Letter to MND: Follow-up to Service Attribution Letter

17 November 2017

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, PC, OMM, MSM, CD, MP
Minister of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive, 13th Floor, North Tower
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

Dear Minister Sajjan:

As you know, in September 2016 my Office released the following report:

• Determining Service Attribution for Medically Releasing Members, containing one recommendation.

In our report, we recommended that the Canadian Armed Forces determine whether an illness or injury is caused or aggravated by that member’s military service and that the Canadian Armed Forces’ determination be presumed by Veterans Affairs Canada to be sufficient evidence to support an application for benefits.

In response to our report, you noted that there was merit in the suggestion and that the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces required more time to review the implications. You also indicated a steadfast commitment to working with Veterans Affairs Canada to improve the process.

As part of my mandate, we are following up on progress made with respect to our reports. In doing so, we are conducting periodic assessments as to the status of individual recommendations, with the intention of posting these assessments on our website.

I would be grateful if our Office could be provided with an update related to your review including any concrete actions (accomplishments, achievements, etc.) undertaken to date; and anticipated next steps and action items.

I would be grateful to receive a detailed response by 12 December 2017.

Should your staff have any questions or concerns, they should feel free to communicate with Ms. Robyn Hynes, Director General – Operations at (613) 995-9504 or via e-mail at Robyn.Hynes@forces.gc.ca.

I appreciate your continued support and assistance in this matter.

 Sincerely,

Gary Walbourne
Ombudsman