Canadian Veterans National day to Rally / Protest, 11oo, 6 Nov.2010

[Mike Blais]

Fellow Royal Canadians and friends of The regiment.

This thread is dedicated to the Canadians veterans national dawy of Protest which is slated for the 6th of November, 2010 at you local MPs office.

The Royal Canadian Regiment Association will lead the way.

Gentlemen,
 
Once again Mike Blais is in the forefront of a movement to benefit Canada's military and veterans old and new in particular. His request for the support of The RCR Association was decided at the Board of Directors meeting 17 September 2010, and produced a majority decision that we would support his request but with certain caveats.  The protest rally and meetings with MPs must be conducted in a disciplined manner and not confrontational.  There should be no shouting, unruly conduct and placards and regimental banners should not be carried. Views should be presented to MPs by a single individual such as the Branch President or his designate.  If Branches are not in agreement with some of the issues that Mike
speaks of, they need not raise them. Dress should be blazer and flannels with headdress and large medals.

As one Director stated: "I can tell you as a personal injury lawyer in the civilian world that the benefits our soldiers receive are a shadow of those offered through provincial WSIB programs, provincial and municipal civilian servant contracts and private insurance/benefit plans.  An injured cab driver, drywaller or postman could ultimately get more than an injured soldier and that isn't right.The reason for that is that all the above mentioned workers have strong labour unions, associations or lobby groups. I ask you "who speaks for the soldier?"

This Association is that voice and we should use it to look out for those who have been injured or killed while serving. I know for many who have served, or continue to serve, you may find entering a political debate somewhat distasteful or disloyal.  I would suggest that the only disloyalty would be to not seek the best for our membership and the members of The RCR".

May the protest/rally on 6 November be successful!

Pro Patria
 
Cliff Collision
Chairman NHQ
The RCR Association
 

[Mike Blais]

The issues and just how we got to this point.

Veterans standing up for Colonel Stogran as he has stood up for us.

Last month, retired Colonel Pat Stogran, CO of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry battalion that led Canada’s deployment to Afghanistan, was informed by the Canadian government that his services as Veterans Ombudsman would be no longer required. Veterans across the nation were appalled, fearing the important issues championed so vigilantly by Colonel Stogran would be ignored or delayed beneath the guise of Minister Blackburn’s claim of need for a new vision. I can assure all Canadians, there is nothing wrong with Colonel Stogran’s vision; the issues he has identified and condemned during his tenure are very, very real. During the past three years he has truly earned the trust of our veterans through action and word, a refreshing source of support for many who are living with the debilitating consequences of war and peace.

A majority of Canadians are unfamiliar with the hardships our veterans are confronting. I would like to clarify this situation with the sincere hope that once you understand how veterans are being treated, you might be inclined to support them at 1100 hours, November 6th, 2010 when we assemble in front of our MP’s offices to respectfully ask for support redressing five principle areas of concern.

The widow’s aka death benefit tax. Sadly, the families of the fallen, already deeply grieving the loss of loved ones are subject to a great deal of financial hardship through this unjust taxation policy. We believe that the families of the fallen deserve a tax exception on all death benefits. 

Lump Sum Award. Sadly, hundreds of Canada’s sons and daughters have sustained grievous wounds in action and/or suffer from a variety of service related physical and psychological issues. We have borne witness to the struggle of the armless, the legless, blind, deaf… hundreds of veterans are returning to Canada from Afghanistan with serious health problems, including PTSD. Financially, the New Veterans Charter is particularly deficient. I will demonstrate by comparing the two systems. Hypothetically, two veterans are severely wounded, age twenty-five, wife, child. One receives a lump sum payment of 276000 dollars. The other receives the standard before the New Veterans Charter implementation, roughly 3000 dollars a month. Both live to the age of 85. The new veteran receives 276000 dollars during this period, about 380 dollars a month. His colleague, on the pre New Veterans Charter, receives roughly TWO MILLION dollars. This vast disparity, particularly when one considers the consequences of modern combat, is obscene.

Veterans Affairs pension / SISIP claw back. As you might imagine, it is nearly impossible for a soldier to get life/disability insurance. Prior to the New Veterans Charter, Canada’s Sons and Daughters participated in a mandatory DND implemented, Long-term disability insurance program administered by SISIP Manulife. These Long Term Disability Benefits are clawed back by the amount of the monthly VAC Disability Pension (non-taxable and not income) they receive under the Pension Act. Veterans Affairs Canada disability pensions are not considered income replacement. These are awards for the level of physical or psychological injury and the pain and suffering due of the veteran’s injuries. As such, we believe the claw back on our pensions is fundamentally unfair.

Reduction of pension at age 65. Imagine you served you entire career, dutifully paying into your pension fund only to discover that the government is arbitrarily going to reduce it the moment you hit 65. This is fundamentally unfair, particularly in the sense that all governmental offices, only the RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces are adversely affected by this financial hardship. We believe that this is a burden for veterans and Mounties; this discriminating policy must be repealed.

Agent Orange/PTSD. We respectfully request that a comprehensive program be implemented to assist those who were affected by Agent Orange at CFB Gagetown. The current settlement covers only those affected over the course of one year even though it has been proven that hundreds, if not thousands of veterans through time, may have been exposed. The consequences are fatal, cancers inherent with great discomfort and pain. Many veterans have already died. To deny responsibility and care for those suffering a terminal disease yet provide for others similarly affected, but only during the one-year period, is morally wrong. Post traumatic stress issues have also become an urgent issue as more and more of our veterans find it difficult coping with their wartime experiences after repatriation.

These are the facts and with these facts in mind, I would invite all Canadians to join veterans throughout Canada on the 6th of November 2010, at 1100 hours in front of your local MP’s office. We shall unite as brothers and sisters, sing O Canada, respectfully present our petition to our local parliamentarians and provide him/her an opportunity to address these issues in a public forum. If you can’t come in person, write a letter, send an email or call you MP on that day.  Conservative, Liberal or NDP, it matters not, our veterans need the support of all parliamentarians if we are to change the New Veterans Charter through legislation. Just as we, the veterans of Canada, need the support of all Canadians.
Stand up for veterans! Stand up for veterans as they have stood up for you.

Michael L Blais CD, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

[Mike Blais]

Sit Rep Saturday, 18 Sept.

This is in response to several letters requesting and update and queries about the government’s VAC announcements. Lets start at the beginning. We have had an outstanding week and expanded the national rally/protest presence significantly. Team Leaders now stretch across the nation from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, a remarkable feat considering the short period of time and one that aptly demonstrates the frustration Canada’s veterans and their families are sharing. I can assure you, the government and opposition parties have been notified of our intentions and are aware of our activities. One of our team leaders, Ron Denham in Toronto, has been invited to discuss the situation and Colonel Stogran’s replacement by a government MP in the very near future. Of course, a replacement is not conducive to our intentions, we want Colonel Stogran extended and the five primary issues identified.

I for one am very pleased the government addressed the ALS issue yet saddened, as noted in the attached newspaper link, that it would take the threats of prolonged law-suits to bring the situation to an end. I cannot help but wonder how many veterans died of ALS during the era of lawsuits and how many veterans are actually eligible. Let us pray that the numbers are very, very low. More on this issue is available here. I would remind you also that those affected by the SISIP issue have also been forced to launch a lawsuit and a decision will, hopefully, soon be issued from the Supreme Court of Canada.

http://www.canada.com/health/SOMNIA/3541839/story.html

Ministers Blackburn and Mackay will release more details about improvements to the New Veterans Charter tomorrow at NDHQ at 1400hrs. Being somewhat cynical, I cannot help but note that the press conference has been scheduled at a time when a vast majority of Canadians are paying attention to anything but the news. I urge you to stay focused on the five principles. The government knows exactly what we are doing, I spoke personally to David Sweet at which time I defined the nature of our concerns and presented the recruitment letter. MPs Stoffer and Oliphant were apprised. Mr Sweet informed me there would be changes to the NVC before Christmas but did not say whether the five central issues were addressed. Christmas is four months off and as such, I would suggest that Colonel Stogran, ourselves and many others are applying pressure for the government to implement change.

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2010/09/18/mackay-blackburn-to-announce-more-money-for-vets-has-ombudsman-stogran-s-campaign-to-embarrass-the-government-to-provide-more-support-for-veterans-paid-off.aspx

Now is NOT the time to lower our guard and be satisfied with recommendations that may only be a diversionary smoke screen to counter our primary objectives.

End the Widows tax.
End the Lump Sum payment.
End the SISIP claw back on VAC pensions
End the reduction of CPP and CPP disability pensions at age 65
Expand the Agent Orange programs to include all veterans affected and increase the resources for those suffering or in need of urgent treatment for PTSD.

Nothing, and I mean this with all due sincerity, would please me more then to tell you we have attained our five objectives without having to rally / protest, God bless you all for your outstanding support, we can now stand down! I am certain many of you share these feelings and as veterans, do not feel comfortable protesting. Yet we must remain vigilant, we must ensure that this is not just another rendition of BS baffles brains.

The team leaders list is posted under discussion at the facebook sites and with some modifications will be presented at the VeteranVoice.info site in the very near future. A mission specific message board has been created for the national day of protest and individual folders will be created so that the plans, addresses and contact emails/telephone numbers can be publicized for each event. Just click on forum at the upper index and register, be assured that you will not receive any spam and your emails are safe.

I hope that you will note who is taking command in your area and offer your support. If there is no one, step up. It is vital that we maintain the pressure between now and the 6th of November and the prospect of an event in a tightly contested riding may motivate the government to actually listen to Colonel Stogran and address the primary issues that confront our troops, veterans and those courageous members of the RCMP and other police agencies who have suffered through their service to Queen and Country.

Our duty is clear. Our resolve is not in question.

Michael L Blais CD
mlblaisrcr@veteranvoice.info

http://canadianveteransnationaldayofprotest.veteranvoice.info/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=100306030029293&v=wall
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148801205137620&v=wall

 
 

[David Ward]

Who do I contact in Vancouver, BC? Would like to participate.

[Mike Blais]

No Vancouver yet, David. But their is another seven weeks to go.

Current list

Protest Location List September 15 , 2010

Team Newfoundland
All MPS in Newfoundland will be addressed.
Jeff Rose Martland, St Johns, Rally, Our Duty website
Robin Brentnall, MP Scott Simms, Bonavista-Exploits

Team Nova Scotia

Ron Wray, MP Peter Stoffer, Lower Sackville
Gary Zwicker, Halifax, details to be announced, Rally?
Craig Leonard, MP Gerald Keddy, Bridgewater
Ron Cleroux, MP Megan Leslie, Halifax
Stuart Mills, MP Sarah Newton, Truro and Falmouth.

Team New Brunswick.

Fred Doucette, MP, Gagetown?
Glen James Berry, MP Brian Murphy, Moncton,
 
Team Prince Edward Island

Rally - VAC HQ on Grafton Street in Charlottetown.

Team Ontario

Sean Wilson, London, Rally, 4 MPs invited
Mike Blais, MP Robert Nicholson, Niagara Falls
Ken Hebbard, MP Patrick Brown, Barrie
Elsie Hetherman, MP Dan McTeague, Pickering
Bonnie Toews, MP Bev Oda, Durham.
Eric Robiere, MP Kingston
Lance Usher, MP Rick Norlock, Trenton
Ron Denham, MP Ms Ratasini, Don Valley      
Rick Austin, MP Irene Mathyssen, London

Team Alberta
 
Leonard Stahl, MP Tim Uppel, Edmonton, Sherwood Park
Mark Eggenhuizen, MP ?,  Calgary
Mark Sandiland, MP Rick Cassan, Lethbridge
Mark Kelly, MP Mike Lake, Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont.

Team BC

Kenneth Young MP, James Lunney, Nanaimo
Gary Griggs, MP Randy Kemp, Maple Ridge
Bruce Webb, MP John Duncan, Comox
Donna Lyne Theresa Furnival, MP Keith Marten, Esquimalt, Jaun de Fuca
Joe Beauchene, MP Chuck Strahl,  Chilliwack
Gary Goode, MP Jim Abbot. Kootenay
Dennis Teeple, Gary Lunn, Victoria.

[Mike Blais]

Be advised that I have been in contact with Sean over the past couple fo weeks and before this story broke Tuesday, Sean agreed to be the rall/portest's spokeman in Ottawa. What has happened to him is not right, by God, actions like this is something we could have expected from our former enemies, not our government. Who's next, me? Will the politicians try to use my medial files as a tool to shut me up and and cancel the Canadian Veterans national day to Rally/ Protest?


First our charter rights are violated!

Then our benefits are denied!

Then our credibility is impugned through illegal means when we are forced to stand up for ourselves!

Everyone that reads this letter should be angry and question, just what the hell did we fight for this country for?

Stand up, damn it. Stand up on November 6th.

We will not stand down until the corruption within VAC has been eliminated and honour restored to a system that is designed to care for our troops and our veterans. We will not pass the fault!


This is not what I went to war for

By Sean Bruyea, Citizen Special September 25, 2010 6:07 AM
 


Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/This+what+went/3578653/story.html#ixzz10Y94IMGb


This past week, Canadians learned that federal bureaucrats at Veterans Affairs Canada freely offered up extensive amounts of my confidential medical and financial information to federal cabinet ministers without my permission. And at least 850 federal employees, political staffers and politicians exchanged and/or accessed the most intimate details of my personal life.

Why? And what can be done to make sure it never happens to another Canadian?

I am a veteran with disabilities. I, therefore, depend upon Canada for my financial security as well as funding for my extensive medical needs for the rest of my life. I am also an advocate for the rights of injured soldiers and their families.

Internal e-mails show, Veterans Affairs employees sarcastically labelled me as their "favorite client" who is "very vocal in criticisms of our efforts" and "our programs." It is exactly this bureaucratic sense of propriety over what are, in reality, veterans' programs which seems to have fuelled the desire of numerous high-ranking bureaucrats to use my private and confidential information to impugn my credibility.

You see, in May 2005, I was the first of just a handful of veterans who opposed the single most important legislation to affect veterans in almost a century. The new law took away a lifetime monthly disability payment for injuries suffered by disabled soldiers and replaced it with a one-time lump sum. The law passed in the House of Commons in less than a minute without any debate. As a recipient of the lifetime monthly payments, I could not in good conscience stand by while other soldiers suffering the same injuries would receive dramatically less than what they deserve and what I still receive.

As part of my attempts to heal from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other physical and psychological injuries, I also started to write. As a budding journalist, my first article was a call for a veterans' ombudsman. That article became more important than I imagined. It served as the foundation for the Conservative election platform of 2006, promising to create such an office.

As the recent scandal over not renewing the current ombudsman shows, the bureaucracy did not want anyone to watch over them.

What is also clear is that the 14,000 pages of documents obtained through Privacy Act requests and held by Veterans Affairs show that my volunteer efforts to defend the rights of disabled veterans and their families angered many in the federal department. However, their emotional reaction is not my concern. That these individuals worked together to knowingly circulate my personal documents to virtually every director-level bureaucrat and above, as well as to ministers, political staffers and MPs is my concern. That these documents served as the basis of a briefing to the minister's chief of staff the day before he briefed the prime minister's office is outright disturbing.

This also needs to be the concern of every Canadian, and especially all parliamentarians.

We are all clients of the federal government at some level. Government departments in Ottawa hold vast amounts of our personal information including recipients of the Canada Pension Plan, retirement and disability, First Nations health and welfare, or the millions of immigration records replete with information which, if misused, could not only jeopardize the security and well-being of individuals in Canada but also relatives in their countries of origin. And most every adult and all Canadian business provides Ottawa with detailed tax information including social insurance numbers.

But Veterans Affairs is an odd creature located principally in Charlottetown, P.E.I. It is the only federal department with its headquarters located outside Ottawa. This is also likely part of the reason why 850 federal employees thought that they had every right to widely disseminate and/or access the most sacred knowledge about me.

Is what happened to me an exception? Col. (Ret'd) Michel Drapeau, Canada's leading expert in privacy law, knows that it is not. But my case is the most flagrant and extensive he has seen and the widespread circulation of my information should not and cannot be used "for political warfare to try to silence a critic."

How will the government ensure what happened to me will never happen to not only another veteran but to another journalist or any other Canadian for that matter?

The Privacy Commissioner has been carrying out a year-long investigation into my situation. Her findings are due soon. Supportive findings as well as clear and strong recommendations will undoubtedly help, but over the past five years, Veterans Affairs has easily and successfully resisted literally hundreds of recommendations, most by their own advisory groups. And many federal departments have shown similar arrogance in resisting the recommendations of oversight agencies and even parliamentary committees.

For that reason, Parliament must look into this and opposition parties need to call for a full public inquiry. Parliament is the only institution which has the power to stand up to our federal bureaucracy.

I went to war to defend Canada's sacred values and rights such as freedom of expression. Why is it that the government can use my most sacred information to destroy my credibility, thereby denying me that same freedom for which I and other soldiers have sacrificed so much?

What happened to my private information should have every Canadian asking whether they are next. Only a full public inquiry has the power to reassure all Canadians that they never have to ask this question.

Sean Bruyea is a freelance journalist, advocate for veterans' rights and a retired Air Force Intelligence Officer.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
 
 
 


Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/This+what+went/3578653/story.html#ixzz10Y8pdOIW

[Hatch]

Regarding your private information being abused, You are not alone. They lost my 28 page evaluation from a shrink when I was being processed for PTSD. I pushed the fact that I wanted to know where my private info was but I was told that I was over reacting. I pushed this for over 3 years & my case ended up on the desk of the privacy commissionaire. The reply that I got from that office was that my documents were lost by veteran affairs. A detailed search was conducted & the end result is, They are lost. Feel free to contact this office with any questions.
I just sat there with the "WTF"" look on my face.
I would be honored to stand up  in front of Mr Lunney here on Vancouver Island but I dont wear a uniform. My C.F. Greens were stripped of rank, badges & anything else that I was proud of when I cleared through clothing section on my release day. Not by me but by the staff that ran base cq.
To be blunt but truthful, I love & respect the Royal Canadian Regiment, Always will but the C.F. & veteran affairs can kiss my army A double s.
Mike, Who do I call to find out timings for Nanaimo , Alberni & Qualicum Beach area?
Respect!
Wayne.

[Mike Blais]

Kenneth Young, a fine RCR, is the team leader in Nanaimo.

 Kentar@telus.net

FYI. I will heading up to Ottawa to chair the Parliament Hill rally, all local Royal Canadians and their families are encourage to attend.
 

Pro Patria
   

[Hatch]

Message sent, Thanks Mike!!!

[Mike Blais]

 Sit Rep – Canadian Veterans National day to Rally / Protest  06 November, 2010

Greetings from Niagara!

It has been another proactive week for rally/protest organizers and I have heard great things from Elsie in Pickering, Eric in Kingston, Gary in Halifax, Jeff and Robin in Newfoundland, Gary, Joe and Ken in BC, Shaun in Alberta, Dwayne in New Glasgow, Sylvain, Serge, Dave, Jacques, Sean in Ottawa, Craig in Bridgewater … Forgive me if I am missing someone, as it has a been busy week, inclusive of veterans related events transcending the November 6th rally.
Nationally, the protest is proceeding at a steady rate and interest has appeared to increase after the federal governments recent announcements.

Dwayne McCabe is checking things out in New Glasgow, Minister of Defense MacKay’s riding and I hope there is sufficient interest so he can proceed. Elsie and the Pickering Veterans Association have been very active gathering names for the petition and will, as a preemptive strike, present the first installment to her MP, Dan McTeague, in the very near future in order to send a signal to parliament of our intent prior to Colonel Stogran’s dismissal. Oddly enough, when one considers the most recent revelations, Col Stogran is perhaps the perfect candidate to clean up the mess both he and Privacy Commissioner Stoddart exposed at Veterans Affairs Canada.

Eric Rebiere, an ex- RCMP officer, has decided to expand his operations to include Belleville as well as Kingston. I think veterans and Canadians would be very disappointed indeed if they were aware of the manner in which members of the federal and provincial police forces assigned to overseas operations are being treated when they return to Canada with identical service related problems. Deplorable, to say the least. The Belleville and Kingston rallies will be held at the MPs riding office at the 11 am timeframe. Interesting plans are in the works for Halifax and it is with great pleasure I welcome Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace to the proposed rally. It is my understanding they shall be holding a vigil at the War Memorial Friday night but this has yet to be confirmed. What a great idea, I must say! Be advised the NSCOWP is but one of several organizations participating with our rally / protest on the 6th of November.

The Parliament Hill leadership issue has been resolved. I will be traveling to Ottawa with three of my regimental brothers on Friday and staying to Sunday. The rally will commence at 1100 am sharp. Veterans and their families are asked to attend early so we can get some pictures, meet and greet for a bit, get everybody in position by the eleventh hour. God willing, we shall have some prominent advocates proposing solutions to the many problems today’s veterans confront. The Peace Tower will toll the hour, setting the stage for the following ceremony. Program details to be announced, at the moment, the PH team are in the process of taking care of the preliminary logistics. A routine has been discussed and will soon be presented. This will be a somewhat historical event and I encourage all veterans and Canadians who support our troops in the Ottawa region to join us, meet veterans of many generations and stand beside them as we stand up for our troops and the veterans adversely affected by the New Veterans Charter. The troops whom, I might add, cannot speak for themselves.

Team leaders are encouraged to open folders at the Veteranvoice.info message board so we can post event information for those living in your region. Also use the Facebook site’s discussion forum to create a new topic ie, Team Moncton. This is also a great method of reaching out to interested people and letting them know exactly where the event will be in their community. Of course, we are always looking for more team leaders and I urge you to consider hosting an event in your town if nothing is planned.

We now also have a francophone site which is located here.

http://canadianveteransnationaldayofprotest.veteranvoice.info/FRindex.html

Please pass this link around, it is important that we reach out to Quebec, something that we have not yet been able to do. Thanks you to CJ, Code and all who assisted in this as you did an outstanding job.

I have written the following op/ed in response to activities the past couple of weeks. Please copy and paste an email to your local newspaper. It is particularly important to inform the populations of locales where we are hosting events on the 6th of the veterans rally and the reasons why we are stepping up. A series of articles are being prepared and will be released in timely increments up to
November 6th.

Mike Blais CD.

Trust violated, where do veterans turn?

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity on the veterans’ front. Nationally, veterans continue to rally in defense of Colonel Pat Stogran, Veterans Ombudsman and the serious concerns he has idenfied. Revelations pertaining to repeated VAC violations of retired Captain Sean Bruyea’s privacy rights might be a good indication that veterans concerns are well justified. Minister of Defense MacKay and Minister for Veterans Affairs Blackburn teamed up for announcements on financial increases and long overdue care improvements. A baseline income for Canadians Forces members who’s disability awards are based on lower pay grades and a catastrophic injury award of 1000 dollars a month for life was proposed. At this point of time, however, no clarification as to the whether the award is taxed or whether the increase will be deducted from the wounded veteran’s Manulife SISIP LTD payment. Nor do we know just who will qualify for this catastrophic award or what qualification requisites are. As such, one can only wonder where and if there is any substance to these announcements.

Prime Minister Harper also entered the fray and proclaimed that veterans suffering from ALS, some who launched legal action against the Canadian government for treatment support when VAC denied their claims would now be considered for VAC benefits. It is frustrating to note however that there seems to be no real plan or date for support implementation for those suffering from ALS. This disease waits for no man, not even the prime minister of Canada. To offer hope to those afflicted and their families yet have no plan or method of implementation logically raises questions about the true motives behind making promises at this time. Again, where is the substance?

News then broke of systematic charter violations reference retired intelligence officer Captain Sean Bruyea’s Veterans Affair Canada files. Sean is a staunch advocate for veterans’ issues and long-standing critic of the New Veterans Charter. For good reason! The sanctity of his medical and financial files was repeatedly violated at the high levels of government and VAC bureaucracy with the intent, allegedly, to use this information to impugn his credibility prior to the NVC enactment. To compound the issue, Colonel Stogran admitted that the security surrounding his personal medical files had also been compromised and that he also had grave concerns that his confidential information would be used against him. In addition to and because of the investigation into the hundreds of violations initially reported by Sean Bruyea, Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart launched the first ever department-wide investigation into Veterans Affairs Canada activities weeks before Minister Blackburn claimed responsibility for the same systemic investigation of his department.  

These issues have tested, perhaps broken the bond of trust between our troops / veterans and the bureaucracy and ministerial officials at Veterans Affairs Canada. Let us not forget, this nation is at war. Canada’s sons and daughters are being repatriated with terrible injuries and under such extraordinary circumstances one might realistically claim that it is Prime Minister Harper’s responsibility to implement measures to restore a state of integrity to Veterans Affairs Canada.

The question is, just how can the bond of trust between our troops, veterans and VAC be restored?

First, Prime Minister Harper must call for a full public inquiry into Veterans Affairs Canada’s activities. The breach of privacy violations against Captain Bruyea and Colonel Stogran are not internal VAC issues, they are a breach of federal privacy laws, the specter of wide spread abuse corrupts the very level of trust veterans are entitled. How can a government address the serious problems at VAC and improve our veterans’ quality of life if the government does not take comprehensive measures to study, evaluate and propose changes to a variety of NVC inadequacies? There must be a forum guarantying veterans a state of meaningful dialogue, the prospect of change, a mandate to recommend and implement measures of improvement.

Second. The prime ministerial appointment of the Veterans Ombudsman, while an admirable act, cannot be effective should the prime minister and his government simply decide to ignore/dismiss the recommendations. To be effective, the Veterans Ombudsman must be a legislated position responsible to parliament, not the government of the day. When necessary, the Veterans Ombudsman must have the legal mandate to intervene, investigate and implement corrective measures on behalf of the veteran. Furthermore, the ombudsman must have a staunch military background, strong credentials, an abundance of integrity and an ability to relate to the veterans he/she has sworn to assist.

Someone perhaps… like Colonel Pat Stogran?

Our troops and veterans deserve nothing less.

Michael L Blais CD
Niagara Falls, Ontario  

[Hatch]

Mike, I applaud your efforts on this mission! Your contribution to the troops as well as the veterans is very much appreciated & needed.
Pro Patria brother.
Respect.
Hatch.

[Mike Blais]

Thanks Hatch! Pro Patria, brother.

Sit rep 23 October

Two weeks to go, ladies and gentlemen.

Once again, a very busy week. Team leaders across the nation have been, as they say, picking up the pace. Rosanne in Greenwood has and is doing an outstanding job motivating her community as has Craig in Bridgewater, Gary in Halifax, Sean in London, Jeff and Team Newfoundland, where we have a team leader for the west coast, Euphemia Walsh. Welcome! Elsie and the Pickering Veterans Association successfully completed the preemptive strike segment of the operation and have provided MP McTeague with the petition designed to inform the government we are not happy about Colonel Stogran’s dismissal or the fact that the issues have yet to be addressed. The rest of the petitions will be submitted after Nov 6th. This petition is downloadable at the veterans voice site.

http://durhamregion.com/news/pickering

Fred Doucette is back from overseas and will be gearing up for Fredericton, I know many of you have expressed interest and I can assure you, in proud regimental fashion, Fred is eager to advance and will be announcing his plans very shortly. BTW, Colonel Pat Stogran, veteran Ombudsman, will be at UNB next week for those interested in meeting him. We have also decided to consolidate resources in Edmonton and those who were planning on supporting the Millwood-Beaumont chapter are encouraged to join new team leader Daryl Thibert at MP Lawrie Hawn’s office at 1100 hrs. Thanks to Mark for his efforts, Pro Patria, brother.

Team leader lists and contact points are listed here and will be updated at a regular basis.
http://canadianveteransnationaldayofprotest.veteranvoice.info/protest_details.html#Contacts

Updated information on national and teams locals can be attained here
http://canadianveteransnationaldayofprotest.veteranvoice.info/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=100306030029293&v=wall
http://csat.top-talk.net/canadian-veterans-national-day-of-protest-vndop-f4/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148801205137620&v=wall

Bear in mind even if there is not a organized event in your community, you can participate by dropping by your local MPs office and politely asking him or her to address the issues that the veterans are protesting for. Our veterans community is not that large, every person’s support counts. If they are closed Saturday, do it on Friday. Or call. Or email. We live in an electronic era, next week we will be addressing strategies to help you generate a groundswell of internet activity to MPs offices on the days leading up to and the day of the protest.

The national level is coming together very nicely yet we still need a PA system. If anybody in Ottawa knows a band or something like that who would be willing to let us use the gear for an hour, it would be greatly appreciated. We are expecting a lot of veterans, have a significant message to deliver and we need this to ensure the message is heard. Once again, the theme of the PH rally is Justice and I would encourage you to bring signs bearing the single word, JUSTICE. Of course, any other sign is fine as well as long as it conforms to the dignity code. Do not be bashful, if you hear something you like, clap or cheer, this is not a doom a gloomer, it is the beginning of a new era and I encourage you to be, tastefully, loud and proud. Jack Bouthillier, if we can get a permit for his truck, will also be attending. Eric Rebiere, RCMP, has been added to the guest list and will speak to the issues that are confronting RCMP and law enforcement veterans. We are waiting for confirmation on the padre and the anthem singer.  No response from PM or opposition party leaders yet.

Dignity Code. Once again, I would remind you that it is vital that we maintain a dignified posture at all times. Clapping, cheering, shouts of support are indeed welcome, swearing, angry gestures, ect ect are not! We are not anarchists, we are patriots who are standing up for those who cannot and as such, our actions must be beyond reproach.

Military attendance. Sadly, there have been rumours coast to coast about how soldiers are being denied their constitutional right to attend these rallies. I DO hope that this not true. One of the primary reasons this National Veterans Day of Protest is occurring is the gross inadequacies of the Lump Sum payment and our quest to restore a life time pensions to those who have suffered terribly on behalf of this nation. I am a proud Royal Canadian, along with the PPCLI and the Vandoos, our regiments have borne the brunt of the casualties. It is my duty, OUR duty as Royals, Patricia’s and Vandoos, to stand up for those to whom we have passed the torch on the 6th, those who, although they may not speak, sure as hell can stand beside us.

I would encourage all serving military personnel to stand to! It will be YOUR silent vigil that will speak volumes to the legislators, it will be your very presence that will provide the incentive to implement changes to the New Veteran Charter to reflect the needs that YOU and YOUR family will require should, God forbid, you be injured or killed abroad. Though you may not speak, we may speak and speak we, brothers and sisters in arms, we will on your behalf.

I encourage you to stand beside veterans with great pride!

Soldiers, airman and sailors are allowed to attend as long as you do not wear your uniform, do not carry signs, speak to the press or publicly advocate. This is particularly true of the Parliament Hill rally and I would encourage my regimental brothers, the soldiers and the families from CFB Petawawa who have borne the consequences of war with great dignity, to travel to Ottawa for the morning to stand beside veterans who are standing up for you! I would also encourage those from CFB Halifax, where one of these rumours originated, to join in the rally at the war memorial. And in Edmonton, Valcartier, Borden, Esquimalt and anywhere else where there is base near an event. We are doing this for you, for your future.

Logistics. A press kit is being made up and will be sent out to the primary news organization early next week. Cities where events are scheduled will be targeted so Team leaders should expect an increase of press awareness as we come closer to November 6th. Do not be disillusioned if you have not received any feedback to date as many media orgs are reluctant to cover stories that do not occur for another couple of weeks. If you have a talk radio in your city, I would advise contacting them as I have noticed they are eager to cover this topic. Last week, Rosanne, Jeff and Craig all had interviews about the rallies they are conducting and I am sure there will be many more to follow.

I will be traveling up to Ottawa on the fifth with three of my regimental brothers, who will carry Canadian flags as part of the backdrop for the speeches. Planning on staying until Sunday. We should be arriving between 3 and four and are staying at the Econo Lodge on Rideau. Good price, 80 bucks a night. I am not certain what my schedule will be re press as I have a back issues (2 Operations-DND) and trips this long are quite difficult. Might have to rest for a bit.  I would like to have a meet and greet later in the evening and if anybody knows a place within walking distance of the motel where we can have a pint and meet in comradeship, please advise.

I would also take a moment to express my gratitude to the military associations who have responded favourably to this mission. Members of The Royal Canadian Regiment, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, the CAVUNP, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association and RCMP Associations who have representation in Ottawa are encouraged to contact me prior to the rally and I will ensure that your contingent is part of the honour guards I intend deploying on either side of the speaking area. We are making history, it is only fair that these organizations that have answered the patriots call be accorded the privilege. I would encourage other associations to establish contact with me so that I might also include you in the honorifics.

On closing, there has been clarification as to the 1000 dollar lump sum, although the definition of catastrophic injury remains unclear. The money is taxed, is off set by the Manulife wage loss program and disappointingly, ceases at age 65. I have also been told that of all the wounded that have been repatriated to Canada since the Afghan war started, only 19 qualify for the permanent impairment award. Kind of makes you wonder what the definition of catastrophic is, eh?   

Lest we forget, we are fighting for an end to the lump sum payment and the restoration of a life time pension, one that is non taxed, is not taken into consideration of the SISIP income loss replacement program and that DOES NOT END AT AGE 65. This standard was good enough for veterans since WW2 to the implementation of the NVC. Our soldiers deserve the same standard, it is up to us to ensure that they get it.

God bless and Pro Patria

Michael L Blais CD
Organizer – NVDOP
905-357-3306

[Mike Blais]

Regimental Sit Rep, CVNDOP. Friday. 28 October

Please copy and paste this sit rep to every Royal Canadian in yoru email directory. The Canadian Veterans National Day of Protest is seven days and a wakey...   

Be advised that I will be traveling to Ottawa to MC the veterans rally on Parliament Hill and I do not, in a regimental sense, want to be standing there ALONE!

Three men of the Niagara Branch, Doug Clarke, Bill Robson and Harry Preenen will be coming with me on Friday with the hope to be there by 1600. I would encourage other branch presidents to also bring up a car load (or more), I can assure you, I have delegated a position of preeminence for the RCR who attend the Parliament Hill rally.

We are staying at the Econo Lodge on Rideau. 79bucks a night, two people. Good deal. I have some early evening national tv interviews but should be free for a get together around 8ish.   

Petawawa is not far away and I would encourage serving and retired Royal Canadians to join me. I have received dozens of letters from soldiers, veterans, wives and widows while organizing this nation wide event thses past two months.

Many have been Royal Canadians.

Placed in the context of Never Pass a Fault...And as a consequence of these faults, Royal Canadians serving today, and their families, are not being the accorded the state of lifelong dignity that veterans of the pre-New Veterans Charter were assured.

Who speaks for the Royal Canadians to whom our generation has passed the torch? Royal canadians who have NO voice, who need our help?

We do!

We, the veterans of the Royal Canadian Regiment.   

I have been told that November 6th will be historic, that never before in this nations history have veterans been called upon to stand up for those to whom the mantle has been passed.
 
Once a Royal, always a Royal, as such, it is only RIGHT, in every sense of the word,  that those who serve The Royal Canadian Regiment lead the charge, that we would be the vanguard, the voice for our regimental brothers and all Canadians soldiers who would tread in Harm's Way today.

Lest us stand together as we have in war and peace. Let us unite for those who serve today, to those to whom we have passed the torch.

FYI. Serving members may not wear uniforms, carry banners or speak publicly, they can, however, BE SEEN! Please bring you families, all to often, it is they to who suffer, so there voices should be heard.

 
Locations for events are here under CVDOP OPIs list.,

http://canadianveteransnationaldayofprotest.veteranvoice.info/



Veterans Seeking Redress across Canada on November 6th

On Saturday, November 6th, veterans from coast to coast will assemble at eleventh morning hour (local) to offer unqualified support for Canadian Forces as they serve in Harm’s Way, the veterans of this great land who have been affected by the consequences of war and peace, the widows of the valiant who have been summoned to the Lord and the many, many families who are coping with a very different life then they envisioned before the war in Afghanistan interceded. It is distressing that it has come down to a protest, but after three years of hopeful anticipation, veterans are increasingly disappointed and frustrated by the lack of real government reform with the New Veterans Charter to reflect the realities of the War in Afghanistan and the needs of all generations of veterans.

Many veterans feel betrayed. Many veterans believed Prime Minister Harper personally appointed Canada’s 1st Veterans Ombudsman, Colonel Pat Stogran, to rectify the charter’s inadequacies. We believed that Colonel Stogran, who is a combat experienced infanteer, had been selected by the PM because of his relationship with those who are suffering the brunt of Canadian casualties, that his compassionate voice of reason would be responded to with all due speed. The ombudsman's voice, as we now know, has not been heard.

Nor was the Veterans Ombudsman’s voice the only voice to be dismissed or ignored. The Legion proposed thirteen important changes, knowledgeable veterans advocates and other organizations paraded routinely before parliamentary committee. Yet even as Canada’s sons and daughters were and are being repatriated with ‘catastrophic’ injuries, the government has refused to act.

On November 6th, parliamentarians will hear our voice, the voice of the veterans who have passed the torch to the generation of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen who are representing Canada in Afghanistan and elsewhere across the globe. Canada’s veterans today are no different then those who served in WW2, Korea, Africa, the Middle East, Balkans or dozens of peacekeeping mission across the globe. They bleed the same, they experience profound pain the same, they bear the horrible consequences of war the same and they deserve the SAME standard of dignified care and compensation.

There are five central issues veterans are advocating for on Nov 6th, honourable objectives designed to improve the quality of the lives of the widows and families of the fallen by insisting that any and all pensions related to a Killed in Action tragedy be considered tax free. To replace the pitiful low Lump Sum award with the same life-time standard of security that previous generations of veterans enjoyed. We seek to expand the Agent Orange settlement to provide support for all veterans exposed to cancerous chemical defoliant, not just those who were Gagetown during the limited 1-year time frame. We seek to improve VAC PTSD resources to include comprehensive, family inclusive treatment and counseling options on a 24/7, nation-wide basis when necessary. We seek justice for the 63000 peacekeeping veterans who have been disabled as a consequence of duty, who have been awarded a Veterans of Affairs Canada pensions for PAIN and SUFFERING that are clawed back through an unjust offset compliments of the SISIP WAGE LOSS LTD insurance policy.

Canadians have been quick to rally to our troops defense these past seven years and regardless of how one feels about Canada’s participation in the Afghanistan war, we have universally united behind our troops and their families when tragedy has struck. Red Fridays, the solemn support for the fallen along the Highway of Heroes, the outpouring of sincere support during far to many funeral services in villages, towns and cities from Newfoundland to British Columbia.

These are expressions of deep patriotism. Yet sometimes, the patriot’s call demands more of Canadians, not only on behalf of the nation’s veterans, but as a nation proud to support the valiant during this time of war. Canada’s Sons and daughters are bound by long standing protocols, while they may attend these rallies, they are not permitted to wear their uniforms, carry signs or publicly express their support. They cannot speak to the inadequate policies that they and the families will confront should the unthinkable occur.

Who speaks for those who cannot speak? When those who have been chosen to speak, the Veterans Ombudsman, the Royal Canadian legion, are not being listened to?
On Nov 6th, Canadians will.

Support rallies are being held in St John’s, Newfoundland, Halifax, Nova Scotia and in Ontario, London and in Ottawa, Parliament Hill. Smaller, yet no less significant events are taking place at MPs offices from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. Canada’s veterans community, by definition, is not very large. We need the support of all Canadians if we are to be successful. If you cannot attend or should there not be an organized event in your MP’s riding, please drop by your MPs office between now and Remembrance Day. Email him or give his office a telephone call. It will only take a moment of your time to respectfully ask your parliamentarian to work on your behalf to address the honourable issues the Canadian Veterans National Day of Protest was created to address.

You can make a difference. You can be a soldier’s voice.

God bless our troops, Canada’s veterans and their families.

God bless Canada.

Michael L Blais CD
National Organizer,
Canadian Veterans National Day of Protest, 6 Nov, 2010.
mlblaisrcr@veteransvoice.info.
 
Contact Info
Mike Blais
Niagara Falls Ontario
905-357-3306

[Mike Blais]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1210010.html
   
Rally for veterans, past and present

By MICHAEL L. BLAIS
Wed, Nov 3 - 7:08 AM

On Saturday, Nov. 6, veterans from coast to coast will assemble at the 11th morning hour (local) to offer unqualified support for members of the Canadian Forces who serve in harm’s way, the veterans who have been affected by the consequences of war and peace, the widows of the valiant who have been summoned to the Lord, and the many families who are coping with a very different life than they envisioned before the war in Afghanistan.

It is distressing that it has come down to a protest, but after three years of hopeful anticipation, veterans are increasingly disappointed and frustrated by the lack of real government reform with the New Veterans Charter to reflect the realities of the war in Afghanistan and the needs of all generations of veterans. Many veterans feel betrayed. Many veterans believed Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Canada’s first veterans ombudsman, Col. Pat Stogran, to rectify the charter’s inadequacies. We believed that Col. Stogran’s compassionate voice of reason would be responded to with all due speed.

His voice, as we now know, has not been heard.

Nor was Stogran’s the only voice to be dismissed or ignored. The Royal Canadian Legion proposed 13 important changes; knowledgeable veterans’ advocates and other organizations paraded routinely before the parliamentary committee. Yet even as Canada’s sons and daughters were, and are, being repatriated with catastrophic injuries, the government has refused to act.

On Saturday, parliamentarians will hear our voice, the voice of the veterans who have passed the torch to the generation of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen currently representing Canada in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Canada’s veterans today are no different than those who served in the Second World War, Korea, Africa, the Middle East, Balkans or in peacekeeping missions around the world. They bleed the same, they experience profound pain the same, they bear the consequences of war the same and they deserve the SAME standard of care and compensation.

On Nov. 6, veterans are advocating for improved quality of life for the widows and families of the fallen by insisting that any and all pensions related to a "killed in action" tragedy be considered tax free. We want to replace the pitifully low lump sum award with the same lifetime standard of security that previous generations of veterans enjoyed. We seek to expand the Agent Orange settlement to provide support for all veterans exposed to cancerous chemical defoliant. We seek to improve Veterans Affairs Canada’s post-traumatic stress disorder resources. We seek justice for the 6,300 disabled peacekeeping veterans whose VAC pensions are offset by the SISIP wage-loss limited insurance policy.

Canadians have been quick to rally to our troops’ defence these past seven years and regardless of how one feels about Canada’s participation in the Afghanistan war, we have united behind our troops and their families when tragedy has struck. Red Fridays, the solemn support for the fallen along the Highway of Heroes, the outpouring of sincere support during far too many funeral services: These are expressions of deep patriotism. Yet sometimes, the patriot’s call demands more of Canadians. Canada’s men and women in the Forces may attend these rallies, but they are not permitted to wear their uniforms, carry signs or publicly express their support. They cannot speak to the inadequate policies that they and the families will confront should the unthinkable occur.

Who speaks for those who cannot speak? When the words of the veterans ombudsman and the legion fall on deaf ears?

On Saturday, Canadians will.

Support rallies are being held in St. John’s, Halifax, London and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Smaller, yet no less significant, events are taking place at MPs’ offices from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. We need the support of all Canadians if we are to be successful. If you cannot attend, please drop by your MP’s office between now and Remembrance Day. Email or call. Ask your parliamentarian to address veterans’ issues.

Michael L. Blais, CD, is national organizer, Canadian Veterans National Day of Protest.

[Mike Blais]

Trenton Trentonian

Veterans demanding change

Saturday rally to bring attention to pension changes

By Ernst Kuglin
Updated 6 hours ago
   

Ernst Kuglin

Trentonian

Canadian Forces veterans are taking to the streets in Trenton Saturday during a rally aimed at forcing the federal government to make changes in the new Veteran's Charter which "clawback" pensions.

Retired captain Lance Usher said veterans are calling on the government to end the new charter's lump sum payment and restore the lifetime pain and suffering pension to veterans, not only those who have served, but for current Canadian Force personnel as well.

"I've seen the anguish on the faces of hundreds of family members,'' said Usher. "I've known injured soldiers. If the New Veteran's Charter isn't changed soon, there's going to be a whole lot of additional anguish. Those families won't be able to survive financially."

Usher retired from the army in 2009 after serving for 24 years and 68 days.

A painful non-deployment related back injury forced the former captain to quit the military. Usher has served in trouble spots such as Rwanda, Haiti and Bosnia during his career.

He is now a member of the Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit, commonly known 1 CAV and has attended more than 100 repatriation ceremonies at CFB Trenton.

Saturday's rally will be held at the municipal parking lot, just west of the Metro Store in Trenton. Usher, one of three local organizers, said he hopes other veterans and the public will be at the 11 a.m. rally.

"We're asking the public to stand up for veterans the same way tens of thousands of veterans have stood up for them (the public) on dangerous missions around the world,'' said Usher.

Veterans are demanding the government ends the dollar-for-dollar Canada Pension Plan clawbacks from their pensions.

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"If that's going to be the case, then why did I have to pay full CPP contributions in the first place. You don't see government MPs giving up any of the their gold-plated pensions or benefits and they only have to serve six years to get them,'' said Usher.

Usher says there's a "vast disparity'' between what veterans will earn under the new charter, and what veterans are earning prior to the changes.

"Hypothetically, two veterans are severely wounded. One is 25 years old with a wife and child. One receives a lump sum payment of $276,000. The other receives the standard (before the new Veterans Charter implementation) about $3,000 a month,'' said Usher.

Both soldiers live to 85.

Usher said the new veteran receives only about $380 per month.

His colleague, at $3,000 a month prior to the new Veteran's Charter, receives more than $2 million. It also includes an additional supplement for his wife and each child until they reach 18.

"This vast disparity, particularly when one considers the consequences of modern combat, is obscene,'' said Usher.

Veterans are also taking issue with the Service Income Survivors Pension, or SISIP.

"The government claims the SISIP top up to 75 per cent of a veteran's wage is a great system... but that's only if you are a higher rank,'' said Usher. "As a captain, I am topped up to $68,000. A corporal released with the same injury is topped up to $40,000. It has created two classes of veterans. Under the old system, we both would receive the same medical pension,''

Veterans are also demanding the government end the so-called widow's tax. They say families should be entitled to a tax exemption on all death benefits.

Usher called it an "unjust taxation policy.''

Usher said there should be no tax on pensions or benefits of soldiers killed in action.

"The families of the fallen, already deeply grieving the loss of loved ones are subject to a great deal of financial hardship through this policy,'' he said.

Veterans are also demanding an end to the repeal of veteran's military pensions at age 65.

"Imagine you have served your entire career and paid into your pension fund only to discover the government is arbitrarily going to reduce your service pension the moment you hit 65,'' said Usher. "This is fundamentally unfair considering that out of all the government services, only the RCMP and Armed Forces are adversely affected. It's a huge burden for veterans and Mounties and should be repealed.''

Usher said he met with local MP Rick Norlock last week.

"All he did was give us a handout of what the government has done,'' said Usher.

But Usher did receive a phone call from Hastings Prince Edward MP Daryl Kramp.

"He told me that he was going to take our concern directly to Veterans Affairs Minister Jean Pierre Blackburn,'' said Usher.

Usher added Quinte West Mayor John Williams will be at the rally.

"He's promised to support,'' he said.

Neither Norlock nor Williams could not be reached for comment.
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