Message from the Ombudsman (October 22, 2012)

Ombudsman Conducts Systemic Review of the State of Modern Canadian Military Families

Canada’s military families are national entities and have a key role to play in maintaining the operational effectiveness of the Canadian Forces. They also sacrifice a great deal for their Canadian Forces loved ones and our country. It is widely known that modern military life brings with it unique and sometimes daunting challenges not only for serving members of the Canadian Forces, but for their families as well.
 

These challenges take many forms, beginning with frequent moves from one geographic location to another and relentless separations due to operational deployments and training. For many military families over the past two decades, there is the added challenge of becoming primary caregivers for loved ones who have sustained long-term physical or mental injuries.
 

As I recently announced, our office is conducting a systemic review of the state of modern Canadian military families. This review will examine the challenges that are either unique to military families, or more pronounced for them. It will also assess how well military families are supported by the Canadian Forces in facing these challenges.
 

To accomplish this, our research team will be crossing the country in the coming weeks, visiting ten bases and wings to speak with senior leaders, commanders at all levels, caregivers, administrators, and of course Canadian Forces members and military family members.
 

If you are a member of a military family or involved in supporting military families, 18 years or older, and interested in sharing your perspectives and experiences regarding the modern Canadian Forces family, we would like to hear from you. We have set up an email address and phone line that will connect you with our research team.
 

Phone or e-mail us your name and coordinates at the address or number below, and a member of our team will be in touch with you within 24 hours. Please note that discretion is assured based on Privacy Act tenets.
 

Telephone: Toll Free: 1-888-828-3626 (during normal business hours) Local (NCR): 613 996-8077
 

E-mail: CFFamily-FamilleFC@forces.gc.ca
 

Upcoming Visits:

Bagotville (QC), November 26-29
 

Valcartier (QC), November 26-28
 

Petawawa (ON), December 03-05
 

Edmonton (AB), December 04-07
 

Halifax (NS), December 10-13
 

I encourage you to assist us in truly reflecting the realities modern military families face. Your help will make a positive difference for the Canadian Forces families of today and tomorrow.
 

Pierre Daigle
Ombudsman