Monday, August 24, 2015

Why the Energy Sector Needs to Hire More Canadian Forces Veterans

The Canadian military produces thousands of veterans who are technically skilled, professionally trained and ready to work. So why isn’t the energy sector hiring enough of them?... Read More

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent who praised government, criticized opposition parties and some veterans reappointed by Conservatives

In July, Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent told the Citizen that the Conservative government had made great strides helping veterans... Read More

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Vets Shut out as Part of Harper's Divide and Conquer Strategy, Critics say

The group of veterans  shut out of a Fredericton Legion hall on Monday have joined the ranks of those on Stephen Harper's pay-no-mind list as the prime minister seeks to avoid those who don't agree with his policies, critics say... Read More

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Feds won't shell out for old gunner

For a quarter of a century, Gerald Austin put his life on the line for the Royal Canadian Navy.

He was a Cold War sailor, one who saw combat in Korea, earned medals and spent most of his career firing giant guns... Read More

Thursday, July 16, 2015

PTSD diagnoses nearly triple amongst veterans in 8 years

The number of veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder has almost tripled in the last eight years, according to Veterans Affairs Canada documents obtained by CBC News.

In 2007, 5,548 vets were diagnosed with PTSD according to a Parliamentary Committee report.  That number jumped to 14,375 as of March of this year... Read More

Monday, July 13, 2015

Feds' treatment of veterans 'a bloody big issue'

As veterans gathered at what was billed as the final Canada Honours Our Heroes air show, some of those at the event said the Canadian government is failing them... Read More

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Veterans Affairs failing to answer phone calls quickly: Documents

Veterans Affairs Canada has been struggling to answer the thousands of phone calls it receives from current and former military personnel each month because of technical glitches, staff shortages and poor planning, newly released documents show... Read More

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Veterans ombudsman seeks changes

Parent says the application process for benefits should be simple, transparent... Read More

Oliver inspires veteran to continue grueling walk

With her feet wrapped in bandages, Kate MacEachern walked into the Oliver Legion yesterday to a standing ovation... Read More

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Ottawa failing its veterans, author says

A Dirty Little Skirmish examines how federal Conservatives view veterans and suggests the application process for benefits and services is set up to encourage a “culture of denial.”... Read More

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Staffing cuts at Veterans Affairs hit frontline service

Injured ex-soldiers are being forced to wait longer for support from the government as the number of employees working at Veterans Affairs Canada has fallen ... Read More

Friday, June 26, 2015

Veteran walking from Kingston to Ottawa nears Smiths Falls

A 70 year old veteran has started an 11 day 340 Kilometre hike ... Read More

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Vets saycommunist victims monument overshadows National War Memorial

Does it make sense to have a monument for victims of communism bigger than the National War Memorial?

Not really a question is it? Seems relatively obvious.

And a growing number of this city's veterans are banding together to make sure their voices are heard.... Read More

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

'Political interference' moved Victims of Communism Memorial to controversial site, MP charges

“It will be larger than the National War Memorial,” said Margot Doey-Vick, chair of a committee called Canadians For Veterans. “A lot of the veterans are quite concerned...Read More

PTSD: The Long Way Home

Ex-soldier Kate MacEachern is walking 2,700 km from Nipawin, Sask, to Chilliwack B.C. to raise awareness for PTSD and to raise money for service dogs... Read More

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Veteran to hike Rideau Trail from Kingston to Ottawa to raise money for PTSD service dogs

On Sunday, June 21, 2015, Canadian Armed Forces veteran Hilaire "Nick" Nicolas will launch "Boots 4 Pups" by beginning an 11-day hike along the historic Rideau Trail ... Read More

Monday, June 1, 2015

Dangerous Déjà Vu for Veterans: Send the Omnibus Plate Back to the Chef  

This article is by Sean Bruyea and was originally published in the Hill Times

In a bizarre and never-ending déjà vu, government is ramming through Parliament the fourth piece of veterans’ legislation in a decade. It is plainly bad legislation swallowed inside yet another budget omnibus bill.

The proposed veterans’ programs are joined by a torrent of feel-good political announcements. Does the hype match reality? Do the programs fill the identified gaps and address the evidence-based recommendations?

No and no. The proposed veterans’... Read More

National standards being set for service dogs

CAMBRIDGE, ON, June 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced national standards will be set for service dogs which assist Veterans with mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The announcement was made during a visit to the National Service Dogs House and Training Centre in Cambridge, Ontario,... Read More

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Veterans Affairs officials blamed Fantino for making 'bad press' worse

Veterans Affairs Canada officials felt former minister Julian Fantino’s public relations’ disasters had “intensified” what was already a glut of “bad press” that had “taken its toll” on the department’s reputation, internal documents show.

The documents are part of a secret briefing binder delivered.. Read More

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Ex-soldier Kate MacEacheran walking from Nipawin to Chilliwack for PTSD awarness

Kate MacEachern, a former soldier who has taken up the cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support and awareness through a series of fundraising walks, is set to begin her longest trek yet — a walk from Nipawin, Sask., to Chilliwack, B.C. ... Read More