Government wants to show it does
care for medically released personnel
In several public statements and press
releases this winter, the federal govern-
ment has been working to improve its
poor record for helping injured and med-
ically released CF veterans.
Recent initiatives include asking the
Public Service Commission to “explore”
ways to making the hiring of medically re-
leased servicemen and women a priority
for public service jobs. Currently, under
the Public Service Employment Regula-
tions, the Commission only gives a two
year priority entitlement to CF members
from the time they are medically released.
An outline on what the options might
look like, or when suggestions may come
forward was not announced.
At the end of December, VAC Minis-
ter Steven Blaney also unveiled the
government’s plan to establish a new
Veterans TransitionAdvisory Council that
would see leaders in industry and govern-
ment find ways to help veterans move into
jobs in the private sector.
The
True Patriot Love Foundation
is
leading the new Council and hosted the
first meeting during the
Battlefield to
Boardroom Conference
held in Toronto at
the end of January. The Canadian
National Railway Company (CN) also has
a representative on the Council – CN
announced it plans to make 2,000 jobs
available to veterans this year.
A third initiative, Job-Emplois, has
been set-up to act as a conduit
between potential employers and
veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Under the program, employers can
submit
job
opportunities
to
VAC will
send the job listing to all VAC
employees who work with veterans and
CF members who have been medically
released, national contractors, the Cana-
dian Forces and will post the listing on job
and profile banks that veterans can access.
While it is positive to see VAC is
finally making some effort to help our CF
injured and medically released veterans,
the impact and extent of the success of the
programs remains to be seen. AFP/AAC
reserves judgement until we see some
positive and consistent results.
A re-focussing of energies
Good day fellowArmed Forces mem-
bers, retirees and survivors. I hope life
has treated you and yours well since we
last communicated. At AFP/AAC, we
have been working hard to not only
improve the “now” but also looking to the
future aims of the association to best
fulfill our members’ needs. With that in
mind, we requested your views and
thoughts via a survey; the results can be
found in this newsletter. The response was
excellent, and with your assistance, the
executive will be able to effectively target
the issues that affect you.
Please do not feel that your input ends
with this survey. If you have a need, wish
or idea that we can assist you with, please
let us know: we are always looking for
ways to better our members’ lives. If you
know anyone who might be interested in
joining us, please ask them as our mem-
bers are our best recruiters. The more
members that join together, the more
likely the politicians will listen to your
issues. We all represent future votes to
them.
As some of you may recall, in the past
we had a discounted “group insurance”
offering. That company unfortunately
decided to end their affiliation but in this
issue you will find an offering from TD
Bank that can assist you with your
insurance needs. There is no obligation if
you chose to look it over.
We are still trying to gain a consoli-
dated look at our finances “post law suit”
regarding our attempt to regain the funds
taken from our pension fund by the feds.
This whole process was such a long, large
and expensive undertaking with so many
entities involved that I'm not sure when all
loose ends will be tied. We will keep you
informed. Due to the end of this case we
will be holding a board meeting using the
results of the survey to re-assess and
re-focus AFPAAC's energy. The date for
this will be put on our web site at this
spring. Please get out there and spread the
word of what we have done and what we
are working towards. Wishing all the best
of health to you.
BY TONY HUNTLEY, NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, AFP/AAC
6
ARMED FORCES PENSIONERS’/ANNUITANTS’ ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
AFP/AAC
P.O. Box 370, 3-247 Barr Street
Renfrew, Ontario K7V 4A6
Phone: 613-432-9491
Email:
Website:
