Letter to Base Commander: visit to CFB Halifax

08 April 2024

 

Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz
D201, F6, Office 610
PO Box 99000 Stn Forces
Halifax, NS B3K 5X5

 

Dear Rear Admiral Kurtz,

I want to express my gratitude for the warm hospitality and support extended by you and your staff during my visit to CFB Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater from 3 to 8 March 2024. These visits are invaluable for our office as they allow us to not only share information about our services with constituents but also to cultivate collaborative relationships with local leaders who are best positioned to address issues.

During my visit, my team and I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Halifax and Shearwater Defence community, engaging in meaningful discussions, and listening to their concerns. I would like to highlight areas of concern as well as positive observations, and offer my support as you and your Command Team continue to navigate these challenges.

Housing:

We received numerous comments regarding the high cost of living and the conditions of the Residential Housing Units (RHU). While we observed positive signs of renovations to units, it was noted that 75% of these units still require complete renovations. Additionally, there is a pressing need for increased accessibility to both on and off-base housing options. Although much of this falls outside your scope of responsibility, I have copied the president of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency for their awareness and information.

Infrastructure:

Members have raised multiple concerns regarding base infrastructure, including issues such as taking over a year to fix an overheated training building, delayed fulfillment of work orders to repair air conditioning units and broken door handles, and an office overcrowded with 5 desks in a spot meant for two. Additionally, the issue of limited parking on base was raised numerous times. Despite these ongoing problems, I encourage you to persist in your efforts to tackle these concerns. The issue of contracting barriers, I plan to take-up with ADM (IE).

Families:

Families shared their concerns about the lack of access to health care and affordable daycare. The recent closure of one of the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Daycare facilities due to staffing shortages has added strain on families, making it harder for them to find daycare in the region.

BGRS:

Members reported experiencing unsatisfactory customer service from BGRS, including being provided misleading information, communication deficiencies, and a lack of overall policy knowledge. Many of the issues raised in Halifax are mirrored throughout Canada, and I acknowledge that certain challenges may be beyond your immediate control.

Recruitment, Return to Duty, and MELs:

Recruitment challenges were discussed, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by new recruits transitioning into military life. It was noted that new recruits are not being properly screened for mental health issues, causing waitlists and delays for mental health services, and strain on operations as positions are left vacant while the new recruit undergoes mental health services.

We also learned about the Return to Duty (RTD) schedule that members sometimes neglect and the issues that result from the over 18-month delay in processing files through Director of Medical Policy (D Med Pol). With regards to the RTD requirements of members and supervisor administration, this is an important area of focus in an era of personnel shortages. The D Med Pol delays underscore the importance of timely and efficient administrative procedures to ensure that members receive the support they need. One suggestion proposed was allowing the Base Surgeon to process less severe cases to shorten the waitlist nationally.

In closing, I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the positive takeaways from our visit to CFB Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater. The support provided by Lieutenant(N) Decker significantly contributed to the success of our outreach efforts. My team and I had the pleasure of touring the Fleet Diving Unit and participating in a run with its members, despite the inclement weather. Additionally, we visited the food pantries established by the Halifax and Region MFRC and HMCS Scotian to assist those facing food insecurity. Finally, my team and I appreciated having the opportunity to learn about the history of the CAF through the guided tours of the Cyclone Helicopter wing and the Naval Museum.

Once again, I thank you and your staff for your hospitality and support during my visit.

Sincerely,

 

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman

 

Cc:

Acting Chief Military Personnel, Lieutenant-General M.H.L. Bourgon

Commander of The Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral, A.I. Topshee

Chief Executive Officer Canadian Forces Housing Agency Paola Zurro

Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) Rob Chambers

Surgeon General, Brigadier-General S.F. Malcolm

Base Commander CFB Halifax and Commander 12 Wing, Capt(N) Andrew MacKenzie

Commander, 12 Wing Shearwater, Col David Holmes