Letter to MND: Mental Health Systemic Investigation Update

11 August 2022

The Honourable Anita Anand, PC, MP
Minister of National Defense
Department of National Defence
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive

13^th Floor, North Tower
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

Dear Minister Anand,

As announced in May 2022, my office launched a systemic investigation on mental health, more specifically into issues surrounding the accessibility and equitability of mental health resources for Primary Reserve members who participate in domestic operations.

Over the past decade, Canadian Armed Forces members have served in unexpected ways. Primary Reserve members have been increasingly relied upon to support a growing number of domestic operations due to environmental events and the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is with this view that the investigation will look into resources available to support the mental health of CAF personnel before, during and after domestic operations.

Mental health is a topic of critical importance for me, both personally and professionally. It is key that policies and processes are in place to support Primary Reserve members, so they are prepared for new and emerging threats, and to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

I look forward to working closely with the Canadian Armed Forces over the course of this investigation with the goal to publish the report next year.

Sincerely,

Gregory A Lick
Ombudsman