Letter to MND: Hidden Battles report

14 August 2023

 

The Honourable Bill Blair, PC, COM, MP
Minister of National Defence
Department of National Defence and The Canadian Armed Forces
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive,
13th Floor, North Tower
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

 

Dear Minister Blair,

Please allow me to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Minister of National Defence.

I look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss the work my Office does to bring fairness and positive improvements to members of the Defence Community. Quarterly meetings between you and I are essential to ensure that critical issues facing our constituents are addressed in a timely manner. You may already be aware that monthly staff level meetings between our offices are being held.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to bring your attention to a report that we submitted to Minister Anand on 29 June 2023. The enclosed report – “Hidden Battles: A systemic investigation into the identification of mental health needs and support for Primary Reserve members participating in domestic operations” - makes six evidence-based recommendations. If accepted and implemented, these recommendations will bring long-lasting, positive change to Primary Reserve members who assist in emergency responses in Canada. Additionally, our office believes timely implementation will assist the CAF’s efforts to fulfill its commitments made to the Defence community in Strong, Secure, Engaged and the Total Health and Wellness Strategy.

This report was submitted pursuant to paragraph 38(1)(b) of the Ministerial Directives in respect to the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. As is standard practice, we would have published the report no sooner than 28 days from the date of that letter. However, given the change of ministerial leadership, I wanted to provide additional time for you and your office to familiarize yourselves with the contents of the report. I am hopeful that we will receive your response prior to its publication in early September.

While we have already briefed Minister Anand on this report, we are ready to offer an additional briefing at your convenience.

I look forward to your response to our recommendations and to working together in the future.

Sincerely,

 

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman

 

cc. Associate MND / Minister of Veterans Affairs