Ombudsman publishes report: Primary Reserve members who participate in domestic operations face challenges when identifying their mental health needs and accessing mental health supports

Ombudsman Message | 6 September 2023 

I am pleased to announce the publication of Hidden Battles: A systemic investigation into the identification of mental health needs and support for Primary Reserve members participating in domestic operations.

We launched this investigation because we were concerned about possible inconsistencies in mental health assessments and medical care for Primary Reserve members before, during, and after a domestic operation. The nature of the Reserve Force often means that members receive health care from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) while on operation and return to the civilian health care system when their participation to the operation ends. 

Mental health for members participating in domestic operations, an issue very important to me, has gone largely unexplored in the CAF until now. Through my own experiences and challenges, I have learned that it’s vital to have awareness, mental health tools and resources to get better. It can be difficult to get help if this support isn’t readily and easily available.

Unfortunately, our investigation found just that—Primary Reserve members face challenges when identifying their mental health needs and accessing mental health supports.

Although, military members can experience mental health challenges related to both international and domestic operations, our investigation focused on the relationship of mental health with Primary Reserve members participating in domestic operations in these four areas:

• Identification of mental health needs
• Access to mental health supports
• Awareness
• Barriers

In our report, we made six evidence-based recommendations to the Minister. If accepted and implemented, these recommendations will contribute to the well-being of Primary Reserve members. Giving Primary Reserve members the support they deserve will help them prepare for new and emerging threats and to adapt to Canada’s changing environment. The CAF should prioritize the implementation of our recommendations; it’s with Canada’s best interests in mind. As usual, I will be monitoring their progress.

Although we did not specifically include the Canadian Rangers in this investigation, I would like to recognize the continuous participation of Canadian Rangers to assist in times of crisis. Many of the findings for Primary Reservists will apply to the Canadian Ranger community. The nature of their contribution, often as first responders in their own community, can impact their mental health in a unique way very few can fully grasp. I encourage Canadian Rangers to remain vigilant for symptoms of mental health struggles and to seek peer support and help when in doubt.

In closing, I want to thank everyone involved in this investigation for their participation. Without their cooperation and collaboration, this office would not be able to fulfill its mandate to contribute to long-lasting improvements for our constituents.

Gregory A. Lick
Ombudsman