What's New
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meeting with Veterans in Miramichi
Ottawa, Ontario - Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will host a town hall session in Miramichi, New Brunswick for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
Blog: May 16, 2013
Learning and Exchanging Through Outreach
Meeting with Veterans of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP, their families and community members is a great way for me to hear firsthand about the issues directly affecting our Veterans.
Blog: May 6, 2013
Mental Health Week 2013
Today marks the beginning of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 62nd Annual Mental Health Week.
Blog: May 2, 2013
We'll Never Forget Those Hills
Last week, I had the honour of accompanying 36 Canadian Veterans of the Korean War who marked its 60th anniversary by returning to the battlefields on which they fought.
Blog: April 16, 2013
Improving the New Veterans Charter, the Way Ahead
On April 4, 2013, I released my report, Improving the New Veterans Charter: The Parliamentary Review. Its purpose is twofold.
News Release
Veterans Ombudsman Recognizes Exceptional Leadership in the Veterans Community
Ottawa, Ontario – Guy Parent, Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman, awarded the Veterans Ombudsman’s Commendation to four individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership on behalf of Veterans.
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meetings in Corner Brook, Gander and St. John's
Ottawa, Ontario – Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will host town hall sessions in Corner Brook, Gander and St. John’s for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
News Release
Veterans Ombudsman Launches Initiative for the Upcoming New Veterans Charter Parliamentary Review
Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent released today a report entitled Improving the New Veterans Charter: The Parliamentary Review.
Report
Improving the New Veterans Charter: The Parliamentary Review
A review of the financial, vocational rehabilitation and assistance, and family support programs
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Release New Report
Ottawa, Ontario – On April 4, 2013 the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman will release a report entitled Improving the New Veterans Charter: The Parliamentary Review.
Calendar - Town Halls
Newfoundland and Labrador
Corner Brook: April 15, 2013
Gander: April 16, 2013
St. John's: April 18, 2013
Blog: March 22, 2013
Veterans' voices finally heard!
I was very pleased when the budget was tabled yesterday, to see that Veterans’ voices have finally been heard and that there will be an increase in the funding of Veterans Affairs Canada’s Funeral and Burial Program.
Blog: March 19, 2013
Why make RCMP Veterans go through this?
As you know, last May the Federal Court ruled that the offset of Pension Act disability benefits from the Canadian Forces members’ group insurance plan (the Service Income Security Insurance Plan [SISIP] - Long Term Disability Plan), contravened the SISIP policy.
Blog: March 6, 2013
Supporting Families through the Veterans Independence Program
It has been my position that families are a key cornerstone for the support and well-being of our men and women serving in uniform. The Canadian Forces recognizes how critical families are to their operational success by ensuring that there are programs and services to support the home front.
Blog: February 7, 2013
Let’s Not Overlook the Needs of Suffering Veterans
Yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs released the report of the independent Scientific Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Health, which was formed to review and assess the information available on the health effects and potential exposure of Canadian Forces (CF) personnel to depleted uranium (DU).
Blog: February 5, 2013
My Views on the Recently Announced Changes to the Application Process
Yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs released the Right to Fairness Implementation Plan, a plan to address the concerns that were raised in our report Veterans’ Right to Disclosure, a Matter of Procedural Fairness.
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Release New Report
Ottawa, Ontario – On February 4, 2013 the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman will release a report entitled Veterans’ Right to Disclosure: A Matter of Procedural Fairness.
News Release
Veterans Ombudsman Finds Disability Benefits Application Process Unfair to Applicants
Ottawa, Ontario - Today, the Veterans Ombudsman released a report entitled Veterans' Right to Disclosure: A Matter of Procedural Fairness. The report makes a number of recommendations to improve the administrative practices used by Veterans Affairs Canada when processing applicants' service and health records.
Report
Veterans' Right to Disclosure - A Matter of Procedural Fairness
Examination of the procedures used by Veterans Affairs Canada to retrieve and process service and health records to prepare disability benefit applications for adjudication.
Blog: February 1, 2013
It's Time to Resolve Veterans' Funeral and Burial Expenses
Over the years, I have heard many stories of families who struggle when they approach Veterans Affairs Canada for assistance with funeral and burial expenses for a low income Veteran, and are told that the estate exemption for funeral and burial assistance from the Last Post Fund (which administers the Department's Funeral and Burial Program) is $12,015.
Media Advisory
EVENT CANCELLED: Veterans Ombudsman Public Meeting in Ottawa Cancelled Due to Weather
Ottawa, Ontario – Please take note that due to the weather conditions, Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent’s town hall session scheduled to take place today, January 29, at 7 p.m., at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 480 in Ottawa, Ontario is cancelled.
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meetings with Veterans in Ottawa and Gatineau
Ottawa, Ontario – Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will host town hall sessions in Ottawa and Gatineau (Aylmer sector) for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
Blog: January 21, 2013
Upcoming Outreach
As this is my first blog in 2013, I want to begin by offering each and every one of you my very best wishes for the New Year. I also want to remind you to call the Office if you have questions or concerns about the benefits and services provided by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Calendar - Town Halls
Aylmer and Ottawa
Aylmer - January 28, 2013
Ottawa - January 29, 2013
Report
Annual Report 2011-2012
Those who sustain similar illnesses or injuries while serving their country should have access to the same benefits, regardless of the nature of their service and where and when they served.
Report
Honouring and Connecting with Canada’s Veterans: a National Veterans Identification Card
In his report entitled Honouring and Connecting with Canada’s Veterans: a National Veterans Identification Card, the Veterans Ombudsman recommends to the Minister of Veterans Affairs the formal recognition of former RCMP members as Veterans for commemorative purposes and the issuance of an official identification card for Canada’s Veterans.
News Release - December 11, 2012
Honouring and Connecting with Canada’s Veterans: a National Veterans Identification Card
Today, the Veterans Ombudsman released a report entitled Honouring and Connecting with Canada’s Veterans: a National Veterans Identification Card, in which he recommends to the Minister of Veterans Affairs the formal recognition of former RCMP members as Veterans for commemorative purposes and the issuance of an official identification card for Canada’s Veterans.
News Release - December 5, 2012
Veterans Ombudsman to Take Role in Sunnybrook Audit
Ottawa, Ontario – Today, Guy Parent, Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman, informed the Minister of Veterans Affairs of his intention to act as an observer to the team conducting the audit of Sunnybrook Hospital.
Blog: November 21, 2012
A Message to Veterans and their Families from the Veterans Ombudsman
On November 11, I began the third year of my term as Canada’s Veterans Ombudsman. I am proud to be of service to Veterans and their families and I want to assure all of you that I will continue to do the best that I can for the Veterans community.
Blog: November 9, 2012
Remembrance Day 2012: An Open Letter to Canadians from the Veterans Ombudsman
We come together during Veterans’ Week to pay tribute to those who have lost their life in service to our country. We recognize the more than 750,000 Veterans in Canada who have served our country honourably – as part of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP – both here and abroad, in times of peace and times of conflict. And we acknowledge the men and women who continue to serve today.
Blog: November 2, 2012
One phone call, 600 Veterans, fourteen million dollars
Veterans of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP spend their careers serving others. So much so, that putting their own needs aside to be of service to others can become second nature.
Blog: October 30, 2012
Study of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Processes and Activities
Yesterday I appeared before the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs to provide my testimony about the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (the Board) processes and activities.
Blog: October 9, 2012
Report on Toronto Area Outreach Activities
I recently returned from a week of outreach in the Toronto area where I had the opportunity to meet with members and Veterans of the CF and the RCMP, their families, and service providers in Toronto, Barrie, Aurora and Guelph.
Blog: September 18, 2012
Walking humbly beside Veterans of the Dieppe Raid
I have recently come back from an awesome journey where I walked humbly side by side with some of our Veterans in their nineties, as they returned to the beaches and cliffs of Dieppe, France.
Blog: August 23, 2012
Response to The View from Charlottetown...
I received a message from the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) following the publication of my last blog, where I mentioned my recent discussion with the chair, Mr. John Larlee about the publication of noteworthy decisions.
Blog: August 8, 2012
The View from Charlottetown...
As you may know, I try to work from our Charlottetown office one week of every month. I use these occasions not only to keep updated on operations and issues of concern, but also to meet with senior managers at Veterans Affairs Canada’s head office.
Blog: July 13, 2012
Follow Up on the SISIP Federal Court Decision
On May 2, 2012, I blogged about the positive news from the Federal Court, which ruled that the offset of Pension Act disability pensions from long-term disability benefits payable under the Canadian Forces Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP LTD) contravened the SISIP policy.
Blog: July 5, 2012
Call for Nominations for the Veterans Ombudsman’s Commendation
The Veterans Ombudsman’s Commendation is awarded to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the Veterans community.
Blog: June 22, 2012
One Veteran, One Team - Update
As I shared in a previous blog, my team recently assembled for an all-staff retreat, during which employees from our Ottawa and Charlottetown offices gathered for two days to share information, discuss plans and connect with colleagues. The Office holds these retreats twice a year, and they serve as a great way to plan upcoming initiatives and solidify working relationships.
Blog: June 5, 2012
One Veteran, One Team
As I mentioned previously in my blog, the Office has adopted the theme of One Veteran for the period of my mandate. As this theme suggests, I feel very strongly that all Veterans, regardless of their service, should be treated fairly by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Blog: May 30, 2012
On the Right Path...
I was very pleased yesterday as I watched the press conference, held by Ministers Blaney and MacKay, to announce that the Government of Canada would not appeal the Federal Court of Canada ruling with respect to the offset of Pension Act disability benefits from the Service Income Security Insurance Plan - Long Term Disability Plan (SISIP LTD). This was the right thing to do.
Blog: May 29, 2012
It's All About Engagement
On Thursday, May 31, I will be appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs to speak to the Transformation underway within Veterans Affairs Canada. My appearances before Parliamentary Committees, both in the House of Commons and the Senate, allow me the opportunity to speak directly to decision-makers, promote Veterans’ issues and raise awareness of the challenges faced in the Veterans’ community.
Blog: May 23, 2012
Building a bridge, one block at a time…
As I blogged in early May, many RCMP members and Veterans do not realize that I represent them. The Veterans Bill of Rights clearly applies to all clients of Veterans Affairs Canada, including members and former members of the RCMP. And given that I am the Ombudsman for clients of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Blog: May 10, 2012
Mental Health Week
The Canadian Mental Health Association encourages Canadians to mark the first full week of May as Mental Health Week. This is an annual national event to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.
Report
Veterans' Right to Fair Adjudication: Analysis of Federal Courts decisions pertaining to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board
It is difficult to think that fairness is assured when the Federal Court returns more than half of Board decisions it reviews for errors of fact or law, or for procedural fairness issues. Ultimately, this is about the fair treatment of the men and women who have served their country honourably.
News Release - May 7, 2012
Veterans Ombudsman Issues Report on Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Ottawa, Ontario – Today, the Veterans Ombudsman released his report entitled Veterans’ Right to Fair Adjudication, an analysis of decisions of the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal pertaining to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (the Board).
Blog: May 4, 2012
Report on Saskatchewan Outreach Activities
I have recently returned from Saskatchewan, where I spent a week meeting with Veterans in Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon. I was pleased with the turnout to our public events and enjoyed meeting with the many military and RCMP members, Veterans, families and others who came together to host my team and I.
Media Advisory - May 4, 2012
Veterans Ombudsman to Release New Report
Ottawa, ON – On May 7, 2012 the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman will release a report entitled Veterans’ Right to Fair Adjudication. This report provides an analysis of Federal Courts decisions pertaining to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.
Blog: May 2, 2012
Positive News for Veterans!
Mr. Dennis Manuge and approximately 4500 former members of the Canadian Forces were given positive news today from the Federal Court, which ruled that the offset of Pension Act disability benefits from the Service Income Security Insurance Plan - Long Term Disability Plan (SISIP LTD) contravened the SISIP policy.
News Release - May 1, 2012
Position of the Veterans Ombudsman: Budget Cuts and Service to Veterans
Ottawa, ON – A news release issued this morning by Official Opposition Veterans Affairs Critic Peter Stoffer, as well as a recent news article by Newstalk 980 CJME in Saskatoon do not accurately reflect the position of the Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, with respect to recent budget cuts.
Media Advisory - April 17, 2012
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meeting with Veterans in Regina
Ottawa, ON– Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will travel to Regina to host a town hall session for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
Media Advisory - April 13, 2012
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meeting with Veterans in Moose Jaw
Ottawa, ON– Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will travel to Moose Jaw to host a town hall session for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
Blog: April 4, 2012
Activity Report – Spring 2012
With the start of springtime and a new fiscal year, I would like to take the time to update you on some of the activities of the Office.
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meeting with Veterans in North Vancouver
Ottawa, ON – Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will travel to North Vancouver to host a town hall session for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Hold Public Meeting with Veterans in Surrey
Ottawa, ON – Canada's Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, will travel to Surrey to host a town hall session for Veterans, RCMP members, military members, families and other interested parties.
Blog: February 20, 2012
Veterans' Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of Procedural Fairness
Today, I released a report entitled Veterans' Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of Procedural Fairness. This report examined the adequacy of information provided by Veterans Affairs Canada in their decision letters to Veterans who apply for disability pensions or disability awards.
News Release
Veterans Ombudsman Calls On Veterans Affairs Canada to Meet its Legislative Obligation to Provide Reasons for its Decisions
Ottawa, ON – On 20 February, 2012, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman released a report entitled Veterans' Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of Procedural Fairness.
Veterans' Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of Procedural Fairness
Examination of the adequacy of information in decision letters from Veterans Affairs Canada
Report of the Veterans Ombudsman, December 2011
Media Advisory
Veterans Ombudsman to Release New Report
Ottawa, Ontario – On February 20, 2012 the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman will release a report entitled Veterans' Right to Know Reasons for Decisions: A Matter of Procedural Fairness.
Outreach activities, winter and spring 2012
Ottawa - February 13, 2012
Last week, I promised to tell you about some of my upcoming outreach activities.
A busy year ahead - update on files
Ottawa - February 8, 2012
We’re well into the new year, and if the last few months are any indication, it is going to be a busy year. First, the Office dealt with a number of complaints about denied claims for the Agent Orange ex gratia payment, which as you know ended on December 30, 2011.
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