Letter to Base Commander: Visit to CFB Winnipeg

23 October 2023

 

Colonel Aaron Spott
17 Wing Commander
Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg
PO Box 17000 Stn Forces
Winnipeg, MB 
R3J 3Y5

 

Dear Colonel Spott,

I would like to thank you and your team for the hospitality and support shown during my visit to CFB Winnipeg from 18 to 22 September 2023. My team and I appreciated the opportunity to share information about our office and services, and to hear directly from members, civilian employees, and families.

I am writing as a follow-up to the out-brief on 25 September, where we met with your team and discussed pertinent concerns and positive feedback raised during my visit. I recognize that you are already aware of these issues, and I am hopeful that raising them will foster a collaborative spirit that will lead to enduring and positive change to members of the CAF and the Defence community.

The following are the main concerns I heard during my visit to CFB Winnipeg:

Medical Services

Members expressed that there has been a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health, which was positive to hear. However, it was mentioned that there are often delays in accessing help for mental health concerns.

In addition, we heard that members of the Reserve Force are sometimes turned away when presenting to the Care Delivery Unit despite having an entitlement to care. While this is often corrected through intervention of the chain of command, it was nonetheless an issue for all those involved. We have also noted this in our most recent systemic investigation report, Hidden Battles. 

Housing

Affordable housing is a concern across the country, and we heard that Winnipeg is not immune to this problem. While the roll out of the new Canadian Forces Housing Differential did not affect many in Winnipeg, it was still a concern raised as members contemplate how this will impact them when posted in the future.

There were also concerns surrounding the Residential Housing Units (RHUs) in Winnipeg. It was mentioned that some were in a less desirable area and some members had concerns for their safety and the rate of crime. Additionally, we heard that there was a lack of information from the Canadian Forces Housing Agency surrounding vacant RHUs when there are members on the waiting list.

High Workloads

It is no surprise that members raised concerns about high workloads due to vacant positions. This is an issue that has been affecting all members across the country. Despite the high workloads, the overall morale at CFB Winnipeg seemed quite high. We heard that many leaders are empowered to offer flexibility to their teams. However, some members reported that flexible work arrangements were not consistently supported, which caused difficulties when members had to deal with obligations outside of work. This will always be a difficult balance for leaders when flexibility is offered in decision-making.

Additionally, we heard concerns about the length of time it takes to complete a component transfer between the Regular and Reserve Force. As the Royal Canadian Air Force has a higher level of Reserve Force members integrated into daily operations, in order to keep the number of vacant positions to a minimum it is imperative that this process be timely.

Mess Dues

On multiple occasions we heard members questioning the value they are getting for their mess dues. Some members felt that they were forced into paying for something that they would never use. While this is a national policy, it is becoming a more common issue brought up by members; however, I also recognize the value in bringing members together.

Services in French

In a visit to CFB Winnipeg in 2016, my predecessor noted the challenges members and their families had with accessing services in French. These concerns were repeated during this year’s visit and more specifically related to health care professionals and specialists. I wanted to continue to highlight this as an ongoing challenge.

BGRS

Members and their families continue to report concerns with the level of knowledge and service by BGRS. Issues ranged from inadequate communication to lack of policy knowledge. It was highlighted that members should double check information provided by BGRS before making financial decisions. As you know, these challenges add further stress to relocating and, in some cases, can have serious financial implications. Unfortunately, this matter is not unique to Winnipeg and is one of the biggest irritants we hear at bases across the country.

Many of the concerns brought up in Winnipeg are echoed across Canada and, I recognize that some of these challenges are outside your control. I encourage you to continue your efforts to address the concerns within your span of influence; I will do whatever I can to support you.

My office and I will continue to raise issues affecting the Defence community in CFB Winnipeg 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 need assistance or clarification.

Finally, I wanted to note the excellent support from Lieutenant Park, whose professionalism and eagerness greatly contributed to a successful outreach.

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

Sincerely,

 

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman

 

cc: Major-General I.S Huddleston, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division

Brigadier-General J.J Alexander, Commander 2 Canadian Air Division