Letter to Commander Formation Europe: Visit to SHAPE

10 August 2023

BGen FG Carpentier
Commander
Formation Europe and
National Military Representative to SHAPE for NATO
Formation Europe
Bldg. 101, Room C109 Casteau, Belgium

Dear BGen Carpentier,

I would like to thank you and your team for the hospitality, openness and support shown during my visit to SHAPE from 22 to 23 June 2023

OUTCAN postings are unique in nature by virtue of their locations; however, Casteau truly has a community feeling that everyone we met welcomed and appreciated. We valued the time you and your team took to help organize this visit and, appreciated learning about the area and concerns the Defence community face while posted OUTCAN.

During our out-brief on 23 June, we discussed certain topics affecting Defence team members on, and around the Base. I recognize that you are aware of some of these issues, but I would like to expand upon the briefing I provided and extend my assistance where I can.

Health Care Services

One of the concerns we heard surrounding health care related to access to services in English outside of the Base. Members and their families indicated that they cannot access the SHAPE health care facility as there is not enough resources to provide services to civilians. However, they also noted difficulties in finding a doctor and mental health services in English outside of the Base and, those living in Lille, France and Germany expressed a lack of mental health resources due to their isolated locations.

Authorities

Many members raised concerns that you, as the Commander, did not have sufficient flexibility or authority in approving various items that required escalation to DCBA. It was alleged that there were times that this has led to a grievance submission that could have been avoided. Living in Europe is different than travelling to Europe as one member put it. This issue of authority delegation and the proper authorities that need to reside in the CAF rather than in Treasury Board is one of my highest priorities to address.

Children’s Education Management

The rules surrounding Children’s Education Management were brought up numerous times specifically relating to parents’ requests to have the choice of where to send their children to school but also where some of the options available may not make sense within the strict interpretation of policy.

We have recently updated our educational product “ABC’s of OUTCAN Postings” that I believe will be beneficial to all members and their families (link below):

https://www.canada.ca/en/ombudsman-national-defence-forces/education-information/caf-members/career/outcan.html

We also discussed the need to better promote the services offered by the Conflict Solutions and Services to help educate, facilitate difficult conversations, and potentially resolve interpersonal conflict.

I want to highlight the enthusiasm I witnessed while speaking to the SHAPE community; it 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.

In closing, I would like again to thank you for enabling the opportunity to engage with the SHAPE community. My office and I will continue to raise issues impacting the Defence community posted OUTCAN and I and my team are always available to support you.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman

Cc:

Chief Warrant Officer Thomassin

CMP