments that can help Veterans and their families. In this context, the Government intends to continue research that will further inform programs and policies on Veterans’ wellness. For additional detail on research initiatives, see Appendix A, paragraphs 49-61.

 Committee Recommendation 13

That Veterans Affairs Canada consider moving towards a payment system that results in one comprehensive monthly payment that clearly identifies the source of funding, while ensuring the net benefit to the veteran is not reduced.

Government Response 13

The Government welcomes this recommendation and will immediately undertake measures to combine payments and benefits, leading to less confusion and significantly less Red Tape. (Comment: Makes Sense)

Committee Recommendation 14

That Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, after they have tabled their official response to this report within the next 120 days, also table, by 30 January 2015, a report outlining the progress made on implementing the recommendations in this report, and that the New Veterans Charter, as a “living document”, be amended to include a mandatory review of its provisions to be undertaken by the appropriate parliamentary committees as required.

Government Response 14

The Government of Canada supports and welcomes the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs initiative to study the New Veterans Charter. After careful review, no new legislative or parliamentary authorities are needed to enable or allow such future reviews by the Committee. (Comment: Does not speak to the timetable in the Recommendation)

Committee Recommendation 3

Government Response 3

The Government agrees with the spirit and intent of this recommendation. Under the current legislation, the most seriously injured Veterans receive monthly financial benefits for life that can

equate to thousands of dollars each month. For example, eligible seriously injured Veterans can receive a monthly Permanent Impairment Allowance (PIA) for life. Amounts payable range from $574.89 per month to $1,724.65 per month for the most seriously injured. In addition to this, a PIA supplement of $1,056 per month is payable to Veterans in receipt of PIA who are unable to be gainfully employed. Given the interdepartmental, fiscal and legal implications of this recommendation, further due diligence is required to address this proposal. (Comment: Ombudsman’s Office should track this one.)

Committee Recommendation 4

That the earnings loss benefit be non-taxable and set at 85% of net income, up to a net income threshold of $70,000, that it be adjusted annually to the consumer price index, and that for veterans who participate in a rehabilitation program, the disability award be paid once the program is completed.

Government Response 4

Under current programming, the Earnings Loss (EL) is a taxable benefit designed to provide income replacement during participation in VAC's Rehabilitation Program. It is currently paid at 75% of gross pre-release income which is equivalent to 90% of take home pay. Should the Committee's recommendation be implemented, which would see EL at 85% of net pre-release income and non taxable, there is a potential for some Veterans to receive a lower benefit than is currently the case. Significant analysis and consultation would be required with the Canada Revenue Agency to establish an appropriate definition of 'net income' and further analysis would be needed to compare it to other similar support programs. As such, further due diligence is required to address this proposal.

 (Comment: Ombudsman’s Office should track this one.)

Committee Recommendation 5

That all veterans with service-related disabilities, and their families, be entitled to the same benefits and support as part of their rehabilitation program, whether they are former members of the Reserve Force or of the Regular Force.

Government Response 5

The Government agrees with the spirit and intent of recommendation 5. The Government agrees with this recommendation and has taken steps to address distinctions in benefits between Veterans of the Regular and Reserve Force. In 2011, Earnings Loss Benefits for Reservists were increased from $2,000 per month to $2,700 .The Government of Canada continues to address distinctions in benefits between Veterans of the Regular and Reserve force. As such, careful review of this recommendation will be undertaken. (Comment: More Reviews)

Government Response 6

The Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) currently provide support to CAF still serving members and their families. They are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for CAF families

by providing unique services tailored to the CAF community. CAF families and family members can access the services as a family, individually, or in groups. DND and VAC will work together to determine how best to meet the needs of transitioning CAF members and their families without compromising support available to our serving military community.

ANNEX TO REPORT

Pages 9 to 25 contain the Annex to the report and are VAC’s justification of what a great job they are doing. Analysis of this must be done by the experts,(Ombudsmans Office)

HOW NVOC’S RECOMMENDATIONS ADDRESSED BY FOREGOING

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Veterans Bill of Rights be included in the New Veterans

Charter and in the Pension Act, and that a modified version of

section 2 of the Pension Act be incorporated into the New Veterans

Charter, and read as follows: The provisions of this Act shall be

liberally construed and interpreted to the end that the recognized

solemn obligation of the people and Government of Canada to provide

compensation to those members of the forces who have been disabled

or have died as a result of military service, and to their dependants,

may be fulfilled.

Comment; Addressed in Government response 2.

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS SUPPORT FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND

VETERANS SERIOUSLY DISABLED AS A RESULT OF SERVICE

 RECOMMENDATION 3

That the most seriously disabled veterans receive financial benefits for

life, of which an appropriate portion should be transferable to their

spouse in the event of death, that Veterans Affairs Canada consider

the use of a probable earnings approach in determining the amount of

the benefits, and include better access to the three grades of the

permanent impairment allowance, for which eligibility criteria must be

clarified.

 COMMENT:   Addresses in government response 3.

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE RELATED

DISABILITIES WHO ARE ABLE TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

RECOMMENDATION 4

That the earnings loss benefit be non-taxable and set at 85% of net

income, up to a net income threshold of $70,000, that it be adjusted

annually to the consumer price index, and that for veterans who

participate in a rehabilitation program, the disability award be paid

once the program is completed.

COMMENT: Addressed in government response 4

 RECOMMENDATION 5

That all veterans with service-related disabilities, and their families, be

entitled to the same benefits and support as part of their rehabilitation

program, whether they are former members of the Reserve Force or of

the Regular Force.

 COMMENT:  Addressed in Government response 5

 RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

 RECOMMENDATION 8

That Veterans Affairs Canada undertake a comprehensive review of the

amount of the disability award to more adequately reflect awards in

civil liability cases for personal injuries, implement a transparent and

clear process for determining its value, and improve support for

financial counselling throughout the process.

 COMMENT: Addressed in Government response 8.

 RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND

TRANSITION

 RECOMMENDATION 11

That Veterans Affairs Canada establish a more rigorous case manager

training program, and review the standard under which one case

manager is assigned to 40 veterans, to determine if the ratio is

appropriate, and to provide necessary resources for its adjustment if

required.

COMMENT: Addressed in Government response 11

Hope this is helpful in understanding where we are with what will and will not be forthcoming from VAC in the immediate future. – Tud

 The following email is some VAC Cheerleading from the A/Deputy Minister.

Subject: Government Tables Response to ACVA Committee Report / Dépôt de la réponse du gouvernement au rapport du Comité permanent des anciens combattants

Le texte français suit l'anglais

Government Response to ACVA Committee report – October 1, 2014

As you know, in September 2013, Minister Fantino called for a comprehensive review of the New Veterans Charter, including all enhancements, with a special focus placed on the most seriously injured, support for families and the delivery of programs by our department.  

I am pleased to inform you that today in the House of Commons, Minister Fantino tabled the Government of Canada’s response to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs’ report, The New Veterans Charter: Moving Forward. In its response, the Government of Canada noted that it agrees with the spirit and intent of the majority of the recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.  

To strengthen support for Veterans and their families, Minister Fantino announced that the Government is taking immediate action to implement the following initiatives:  

- Enhance transition services for all CAF personnel who medically release;

- Ensure rehabilitation professionals are in place to provide service post-release;

- Increase the number of psychological counselling sessions for families of Veterans;

- Develop an online training module for caregivers of Veterans with operational stress injuries;

- Undertake measures to combine payments and benefits into one monthly recurring payment, where possible; and

- Amend existing legislation to reinforce the Government’s commitment to support Veterans and their families.

These actions make up the first phase of the Government’s formal response. Further analysis is ongoing about any future measures. These are being considered by the Government in the context of the fiscal situation. Further information will be available as decisions are made.

As we go about our day-to-day work, you should be proud of the work that we are doing to improve the lives of military personnel and Veterans. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the Veterans and families that we all so proudly serve.

Anne Marie Smart
A/Deputy Minister

latest Report of 2014 with 14 Recommendations

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Veterans Bill of Rights be included in the New Veterans

Charter and in the Pension Act, and that a modified version of

section 2 of the Pension Act be incorporated into the New Veterans

Charter, and read as follows: The provisions of this Act shall be

liberally construed and interpreted to the end that the recognized

solemn obligation of the people and Government of Canada to provide

compensation to those members of the forces who have been disabled

or have died as a result of military service, and to their dependants,

may be fulfilled.

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS SUPPORT FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND

VETERANS SERIOUSLY DISABLED AS A RESULT OF SERVICE

RECOMMENDATION 3

That the most seriously disabled veterans receive financial benefits for

life, of which an appropriate portion should be transferable to their

spouse in the event of death, that Veterans Affairs Canada consider

the use of a probable earnings approach in determining the amount of

the benefits, and include better access to the three grades of the

permanent impairment allowance, for which eligibility criteria must be

clarified.

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICERELATED

DISABILITIES WHO ARE ABLE TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

RECOMMENDATION 4

That the earnings loss benefit be non-taxable and set at 85% of net

income, up to a net income threshold of $70,000, that it be adjusted

annually to the consumer price index, and that for veterans who

participate in a rehabilitation program, the disability award be paid

once the program is completed.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That all veterans with service-related disabilities, and their families, be

entitled to the same benefits and support as part of their rehabilitation

program, whether they are former members of the Reserve Force or of

the Regular Force.

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

RECOMMENDATION 8

That Veterans Affairs Canada undertake a comprehensive review of the

amount of the disability award to more adequately reflect awards in

civil liability cases for personal injuries, implement a transparent and

clear process for determining its value, and improve support for

financial counselling throughout the process.

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ADDRESS REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND

TRANSITION

RECOMMENDATION 11

That Veterans Affairs Canada establish a more rigorous case manager

training program, and review the standard under which one case

manager is assigned to 40 veterans, to determine if the ratio is

appropriate, and to provide necessary resources for its adjustment if

required.

Annual Barbeque held by the Ottawa/Gatineau Unit

September 16 Kemptville ON

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 hosted the Annual Barbeque held by the Ottawa/Gatineau Unit of the Nato Veterans Organization of Canada.
Pictured Left to Right:
Dan Black, Editor of the Legion Magazine. Mr. Black was the quest speaker. His topic was underage soldiers of WW1. He has written a book on that subject.
Ken Richardson, member of the Ottawa/Gatineau Unit and National Treasurer.
John Coulombe, President of the Ottawa/Gatineau Unit
General Paul Manson (Ret.) Former Chief of the Defence Staff and Patron of the Nato Veterans Organization of Canada.
Fred McAllear, member of the Ottawa/Gatineau Unit
Douglas Brunton , member of the Ottawa/Gatineau Unit and National Chairman for Regions and Territories.

Armed Forces Declaration by the NATO Heads of State and Government

Ottawa, ON - September 9, 2014

On Thursday, September 4th, 2014, the 28 NATO Heads of State and Government signed an historic Declaration that clearly states their support to their serving Armed Forces members, their Veterans, and their families:

The skill and dedication of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces are essential to collective security. These brave men and women serve our nations, facing danger and risking injury and death in the course of their duty. Their families also play a vital role, coping with relocation and separation, and enduring the consequences of injury and bereavement.

In putting the needs of their nation and their service above all else, the members of the Armed Forces of the nations of the North Atlantic Alliance make immense sacrifices. In return, we reaffirm our support to them and their families, during and after their service, now and in the future.

We value the service and respect the commitment of each nation’s Armed Forces personnel and their families. They must know that their sacrifices are not forgotten when they return home, that they will continue to be looked after if they are wounded and when they retire, and that their families will continue to be supported if they are killed. We affirm the importance we collectively attach to this, and commend the efforts being made across the Alliance to maintain and strengthen the bonds between our Armed Forces and the societies from which they come. We will seek to enhance the sharing of best practices and lessons learned in support of our Armed Forces personnel and their families, including on our national approaches to providing medical care to injured personnel and support to families.

As we mark the 65th Anniversary of NATO and two decades of operations on land, sea and air, including in Afghanistan and in the Balkans, we pay tribute and express our profound gratitude on behalf of our nations and peoples to all the brave men and women who stood ready to defend the Alliance and our values as well as to those, including from partner nations, who served in NATO-led operations and missions. We honour these courageous men and women, and their families, and place our trust in those who will follow them in years to come.

Canada’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, is to be commended for being one of the signatories of this Declaration. It is an important affirmation by the Government of Canada of its commitment to support its Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.  It can also open the door to a more robust and dynamic information exchange on best practices and lessons learned amongst NATO member states.

Canada has much to share about Veterans’ programs and services. Despite problems identified in my recent reports on the New Veterans Charter and the Permanent Impairment Allowance, and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs’ report, The New Veterans Charter: Moving Forward, Canada is recognized worldwide as having one of the better approaches to Veterans’ affairs. Why? The answer is that generations of Canadians have wanted ‘their Veterans’ treated with respect and fairness. As a result, Canada is one of only a few countries that has an entire federal department dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families; it is the only country with a Veterans Ombudsman and a Veterans Bill of Rights; it provides free legal support to Veterans through the Bureau of Pension Advocates, to name but a few.

I believe that if the shortcomings in our Veterans’ benefits and programs are addressed, Canada will have a system that supports serving members, Veterans and their families that will be second to none in the world. At home, that is what our Veterans need; for our NATO allies, it could be something they want to emulate. Veterans deserve no less.

Guy

Ira Peters get's wet for ALS

By Bob Hartley

One Badge for Veterans

By Tud Kaulbach

Hello Jack:

As you point out, there are a number of radical individuals and organizations out there masquerading as Veterans Organizations who are potentially doing great damage to the relationships between Veterans Affairs Canada and the veterans they purport to represent. Fortunately, these groups have been identified and no longer hold much sway with other Veterans Organizations or VAC.

In the meanwhile the Legion undertook, on its own initiative, to host a conference twice a year in Ottawa of about 20 legitimate Veterans organizations. The Legion provides the location, the administrative staff and the chairmanship but everyone around the table has an equal say in matters being discussed. Until about a year ago the theme was "Speaking with one voice". At that time the minutes of the meetings and the correspondence coming out of those meetings were all carried under the Legion letterhead with the attending organizations listed as attendees.

All attendees undertook to agree to six priority items in the New Veteran Charter that had to be changed. This was in total support of the Ombudsman's report. Additionally, many of the organizations present had an opportunity to appear before the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs who were reviewing the Charter. Every organization presented the same items in addition to some of their own. The result is that the Standing Committee has included all these items in their recommendations to Parliament. We will await the results of the decisions of the Government.

I think the message is the key thing for veterans and if we can achieve a unity in message we are probably much better served.

Our Veterans Need a New Voice

By Paul Manson

Canada’s veterans are very much in the news these days, with a growing perception that the men and women who served our nation in military uniform are not being well-treated by their government. The  June 1^st (check date) demonstration on Parliament Hill by veterans caught the public’s attention, as did a recent spate of articles and interviews, some of them very critical. These have reinforced the impression that veterans are not happy these days.

 It’s not an exclusively Canadian problem. Note for example that the chief of Veterans Affairs in the U.S. recently resigned over problems with the treatment of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

 Here in this country a relatively small element of the veterans’ community has frequently attacked the Veterans Affairs department, primarily over alleged failures in the medical treatment and financial compensation of disabled military personnel, particularly those suffering from PTSD or other debilitating injuries. The Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), the Hon. Julian Fantino, has been subjected to heavy criticism over these and several other issues.

 To be sure, the record of both conservative and liberal governments over the past few decades has been less that perfect. Our military’s heavy involvement in the Afghanistan War has obviously raised the temperature of the debate. Like all wars, this one took a heavy toll on those who were engaged in the conflict, and this has reminded Canadians that the nation has a solemn obligation to care for those who suffered through service in harm’s way. Back in 2006 the government introduced a New Veterans Charter in an attempt to articulate the obligation in practical terms, but not all of it was deemed satisfactory. This dissatisfaction led to a comprehensive review of the Charter by the Parliamentary Committee on Veterans Affairs, whose report has now been published to mixed reviews, with various veterans organizations claiming that the committee’s findings and recommendations do not go far enough.

 This raises an interesting point. Historically, going back to the aftermath of the First World War, the Royal Canadian Legion has been the dominant voice of Canadian veterans. In recent decades, however, with the passing of so many Second World War veterans, the Legion’s numbers have declined dramatically. Furthermore, fewer than one-third their members today have seen military service, and the percentage continues to decrease. Meanwhile, dozens of new veterans organizations have appeared on the scene. Although all of these, in representing specific groups of veterans, have a legitimate role to play, the net result has been a serious dilution of the collective influence of veterans at large. Against this background a few small militant groups, in going public so forcefully with their criticism and demands, give the impression that they speak for all veterans.

 But many of today’s veterans – perhaps the great majority – are uncomfortable with some of the rhetoric that has dominated recent headlines. One reason is the growing feeling that the aggressive approach may very well be counterproductive, because of a risk that it might alter the positive image that the Canadian public holds of its veterans, which in turn could influence government support for the community. More to the point, unduly antagonizing the officials of VAC can scarcely lead to a productive working environment in the search for solutions to current problems. 

 Given the weakening of the Legion’s once dominant position and the proliferation of new veterans organizations, there is a need for some form of overarching new veterans organization, perhaps under the leadership of the Legion, drawing together the many and varied groups that exist today. Unfortunately, recent attempts in this direction have not been successful, but the need remains. The entire veterans community must come together from time to time to debate the really important issues of the day, thereby building a strong consensus on how these should be resolved. Only then can veterans speak convincingly and forcefully  - yet constructively - in seeking solutions from the government of the day.

 Although some veterans may not agree, there is a strong case for establishing a powerful collective voice in this way. It provides the basis for a firm yet co-operative dialogue with the government, for the benefit of all Canadian veterans.

 It’s a move whose time has come.

 Paul Manson was Chief of the Defence Staff from 1986-89. He is currently the Patron of the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada.

National Day of Honour Presentations and Photos

Bob Hartley May 20, 2014

Hugh

Ceremony held for NATO’s 65th Anniversary

By Gerry Bryan - April 6, 2014

Lt to Rt, Flag bearer - Secretary Fred Wright; Member- Tim Redmond; New Member- Peter Beswick; President- Gerry Bryan; New Member- Terry Chamberlain; Vice President- Ronald Gowing.

It is Time for a Heroic Moment

March 15, 2014

Ottawa - March 11, 2014

Last Thursday, March 6, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs continued its review of the New Veterans Charter by hearing from Gordon Moore, Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President, and Brad White, Dominion Secretary, along with Gordon Jenkins, President, and Percy Price, Acting Director Advocacy, NATO Veterans Organization of Canada. There were a couple of recurring themes in the presentations made by these very knowledgeable representatives of Veterans' organizations that I hope left an impression on Committee members.

Read the complete article