NR - 08.020 - April 4, 2008
Ottawa - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today in response to concerns expressed by the Interim Ombudsman regarding treatment and compensation of injured Reserve Forces personnel.
"Reservists play an important role in Canada's security, both at home and abroad. Their quality of life is a priority f or the Government of Canada. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces welcome the Ombudsman's report on issues concerning these valued personnel.
We share the Ombudsman's concerns with respect to the treatment and compensation of Reservists, and are now looking at what must be done to correct the situation. In fact, we are taking action regarding one of the Ombudsman's recommendations.
Reservists injured while on deployment receive the same care, and are entitled to the s ame level of compensation, as Regular Forces members. A proposal to standardize compensation so that Reservists injured at home also qualify for the maximum amount of compensation is currently being reviewed.
This government is standing by our mil itary personnel, and we have been proactive, with Labour Minister Blackburn actively moving on job protection for reservists who work in the federal public service and federally regulated industries.
The Department of National Defence and the Ca nadian Forces appreciate the good work of the Ombudsman and her staff. We have put the wheels in motion to ensure that Reservists and Regular Forces personnel are compensated fairly following injury. We will continue to work closely with the Ombudsman to resolve challenges involving standards of care as quickly as possible."
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