Letter to Base Commander: Visit to CFB Moose Jaw

22 February 2024

 

Colonel Daniel Coutts, CD

15 Wing Commander

Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw

15 9 Ave SW

Bushell Park, SK

S0H 0N0

 

Dear Colonel Coutts,

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to you and your team for the exceptional hospitality extended to me and my team during our recent visit to 15 Wing Moose Jaw from 15 to 19 January 2024. Our time spent with the dedicated members of your base was helpful in providing us with a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes within your community.

We were privileged to engage in discussions about our services, while also gaining direct perspectives from members, civilian employees, and their families. The opportunity to listen to their experiences, both successes and concerns, has enriched our understanding of the unique environment in Moose Jaw.

Following our out brief on 19 January 2024, I wanted to expand upon our discussions and provide a summary of the feedback received during our visit. While acknowledging your team's awareness of challenges surrounding the acquisition of provincial health cards upon relocation to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, I also wish to highlight additional concerns brought to our attention.

Mental Health

We heard that stigma surrounding mental health persists and the impact it has on ongoing flight capabilities. Within the pilot training environment at 15 Wing, we were told that stress is a prevalent factor. However, I commend the initiatives observed, such as mental performance coaching and access to diverse mental health resources aimed at supporting these members.

I encourage you to continue to advocate for the sustained investment in these resources, particularly targeting student pilots and junior officers. This will help equip them with the necessary tools to cultivate resilience, essential for navigating the challenges they may encounter throughout their careers. Such proactive measures not only enhance individual well-being but also contribute to the overall member effectiveness and readiness.

Transition Centre

In some of my outreach sessions across the Canadian Armed Forces, there have been concerns raised alleging that Transition Centres (TC) are, at times, utilized as a means of dealing with disciplinary issues, which is not in alignment with their intended purpose. As you are aware, the primary mandate of TCs is to provide support to members and their families during the transition to civilian life or in returning to duty. In our discussions with Conflict Resolution and Services in Winnipeg, we have found them to be an invaluable resource for addressing workplace conflicts effectively.

To bolster retention rates, TCs and units must enhance communication and collaboration, particularly in promoting Return-to-Duty programs. By fostering stronger ties between these entities, we can better support members in their transition process while also addressing workplace challenges in a constructive manner. The matter of return to duty as an important element of the national program, I plan to raise with the Transition Group.

Military Families

The issue of accessing a family doctor was raised during discussions at 15 Wing, although it appears to be less acute compared to other regions across the country. Subsequent conversations with the leadership of the City of Moose Jaw indicate that access to specialists in the area is a critical area they are working on.

Additionally, some members highlighted the challenge of obtaining equivalency and provincial recognition for professional certifications, posing obstacles to spousal employment opportunities.

The recurring issue of insufficient childcare facilities on the base was highlighted and it was noted that you and your team are looking at ways to mitigate this shortfall. Understanding the pivotal role that childcare plays in supporting military families, your efforts are important to addressing this issue.

Our office remains attentive to these concerns. I am committed to promoting greater support for families within the Seamless Canada initiative, where I actively participate and raise pertinent issues, including directly through meetings with provincial and territorial ministers. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can work towards fostering a more supportive environment for military families.

Various groups on the base also provided positive feedback, reflecting the exceptional engagement of your members in our town halls. This active participation allowed my team and I to raise awareness about the role of the Office of the DND/CAF Ombudsman and fostered insightful discussions. It's heartening to hear that morale at 15 Wing has experienced a significant uplift recently, and I extend my congratulations to the Command team for their efforts.

Furthermore, I wish to commend the outstanding work carried out by the local Personnel Support Programs (PSP), particularly in swiftly organizing activities during school closures. The seamless collaboration between PSP, the Military Family Resource Centre, and the Wing is impressive, evident in the recreational installations and the level of communication to put things in motion.

I am grateful for the invaluable support provided by LCol Philippe Turcotte during our visit. His insights into the world of a student pilot greatly enriched our understanding of life at 15 Wing. Special recognition is also due to Capt Doyon for expertly coordinating our schedule, ensuring maximum outreach throughout the week.

The dedication and passion exhibited by the leaders and members of the Canadian Armed Forces community in Moose Jaw are truly commendable. Additionally, the strong partnership between family support services on base and the Moose Jaw community is a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered here.

Lastly, while I recognize that certain challenges may lie beyond your immediate control, I encourage you to continue addressing those within your sphere of influence. My office remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Defence community, and we stand ready to assist you in any capacity possible.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you and your team for your unwavering dedication and support in coordinating this successful outreach effort.

Sincerely,

 

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman

 

Cc: Lieutenant-General M.H.L. Bourgon, CMP

Lieutenant-General E.J. Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force

Cmdre J.J.L.D. Bouchard, Commander CAF TG

Ian Poulter, CEO CFMWS