Response from the Minister Concerning Ombudsman Report: A Systemic Review of Reserve Force Compensation for Ill and Injured Reservists

March 23, 2016

Mr. Gary Walbourne
Ombudsman
National Defence and Canadian Forces
100 Metcalfe Street, 12th floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 5M1
 

Dear Mr. Walbourne,

I have reviewed your report, A Systemic Review of Reserve Force Compensation for Ill and Injured Reservists submitted to my office on 12 February 2016. Please allow me to express my sincere gratitude to you and your staff for taking the time to look into this critical issue.

I know this is not the first time that your office has raised concerns regarding the compensation system for ill and injured Reservists, and yet, these challenges continue to persist. This Government is firmly committed to ensuring our ill and injured military members – both Regular and Reserve – receive the necessary care, support and compensation that they deserve. As a former Reservist myself, I am personally motivated to ensure that the shortcomings in the Reserve Force compensation system are now addressed as a matter of priority.

You recommended that the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) improve the governance and administration of the Reserve Force Compensation process. I agree. The DND/CAF are in the process of reviewing the Reserve Force Compensation policy (CBI 210.72) with a view to better serving Reservists facing short-term health challenges, and as part of this policy review, the DND/CAF will seek to make its governance more effective and reduce the administrative burden. It is anticipated that the policy review will be completed in FY 2016-17. 

You recommended that the DND/CAF take concrete steps to improve the knowledge and awareness of the compensation options available to ill and injured Reservists. I agree. The DND/CAF are committed to improving communication to and within the Reserve Force community regarding entitlements to compensation and benefits, including compensation options available to ill and injured Reservists. The need to improve awareness of alternatives available to ill and injured Reservists is a key success factor in the policy review now underway.

Please allow me to respond to each of the specific actions you recommend, in turn.

You recommended that the DND/CAF create a functional authority, accountable for the Reserve Force Compensation process and who can reinforce the applicable policies and directives in place. The Director Casualty Support Management (DCSM) is the functional authority for Reserve Force Compensation and the Chain of Command is responsible for the care of their ill and injured, which includes Reserve Force Compensation. We are committed to establishing procedures which will allow DCSM to begin adjudicating an application while the application is concurrently reviewed by the Chain of Command.

You recommended that the Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction 20/04 be amended to provide clarity and consistency in the cessation of service due to service-related injuries and illnesses. I agree. The DCSM will publish a detailed information brief on the Chief of Military Personnel Command (CMPC) Casualty Support web page on the cessation of service criteria and regulations. The information brief will also provide clear direction and guidance on the application process.

You recommended that the DND/CAF streamline the Reserve Force Compensation process by standardizing and simplifying forms and ensuring that units forward claims directly to DCSM for adjudication, within 30 days of the time the application commenced. Information and training sessions will be provided to Medical Officers to ensure they are well versed in the application process and the form completion requirements. Current forms cannot be reduced as the information requested is required for adjudication, however, a guide on “how to complete the form” will be developed to aid in the step-by-step completion process.

You recommended that the DND/CAF create a Departmental Administrative Order and Directive (DOAD) to codify the Reserve Force Compensation process, including service standards or a performance measurement strategy to validate the effectiveness of the entire process. I agree with your recommendation.

You recommended that the DND/CAF take concrete steps to improve the knowledge and awareness of the compensation options available to ill and injured Reservists in the following three actions by:

  1. Making any relevant documents, policies, procedures and forms easily accessible on the Internet and on the DIN. I agree. The DCSM will publish the Reserve Force Compensation information brief in both official languages on the CMPC Casualty Support webpage.
  2. Committing the resources required for the development and implementation of a communications plan. This would include activities, products, time-lines and metrics to reach and inform Reservists about available compensation options. I agree. The DCSM will publish the Reserve Force Compensation information brief in both official languages on the CMPC Casualty Support webpage.
  3. Formalizing training on the Reserve Force Compensation and Government Employees Compensation Act, and defining roles and responsibilities for all Reservists and their leadership within these processes. I agree. Should Environmental Commands determine that they want to identify a Reserve Force Compensation Coordinator by Unit or Division, the DCSM can develop and deliver a training/information package.

In closing, please be aware that I will be following up with DND/CAF officials in the coming months to ensure sustained progress with regards to your recommendations. Thank you again for bringing this important matter to my attention, and I look forward to an open and productive working relationship between our two offices.

Yours sincerely,
 

The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, PC, OMM, MSM, CD, MP

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