Letter to Base Commander: Visit to CFB Kingston

17 April 2023

 

Colonel S.T. Hatton, CD
Commander
Canadian Forces Base Kingston
PO Box 17000 STN FORCES
Kingston, ON K7K 7B4

 

Dear Col Hatton,

I would like to thank you and your team for the hospitality and support shown during my visit to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston from 27 February to 3 March 2023.

CFB Kingston has a unique composition in that it hosts many lodger units. My team and I appreciated the time you, and your team took to help organize the visit. We appreciated learning about the issues the CFB Kingston Defence community regularly face. It was also evident that the increasing additions to the base without adequate support elements is placing pressure on the base as a whole.

During our out-brief on 3 March, we discussed pertinent topics affecting members on, and around the base. I recognize that you are aware of some issues, but I would like to expand upon the briefing I provided.

Workload

Several members voiced that the COVID-19 pandemic, early retirement, and releases had led to them being assigned multiple duties outside their regular scope of work. There was a clear frustration with “wearing multiple hats” and feeling “stretched thin” with no extra pay. This is an issue we hear consistently across the country in a time of personnel shortages.

We also heard that there was a feeling of disconnect between health services and the chaplaincy. Both groups admitted they refer members to each other for services; however, they also noted that they are overwhelmed with the number of individuals referred and, felt they may not be best equipped or supported to deliver the services required or needed by the member. Perhaps a conversation to highlight the challenges in their respective roles and services would be helpful in developing better outcomes provided by the groups to members.

Retention and cost of living

Members raised concerns about remaining in the CAF. They identified external opportunities in the public and private sector, which typically pay more for the same type of work. The increased stability of civilian employment was also noted as an enticement. Some members mentioned the desire to work a second job to supplement the rising cost of living, but being unable to do so due to deployments, postings and/or courses.

They recognized that imposed restriction is a possibility; however, they were concerned about the impact of being away from their families.

Health care

We heard several concerns surrounding health care during the week. Members mentioned that getting dependants added to their public service health care plan was a long and tedious process, leaving them to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement. Members and their families also indicated that they face difficulties finding a family doctor. Additionally, some members noted difficulties in getting access to medical records and that they often receive them in paper form, which they feel is impractical – even files on CD are more difficult to read with most people not having access to a CD-reader in their technology.

Infrastructure and housing

 Multiple serious concerns regarding base infrastructure were raised by members who cited that several buildings have no running water. We also heard about deficiencies with Residential Housing Units, difficulties bringing concerns forward about RHUs and how the priority list is managed.

Despite the various challenges that we heard, the Conflict Solutions and Services group stated that they receive great support from you. We also noted the success of the CAF transition group in providing services and taking a pro-active approach to arranging medical examinations prior to release. This practice helps to prevent members from releasing voluntarily who may have hidden illnesses and injuries.

The enthusiasm I witnessed while speaking to members of the CFB Kingston Defence community was inspiring. There was a clear focus from Members on continuous improvement to ensure their community is strong, and a better place for current and future members posted to the area.

My office and I will continue to raise issues impacting the Defence community in CFB Kingston and I encourage you to continue working with local individuals and groups to address the local concerns. Please contact me or my office should you require assistance or clarification.

Thank you, again, for taking time out of your busy schedules to help coordinate, and make this outreach a success.

Sincerely,

 

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman

 

CC: Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Durant

Chief Warrant Officer Shaun Prendergast

Lieutenant-Colonel David Beyer

Commander François Desjardins

Major Maxime Feuillat

Paola Zurro