The Military Grievances External Review Committee Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

June 10, 2015

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Thomas J. Lawson, with the Committee's members and staff

The Military Grievances External Review Committee officially marked its 15th anniversary in a celebratory lunch held on June 10 at the Army Officer’s Mess in Ottawa. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Thomas J. Lawson and other Canadian Armed Forces stakeholders, as well as current and former Committee’s staff and members.

The Committee’s contribution to military conflict resolution is well known and (its) expertise is sought after, said General Lawson. The Committee is recognized for providing an invaluable service to senior leadership, decision-makers, Canadian Armed Forces members and grievors, he added.

After welcoming staff and guests, the Chairperson, Bruno Hamel, noted that in the last 15 years the Committee proposed solutions to approximately 2000 grievances and issued more than 360 systemic recommendations. We gathered valuable information and alerted the Canadian Armed Forces to recurrent and systemic issues so problems can be addressed at the roots and future conflict can be avoided, he said. We feel gratified to know that some (recommendations) have led to positive changes and improved conditions of service for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, he added.

While keeping the interests of justice at heart, we work on every case with the individual story in mind with the objective of delivering high quality recommendations that hopefully will contribute to improved working conditions for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Chairperson also said.

Mr. Hamel thanked the Committee’s staff and members for contributing to the organization’s success: The real success story we are celebrating here today is you, employees and members, who have the drive and the commitment to make a difference in the lives of the men and women the Canadian Armed Forces. They put their lives on the line for you and me and their country and they deserve no less. He finally vowed that staff and members will continue (their) efforts to live up to the expectations (of the Committee) as a model administrative tribunal, a reliable partner of the Canadian Armed Forces and a federal organization trusted by Canadians.

After his speech, the Chairperson invited the Chief of the Defence to join him for the unveiling of a commemorative crystal plaque. The ceremony closed with the distribution of long service awards to employees who have been at the Committee’s for five, ten or 15 years.

The Chairperson, Bruno Hamel, unveiling the commemorative crystal plaque with the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Lawson