For the Sake of Fairness: The Case of the Squadron Leader (Retired) Clifton Wenzel

Investigative Team:

Suzanne Belson
Dave Clarke
 

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
   
• Issue/Complaint
   
• Investigative Process
   
  • Documents provided by Mr. Wenzel
     
  • Documents requested from the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces
• Summary of Facts
   
  • Seeking Permission to Retire
     
  • Reaction of the Chain of Command
     
  • Policy Guide and "the Public Interest"
     
  • Role of the Service Pension Board
     
  • Minister Reviews Request
     
  • Through the Years
     
  • Out of Time
     
  • An Appeal to Minister Graham
     
• Findings and Analysis
   
  • a. Incomplete and inaccurate information
     
  • b. Lack of support
     
  • c. Lack of information to retiring members on the interpretation of "public interest"
     
  • d. Service Pension Board did not request missing information
     
  • e. Inconsistent application of the criterion regarding "civilian employment of public importance"
     
  • f. Overly restrictive interpretation of ‘Public Interest’
     
  • g. Decision-makers did not consider the special circumstances
     
• Summary of Findings
   
• The Recommendations
   
• Summary of Recommendations
   
• Appendix A: Referral Letter from the Minister of National Defence
   
• Appendix B: Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, S.C. 1959
   
  • The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, S.C. 1959, 7-8 Eliz. II, c.-21
     
  • Service Pension Board
     
• Appendix C: Letter to the Minister of National Defence