Regarding the 'New Veterans Charter.' The 'new veterans charter' constitutes a portion of the employment agreement between the government of Canada, represented by the DND and CAF members and former members. The government of Canada and the DND have consistently perpetuated the myth that the employment agreement with members of the CAF falls outside of Canadian labor laws and have violated said laws on numerous occasions in arbitrarily making changes to existing employment contracts, failing to abide by existing contractual obligations and other violations the employees rights under federal labor law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In regards to the 'new veterans charter' the government purposely sought input from organizations who have no authorization or legal standing to represent members of the CAF or veterans. This violates both the word and principle of Canadian labor law and leaves the charter open to legal challenge, a challenge which the court would have no choice but to agree with under current Canadian law. The methods used to implement the 'new veterans charter' and the charter itself, are an insult to Canadian democracy, the Canadian legal system and those the government seeks to arbitrarily deprive of their rights as Canadian citizens, namely members and former members of the CAF, many of whom who have risked or lost their lives in the defense of those freedoms for others. Non commissioned CAF members are the only non management federal employees who are not protected through unionization and both the government and the DND use this fact to abuse their rights as Canadian citizens. It is time for that to change. I have worked directly with unionized Danish troops in an active theater and the fact that they were unionized had no negative impact on their abilities to perform their duties. Unionization is an option which is open to CAF members and the government has no legal recourse to hinder or prevent that process. Something to ponder when you are considering all those who have been, or continue to be screwed over by our dishonorable government. Many thanks to Col Stogran for his continued service to our country. 'Perseverence' 'NON NOBIS SED PATRIAE' ('Not for Ourselves but for Our Country')

I have been unable to find this answer anywhere. If you win a appeal, why can DVA still deny your claim ? This seems to be completely redundant. Then what is the point of the appeal process ?

Good job Colonel Stogran. Glad you are there for our Vets. More proof of a goverment that is not for the people or concerned for the welfare of our Vets. Lyall

Hurrah for you, Col. Stogran. I served a few years back in the '70s, and although I have never had to go to VA, I have known a few people who have. On their behalf, thank you for your actions. I hope someone in the PMO gets over their brain fart and rethinks your upcoming dismissal.

Pat I have been following, with great interest, the effots you have undertaken on bhalf of our Veterans. It is unconscionable that a government who is willing to send our military personnel into harms way, is not willing to address the consequences of what they endure. The lack of understanding or indeed, the apparent lack of feelings of this government towards those who have given and are still giving their all for this country, is unacceptable. You have pointed this out in a most poignant manner. I have been working on behalf of a number of Veterans since I retired and it can be an exercise in frustration. It takes retired, dedicated officers such as yourself, to impart to those who are ignorant, what the facts of being a soldier really are. I am a strong proponent of your concerns in fighting for the rights of our troops. I am also available to provide you with any personal support you may require in carrying on this fight. You are doing the right thing...THANK YOU ! Don.

Thank You Col. P.Stogran! As a Canadian, I thank you for informing the public of the treatment the past & present Governments have put the Veterans through, while our politicians live a lifestyle on our taxes! They ought to be ashamed of their lack of principals and conscience. As a parent, of two sons in the Canadian Military, it brings a lot of tough questions to address. We as a family, were not fully aware of all of the fact, before they went in. If all of our politicians were obligated to serve in our Canadian Forces, before taking office, they would have a different persceptive on the many issues facing our Veterans. How many would have the backbone to be a Soldier?

I spent 8 years in the RCN/RCAF in the mid fifties. I am now almost totally deaf from working on and around jet engines in the navy. I went through the routine around 8 years ago and was denied any help. The person in PEI who called me was very helpful, he explained that because I was not deaf at time of discharge I had no recourse. However he did say other industries recognize what happens in the long term of being exposed to extreme noises. Of course I do not think I am a veteran, even though I spent 8 years in the service. There wher no wars during my stint. However my problems are very small compared to those in Afganistan and other places. Just thought I would let you know that even for minor problems there is no help. Thankyou John

Comment peut-on justifier la disparite de traitement entre un veteran (et sa famille) des FC avec la nouvelle charte et un veteran de la GRC (et sa famille) qui aurait recu des blessures mentales ou physiques similaires en deploiement outre-mer au service de leur patrie? J'imagine l'argumentation etant economique et actuariale! A mes yeux, etant un veteran de Bosnie (sous la nouvelle charte et ayant vecu depuis 2007 lesdites disparites), difficile a justifier sur le plan de la moralite et l'ethique.... Comme la nouvelle charte est un projet de loi du parlement en 2005 (au milieu de la guerre en Afghanistan), je me demande depuis quelque temps deja si sur une question de pertinence legale, elle n'est pas en violation directe avec un ou plusieurs des articles ou dispositions de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertes... Dommage que je n'aie eu la chance de participer au sondage de satisfaction 2010 des ACC!

Thank you for bring this mistreatment to the voters attention. I cannot express how strongly the Veterans are appreciated in this household. I fully support your efforts and will be casting my future votes based how the Government corrects the compensation for our military. They deserve nothing but the fullest attention to their individual needs. They have served with distinction and if they have a need as a result of their service it should be of the finest care that we can provide

Thank you Col. Strogan for your courageous stand on behalf of Canadian Vets. Your press conference August 17, 2010 truly brought forth the issues that many of our Canadian Forces personnel have been experiencing that we in the public suspected to be the case, but remained 'too unpleasant' [till now] to put before the public. I was sincerely moved by your righteous indignation, and by the statements of the veterans themselves, and hope that you will continue to press the government for restitution on behalf of Servicemen and Servicewomen across the country. They deserve so much more! Thankfully, you "will NOT go quietly"! Best wishes, AG

I wish to start a petition on behalf of our present day Veterans, and well as in support of Mr. Pat Stogrant. However, I've checked the requirements and of course, thy're "Mind Bloddling"; it's obvious one has to be a lawyer. I'm a veteran of WW2, having flown 35 operations with 50 Squadron, 5 Group RAF Bomber Command, and I want to do something helpful...besides writing letters to MP's that I'm sure will end up in "File 13". Would/could someone help me, or insure that a petition is started?? I'm also suggesting a "National Day" for all supporters of our Veterans to show their support by gathering in every Canadian town/city on an agreed date...at which all Veterans, including those of WW2...to show up...

Sir, I served nearly 25 years, and left the military in 1988. I immediately applied for disability, and after two appeals, a disability pension was granted. Over the years, VAC went from adversarial to assisting. Reviews and changes in my disabilities have increased my pensions. When the new Veteran Charter was enacted, nothing changed for me. When i learned the story of a new friend (same trade as I, injured twice, and PTSD) I became appalled at the treatment this man has received. Likely discharged because unable to perform his duties, (physically /mentally) multiple surgeries, still in pain, and typically with PTSD, unable, or unwilling to pursue a more equitable settlement. Your recent publicity is appreciated. I will help, please contact me.

I am not sure if this is the correct forum but I wanted to voice my opinion on a very serious issue. I watched the National on CBC last night and saw a portion of the news conference on how Veterans are being denied pensions and benefits and having to jump through legal hoops to obtain these benefits. As a Canadian I am truly disgusted with the government for the way they are treating the Veterans. These men and women put their lives at risk for their country only to be stabbed in the back by the very country they fought for. For that I believe the government should be ashamed. In my opinion, Veterans not only deserve our respect and honour but they deserve absolutely any benefit/pension that they require. Let us remember what these people did for their country. We need to provide them with any benefits/supports necessary to ensure that the remainder of their lives are as comfortable as possible. Kudos to the Ombudsman for standing up for the Veterans.

I would like to know why itis that my military pension will be clawed back when I am able to draw CPP. as a member of the military for over 25 years who was mediclaly discharged for and injurty while Peance Keeping this is unfair. I paid into both my CPP and my pension two differnt things. I am currently working and still paying into CPP, but why shold I if they are lonly going to penalize me and mt military pension. afired of mine i\was a CEO of a bank and he now drawing both his pension and CPP why are we different?

All Rights Reserved/ Without Prejudice There is no dignity for any one of us in this Democracy, because of the lawforms that are being practiced in our courts and De Facto Government the "Crown in Right" which consists of the BAR (British Accredited Registry) Associations and the International Banks. Which are are run by the same people, which is a total conflict of interest. We have a defacto Government because Canada has been operating in bankruptsy since about 1933. The Private side of our courts are operating in Commercial Law, and the Public Side looks to be, Civil or Criminal. We are being treated as chattell, when there is unlimited credit available to all of us. I am not a Veteran, but a injured worker, with marked life disruption. Family courts are the same, their lawform is commercial(Admiralty) on the Private Side. Thats why men don't have a chance. Its technically not possible.

Thank you for your reply to my question re SDA! Here's part two - Since the Pension Act was based on entitlement (fifths), should a person who was injured while serving in an SDA receive full entitlement (5/5s) of their pension decision.

While this might not be the correct place for this, I am frustrated looking for any place that will provide me with answer to this question: How do I learn the names of those Canadians who fought and died in Korea and their hometown? This request has come about from a resident who is associated with an organisation that is compiling data on the Korean War and noted that the Cenotaph at Ladner, BC has a Korea plaque but no names attached. I suggested to the person that such probably indicates that nobody from Ladner [or Tsawwassen] died in the Korean War. I have attempted to find an answer to the query but so far have been unsuccessful - hence, my request to you or your staff. Thanks

Question : En vertu des pensions invalidé versées aux anciens combattants, LA LOI , prévoit t’elle, que ci le Ministre Des Anciens Combattant est convaincu « qu’un avis erroné ou une erreur administrative […] a eu pour résultat que soit refusé[e] à [une] personne […] en tout ou en partie, une prestation à laquelle elle aurait eu droit », doit prendre les mesures correctives qu’il estime indiquées pour placer la personne en question dans la situation où cette dernière se trouverait s’il n’y avait pas eu avis erroné ou erreur administrative. Tout comme le paragraphe 66(4) du Régime de pensions du Canada?

A recent ruling was published regarding the recognition of RCMP years of service (both CMs and RMs) towards certain public service benefits (eg. vacation days). Is anything being done for retired military members who are hired by the Public Service and commence with the basic amount of three weeks of holidays? Why is military service not treated as "service to the public" and allowed to be counted towards years of service for the purpose of benefits? It is difficult going from five weeks of annual leave to three :(. and frustrating that your years of service to your country is not considered.

Would like to make recommendation for the next BC Townhall; please make invitation for an OVO, VAC and Stakeholders Conference where representatives of BC, VAC District Offices, BC, VAC Service and Health Providers, and BC, VAC Veterans and Families can all meet in the same room, at the same table, with the OVO as the facilitator, conferance leader, so that all parties can hear first-hand the common-thread problems, issues and concerns that are at the heart of every TownHall summary; more important, each party representative: District Office, Service Provider, or Veteran, will have a face and a name; The New Veterans Charter states that "to put on a uniform in service to our country is to make an extraordinary commitment; a willingness to put oneself at risk, as needed, in the interests of the nation." I conclude that the "red tape" is masking the faces and names that were, or are in these uniforms and they need to be seen and heard. Further, as there are more than just stakeholder faces, the faces and names that represent the Departmentof VAC need to be heard as well, for each facet exists because of each other - because of Veterans, there is the Department of VAC, without the Department of VAC, there would be no services, or benefits, and without service providers, there would be no services -- Let us then remember why the Department of VAC exists: "the care, treatment or re-establishment in civil life of any person who served in the CF or merchant navy or in the naval, army or air force or mechant navies of Her Majesty, of any person who has otherwise engaged in pursuits relating to war, and of any other person designated by the Governor in Council, and the care of the dependants or survivors of any person referred to..." This request is made after careful consideration of comments from service providers, health professionals, and from first-hand experience with many of the common-thread issues and concerns. Thank you.

As BC does not have a designated VAC Rehabilitation-HealthServices Facility, other than George Derby Centre, would like to submit an initiative for a BC Rehabilitation Centre, appropriately named in honour of one who has fought hard, beaten many odds, and served their Country without breaking faith in the hope of restoring Peace - "The Trevor Greene Rehabilitation Centre of Hope" for health-related and rehabilitation issues that will face many of the veterans where the "average age of a veteran, is 40, who is medically released from the CF." Notwithstanding, will also provide services to notable and honorable Veterans of other conflicts. Thank you.

A VAC services and benefits handbook for service providers and health professionals; most professionals have limited time to sort through the VAC website on behalf of their clients, or their MOA's - this would be helpful to stakeholders who will require assistance from their family physicians, or service providers, and also for service providers who have not dealt with VAC clients - I submit this with input from health professionals and from experience. Thank you.

June 29, 2010 My Dad is currently living at Prince of Wales Manor a retirement residence located in Ottawa, Ontario. It has taken 2 years to receive a letter stating that this manor is not registered with Veterans Affairs Canada and they need to be in order for Dad to receive pre-authorization of in-home blood services-which is done on a monthly basis, if not more to ensure that his (INR) blood thinning medication is working properly or to take blood if there is an infection brewing. VAC has sent me a form, VAC 646, which I handed to the Manor but other than that it is beyond my control. Staffing may change so it may not be the same person taking the blood when it is required – but VAC is also saying that all the staff who take the blood must be registered with Blue Cross- again I have no control over this. One of the reasons that I put Dad in the Manor is because as his Primary Care Giver-it has helped me immensely to know that the Doctor sees him weekly, he can have his medications administered to him, he can have the stimulus of activities to keep his mind active, he can have his meals prepared for him and eat in a wonderful environment, his washing, housekeeping and bed linens are done and that his blood work can be done without having Dad go out in excessive heat or cold winters to achieve this.. I don’t bother Dad with the financial details but he trusts me to look after his expenses and my goal is to keep him happy, healthy and comfy in an environment that is optimal for him. I am sure there are other Veterans in Retirement Homes across Canada that need this in-home blood service is there no way to make this process doable from the Primary Care Givers prospective?

I would like to comment on a recent decision by Veterans Affairs in regards to their granting a 5% increase in disability pension for two pensioned conditions. The decision basically was that as I suffer from intractable pain as indicated by a letter submitted by my physician I was entitled to the pension increase. Further they indicated in their letter that they utilized a Quality of Life questionnaire that I had submitted in May 2007 in their decision process that resulted in the increase in my disability pension of 5%. I was happy with this decision until I saw that they were providing me this decision retroactivity for 1 month (the date of the letter from my Doctor) and awarded me $181 dollars. I was livid when I saw this, especially when they indicated in the decision that they had used a Quality of Life questionnaire from May 2007 that indicated that I was in daily pain and this helped them to make the decision to increase my pension. A logical person would be able to quickly see that at least the retroactivity of the decision should at least be effective from the date of the QOL questionnaire that they base their decision upon. I of course have asked for a review however I do not believe I should have had to ask for a review and that they should have used common sense and granted my decision from the documents they used to decide on my increase in benefits. Now I will ask the Review hearing to make my award retroactive from the time of my spinal operation in 2004 as I have documentation indicating that I was in intractable pain at that point! Veterans Affairs needs to stop acting like an Insurance Company and providing the least amount of money to the fewest amount of claimants!

Bonjour, je suis un veteran qui beneficie d'une pension d'invalidite paye a 85% et recu une idemnite de 15% ce qui rejoint le 100%, par contre le total d'invalidite en vertu du regime des pension reconnu a date est de 97% avec en plus un rapport medical qui sera emis dans les prochaine semaine pour une evaluation pour accouphene en vertu de la Loi sur les pensions ce qui devrait me donner un total de 985 ou plus en vertu de la Loi sur les pensions. J'ai fait des demandes pour obtenir des B sur ma carte d'identite de Sante d'ACC ce qui m'est refuse. Ai-je le droit a ce service. Merci

Full entitlement and SDA Can someone please address and explain if and/or how full-entitlement and SDA are related? Thanks