Letter to MND: Defending Wellness report

02 May 2024

 

The Honourable Bill Blair, PC, COM, MP
Minister of National Defence
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive
13th Floor, North Tower
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

 

Minister Blair:

Please find enclosed my report, Defending Wellness: A Systemic Investigation of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Health Care Complaint Process.

This report makes two evidence-based recommendations. If accepted and implemented, these recommendations will bring long-lasting and positive changes for CAF members. Additionally, I believe that the timely implementation of my recommendations will assist the CAF’s efforts to fulfill its commitment made to the Defence community in Strong, Secure, Engaged, Our North Strong and Free, and the Total Health and Wellness Strategy.

This report is submitted to you pursuant to paragraph 38(1)(b) of the Ministerial Directives in respect to the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. As is standard practice, my office will publish the report no sooner than 28 days from the date of this letter. We would appreciate your response before publication so that it may be included in the final report. As done in the past, I would be pleased to offer your staff a briefing on the report prior to its publication.

I look forward to your response to our recommendations.

Sincerely,

 

Gregory A. Lick

Ombudsman