What's New: CFGB Visits Joint Task Force North (Yellowknife)

February 01, 2012

Members of the CFGB delegation with the CC-138 Twin Otter.

On February 1 and 2, 2012, a delegation from the Canadian Forces Grievance Board (CFGB), headed by the Board's Chairperson, Bruno Hamel, visited the Joint Task Force North in Yellowknife. As the first visit of the Board north of the 60th parallel, the trip presented an unparalleled opportunity for understanding the unique challenges, work conditions and causes of discontent that are at the basis of grievances coming from this particular area.

During the visit, the Board's delegation met with senior leadership and various stakeholders involved in conflict resolution. On February 2, the Board held a townhall meeting which provided an opportunity to explain the distinct and independent role the CFGB plays in the military grievance process. It also allowed for direct exchanges about issues and concerns related to complaint resolution, as well as trends and dissatisfiers identified by the Board through its review of grievances.

The delegation toured selected facilities such as the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Company Unit in Yellowknife, the Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre, the Military Family Resource Centre, the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, the Area Support Unit (N), and the 440 "Vampire" Transport Squadron. The tasks of the 440 Squadron's tasks include airlift, utility and liaison flights in support of Canadian Forces Northern Area; but also search and rescue missions as a secondary search and rescue resource.

We were offered the opportunity to visit one of the Canadian-designed and -produced CC-138 Twin Otters. Used to carry out a wide range of tasks, these robust aircrafts are operated in some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet. What the members of the Squadron are able to accomplish in those incredibly hostile conditions is remarkable and humbling, the Chairperson said.

In addition to the Chairperson, the Board's delegation included the Vice-Chairperson, Jim Price, Board members Denis Brazeau, Michael Auger, Carina De Pellegrin, Frederick Blair, and Senior Counsel, Ann Boivin.

The Board makes periodic visits to Canadian Forces (CF) formations/units to learn about taskings and activities and to see, first hand, CF members in the environment in which they serve. In turn, the Board holds briefings, both formal and informal, where all ranks are encouraged to participate in grievance related discussions.