Roll Up of CAF/Veteran/Invictus News - 2 May 2024
DND | CAF
Blair says he couldn't sell Canadians on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target (yahoo.com)
VIDEO: Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada needed to meet NATO's spending target, which he called a "magical threshold," in its recent defence policy update. All NATO allies have agreed to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence. The new defence policy will see Canada spend 1.76 per cent, or $49.5 billion, by 2030.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting NATO target | CTV News
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update. All NATO allies, including Canada, have agreed to spend at least two per cent of GDP on defence.
Minister announces $136 million defence facility for Yellowknife - NNSL Media
Yellowknife is set to become the home of a new national defence facility. Defence Minister Bill Blair made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon alongside Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, Premier R.J. Simpson and NWT MP Michael McLeod. The planned multipurpose facility will be built in the city’s Engle Business District and will serve as the headquarters for the 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG) and will also house Joint Task Force North’s technical services component.
New Norad commander calls Canada’s defence policy update ‘very encouraging’ - NNSL Media
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits “hand-in-glove” with Canada’s renewed focus on Arctic defence. U.S. Gen. Gregory Guillot took over command of the binational North American Aerospace Defense Command in February. His first order of business: a 90-day assessment of Norad’s capabilities, which includes visits to Canada.
Efforts underway to revive 3019 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Rankin Inlet - NNSL Media
Capt. Dave Femiak spent most of this past week in Rankin Inlet in an attempt to revive the once-proud 3019 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Rankin. Femiak, Yellowknife 2 zone training officer, has been working full-time in that role since starting in Trenton, Ont., in July 2021. … “There are fewer staff in the Arctic, so my role and the support that I provide is expanded. I am a former air cadet from the 1980s and have been in uniform as an officer since May of 1990. I believe in the program, all my kids have been through the program, and I’ve seen the value and good that it can do for our youth. It’s the best youth program in Canada.”
Increasing 'space-mindedness' a top priority for Canadian military: commander (msn.com)
The commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Space Division says gaining awareness of what's going on outside our planet is one of his top priorities. Brig.-Gen. Michael Adamson made the comments in front of the House of Commons national defence committee, which is studying the military's role in defending space for the first time.
Supreme Court reaffirms independence of military judges, dismisses challenges | CBC News
The Supreme Court has ruled that military judges — who preside over dozens of courts martial every year — can serve as officers and their status does not violate the constitutional right to a fair trial. It's an important decision with profound implications for the military justice system, which is separate and distinct from civilian courts. The country's highest court chose to become involved following requests from more than half a dozen members of the Armed Forces whose criminal cases have been on hold. At issue has been the question of the independence of military judges, who also serve as officers and are subject to the chain of command, including discipline by superior officers.
Military charges senior officer with making derogatory remarks about commanders, allies | CBC News
Military police have charged a senior officer with making derogatory and disloyal comments about Canada's military leaders and NATO allies while serving abroad. In a brief statement released Monday, the Department of National Defence (DND) says Col. Robert Kearney, the assistant chief of staff at the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in Innsworth, United Kingdom, has been charged with five counts of "conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline" under Section 129 of the National Defence Act.
Military convoy expected to pass through our area this weekend - Barrie News (barrietoday.com)
Canadian Army Reserve personnel from the 32 Canadian Brigade Group will be conducting convoy and supply operations training on roads and highways between North York, CFB Borden and Wasaga Beach from May 3 to 5. The Department of National Defence (DND) says the public can expect to see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles on various area roads, including Ontario Highways 401, 400 and others.
'Eyes to the skies': Snowbirds return to Comox for spring training (cheknews.ca)
It’s ready, set, jet in the Comox Valley as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, an air demonstration squadron dubbed “a Canadian icon,” return to local skies. The Snowbirds are back on the Island to practice before taking off to various locations across Canada and the U.S. for their 2024 air show, which commences May 18 at 19 Wing Comox and concludes in Reno, Nevada, in October. This year, they’re visiting 18 locations, with the only other stop in B.C. being Abbotsford from Aug. 9-11.
April 26, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The meeting was held virtually on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries. At today’s meeting, Minister Blair announced that Canada is donating $3 million to Ukraine for the production of drones by Ukraine’s domestic defence industry. This marks the first time that Canada is contributing directly to the production of military drones in Ukraine, and this donation will be made in collaboration with the United Kingdom.
First ten armoured vehicles promised to Ukraine to be delivered by summer, Blair says | CBC News
Defence Minister Bill Blair says the first ten of 50 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) promised to Ukraine last year will be delivered to the war-torn country by this summer, but likely won't be fully in service until the fall. The newly manufactured vehicles, from General Dynamics Land Systems in London. Ont., were part of $650 million in military support pledged during the visit to Ottawa by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last fall.
Canada allocates millions for drone production, ammunition to support Ukraine (msn.com)
The federal government is earmarking $3 million for production of drones in Ukraine in support of Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion. Defence Minister Bill Blair says the financial assistance is being made in collaboration with the United Kingdom. Speaking with a group of defence leaders, Blair also announced $13 million for the Czech Republic's effort to provide ammunition to Ukraine.
Inside the Canadian Forces installation training troops for Haiti mission | CBC.ca
VIDEO: As a transitional council takes power in Haiti, the Canadian Armed Forces are training troops from Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica for their deployment to support Kenyan forces there.
Government hits Canada Life with financial sanctions | CBC News
The federal government has begun imposing financial sanctions on Canada Life after months of outcry from public servants, retirees and their families who were left fighting for medical claims to be covered. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) said it "is taking steps to address startup delays faced by Canada Life and has begun to apply financial consequence mechanisms under the contract," according to a statement from spokesperson Michèle LaRose.
The federal government has announced plans to repurpose its surplus buildings into housing, but the pickings will be slim in Charlottetown. … Charlottetown MP Sean Casey said he'd be "hard pressed" to find any surplus federal buildings that would be suitable for housing in the city, but there could be some land available to build on. … Casey said it's too early to identify specific parcels of land, but one that may be worth exploring is the Department of National Defence's Brighton compound, which sits on prime real estate near Victoria Park in Charlottetown.
INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION | INVICTUS GAMES 2027
Invictus Games (invictusgamesfoundation.org)
The Invictus Games Foundation is pleased to announce that Washington DC, USA and Birmingham, UK have been shortlisted to host the Invictus Games in 2027. This shortlist has been confirmed after a detailed process which was launched last year. A final decision by the board of trustees will be made by the end of July. The bid from the city of Washington, led by Events DC, has outlined several potential venues in and around the city, with a focus on the George Washington University campus, alongside an indicative sports schedule which includes the nine core Invictus Games sports, plus the addition of esports. The UK government-backed bid focuses on the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, and draws the connection to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak and wider Defence Medical assets in the region. Birmingham also seeks to utilise the nine core sports alongside esports, as well as exploring the addition of a team triathlon as a potential new sport.
VAC
Veterans Affairs Canada working on automating parts of disability benefits process as experts raise questions about potential for bias (theijf.org) [Requires free sign-up to read]
… Like many other veterans, Darcy Elder was left with lasting injuries as a result of his time in the Forces, including PTSD and a back injury. Elder decided to apply for disability benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)… Elder is among over 144,000 veterans currently receiving disability benefits from VAC. And with that number climbing by the thousands every month, the department is looking at how it can automate parts of the claims process, the IJF can newly reveal. Yet, while VAC sees these tools as crucial to reducing its application backlog and speeding up decision-making, some experts are raising questions about a lack of transparency over what the tools entail, as well as missing anti-bias measures.
VETERANS
Timothy Yakabowich wanted a personalized "D-DAY" licence plate to honour his father who fought in World War II, but the request became a battle in itself. It was denied by Manitoba Public Insurance twice — once for being considered violent, and once for being considered political — before finally being approved this week. "It was definitely a struggle. I'm just fighting the good fight and making people aware that D-Day, how they interpret it within their guidelines was incorrect," Yakabowich said Tuesday.
A Summerside group is doing its best to reassure veterans and their families that federal money it was administering is safe after its former executive director was charged with stealing funds. Barb Gallant, who is also a Summerside city councillor, is a former executive director of the Lest We Forget Veterans Committee. She was charged by Summerside police in mid-April with theft over $5,000 in connection to the group. The committee's current president, Nancy Beth Guptill, said she heard concerns from veterans across the country after the news broke.
Amherst hopes to turn historic armoury into housing for veterans | CBC News [April 20]
When Amherst Mayor David Kogon learned that the Department of National Defence intended to offload the town's historic armoury he immediately began working on plans to turn it into housing for veterans. The building is one of five named in the recent federal budget that has the potential for housing and DND no longer needs. The budget says DND is working with Canada Lands to divest the properties. The budget did not specify if the buildings would be sold or handed over. The Amherst Armoury was built in 1915 and made a federal heritage building in 1990.
CTV National News: CTE among Canada's veterans (ctvnews.ca)
VIDEO: Adrian Ghobrial reports on some new research to diagnose Canadian veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
A film that premiered in St. Albert last week aims to educate Canadians about veterans’ experiences in the Afghanistan War. To tell the story of Fallen Heroes: Their Journey Home, director Robert Curtin and producer Karen Storwick relied on Canadian Armed Forces veterans for help recreating scenes from the conflict. It’s a tactic that paid off in moments of catharsis for the veterans who volunteered on the production, Curtin said.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, April 29, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families and Wounded Warriors Canada today announced the expansion of Introduction to trauma-exposed professionals, an online course developed to increase health care providers’ understanding of the unique cultural differences experienced by trauma-exposed professionals due to the high demand for the training.
MILITARY ARTS | THE STEEL SPIRIT GALLERY
Former CFB Borden base surgeon finds artistic outlet via cartoons - Barrie News (barrietoday.com)
The Steel Spirit is a gallery of art submissions and stories from members of the military, first-responders and hospital practitioners, whether serving or retired. The Steel Spirit has transitioned to a digital space so that artists can continue to share their works and stories with the community. Lt. Col. Andrew Currie is one of the featured artists. “I’m a very impatient artist. I’m the guy with the hair dryer on watercolour and I’m drawing (something else) between coats.” Lt.-Col. Andrew Currie is a military physician with the Canadian Armed Forces and has always moved through time with a determination to make progress — whether it be in making an impact with his military career or his nonstop love of creating artwork.
RMC
Promo video for Royal Military College uses rap song about fellatio | Ottawa Citizen
A new promotional video for the Royal Military College uses a song by Kayne West who raps about fellatio and sexual intercourse and compares himself to sex abusers. The short video on Instagram and other social media platforms highlighting the military skills team of the college in Kingston is accompanied by the chorus of West’s recent release Carnival. … Shortly after this newspaper asked questions about the video, it was removed from social media. “The lyrics of the song used in this video are inappropriate and offensive, and do not reflect the values of the Canadian Armed Forces,” National Defence spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin noted in a statement to this newspaper. “The video has been removed from social media, and the team that created the content has conveyed regret for this oversight.”
Library Association pulls award for RMC professor's book (msn.com)
The largest library association in the world has pulled an award for a book co-edited by a Royal Military College professor over concerns it whitewashes Nazi collaborators and war criminals. In late January, the American Library Association honoured the book, Enemy Archives , edited by Royal Military College professor Lubomyr Luciuk and Ukrainian historian Volodymyr Viatrovych, on its list of the best historical materials for 2022 and 2023.
RCMP
RCMP's ability to defend national security is eroding, report warns | CBC News
The RCMP's federal wing is at a "critical juncture" and its ability to police key files like foreign interference, terrorism and financial crime is on the line, says a recent report from the Mounties' independent advisory board. After studying the sustainability of federal policing for more than a year, a task force set up by the external Management Advisory Board drafted a report that says the RCMP must change to survive — and the federal government needs to step up to protect Canadians' safety.
ANITA ANAND
First, she aimed to transform Canada's military culture. The public… (nationalnewswatch.com)
Corporate boardrooms. Military barracks. Federal government offices. They’re not locales with a reputation for fostering diversity. Anita Anand has been trying to change that. Ensuring people of all backgrounds feel accepted and heard no matter the venue is a mission that has followed her at every stage in her life and career, she said in a recent interview. "This is a very personal issue for me," said Anand, who is the first person of colour to hold the federal government’s purse strings as Treasury Board president.
MEMORIALS | REMEMBRANCE
OCNVA Preparing for Battle of the Atlantic Commemoration - 104.7 Heart FM
The Oxford County Naval Veterans Association (OCNVA) is inviting members of the public to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic. It will be hosting a ceremony at the Woodstock Navy Club on Sunday May 5th. Association member Dennis Beattie says a colour party parade will kick everything off at 10:45 a.m. … The Oxford County Naval Veterans Association hosts a ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic on the first Sunday in May every year. The OCNVA is also the largest Naval Veterans Association in Canada, with over 900 members.