What do we do with returning foreign fighters?
OTTAWA—There is little doubt that the Islamic State is under tremendous pressure in Iraq and Syria. Kinetic action carried out by airstrikes and ground forces have whittled away at the group and the same time the group’s sources of financing are being targeted. The size of its so-called “caliphate” is smaller than it was and […]
Why Canada needs to pry open the doors of the legion’s headquarters
The national leadership of the Royal Canadian Legion faces a crisis in confidence with its membership along with Canada’s veterans. All Canadians should be concerned with this, given the legion’s responsibility for the poppy symbol and the millions donated as a result. The legion once actively and assertively advocated for the rights of veterans and […]
Sajjan says veterans’ pensions ‘a top priority,’ MPs’ pensions three times higher than veterans with similar tenures
A Canadian Armed Force captain who plans to retire in 2024 after 25 years of service can count on a lifetime pension of about $40,000 a year, while an MP who recently retired after 22 years of service will get a pension of $129,600 a year, according to the Department of National Defence and the […]
Veterans’ consultation, or a dog and pony show
OTTAWA—Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is set to host their most elaborate dog and pony “consultation” show to date, all in the name of caring for veterans. Under the stewardship of Minister of Veterans Affairs Kent Hehr and deputy minister Walter Natynczyk, the Trudeau government is hosting a “stakeholder summit” May 9 and 10 with “broader […]
A look at Chief Government Whip Leslie’s office
Chief Government Whip Andrew Leslie has an 11-member staff team in his office as a Liberal House officer, led by chief of staff Mathieu Dupont. As whip, Mr. Leslie is responsible for keeping tabs on all members of the Liberal caucus on the Hill, 184 MPs in all (including Mr. Leslie and the PM). He helps […]
Former Hill journalist Gayle Morris dies after battle with cancer, ‘she was unstoppable’
Gayle Morris, the former CJOH TV Ottawa reporter from 1975 to 1978 and CFCF-TV Montreal’s Parliament Hill bureau chief from 1979 to 1991, died in Ottawa April 6 after a battle with cancer. Ms. Morris, who blazed trails for female reporters on the Hill, was only 4 feet 11 inches tall, but had a big […]
Precarious optimism for veterans
Cautious optimism has infected veterans and Canadians alike hoping that injured veterans’ lives will be made better under the current Liberal government. Even with the usual bureaucratic shenanigans underway, the budget announcements, if done right, justify limited hope. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mandate letter to Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr contains 15 priorities, each containing […]
The importance of keeping a laser-like focus on veterans’ outcomes
Since Canada passed the Pension Act in 1919—its first major legislation to support veterans—every 20 years or so a review of veterans’ benefits is conducted because veterans’ needs change. The Pension Act has been amended many times over its almost century of existence. The Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act, commonly known […]
APEC and mental health: Canada poised to become regional incubator for advanced research and best practices in mental health innovation
As my colleague Michael Wilson and I reminded the House Finance committee recently, mental disorders are one of Canada’s leading healthcare challenges costing upwards of $51-billion a year. There is an urgent need to address mental wellness here at home and abroad. I’m proud to say that Canada will soon be at the forefront of […]
A primer on House of Commons committee members, agendas
As of now, almost all House committees have elected their chairs but just 16 per cent, or four of the 25 committees are chaired by women, and 40 per cent, or 10 of 25 of committee chairs are rookies. According to The Hill Times review of committee makeups, male and veteran MPs are still dominating the […]
