How Canada Treats Its Soldiers

At a press conference today in Ottawa, Canada's military ombudsperson, Pierre Daigle, joined the chorus of voices coming from the families of Canada's fallen soldiers. Apparently, we treat the families of soldiers who give their lives in the course of duty quite poorly.

How poorly?

Take, for example, the case of Cpl. Stephen Gibson who died when a tractor trailer crushed his car near a base in Alberta. It was his first day on the job, September 23rd, 2003.

More than seven years later, his parents have still not been allowed to see the 1300 page report on the military's investigation into his death, which was completed in 2005.

How would you feel, if federal employees, who's salaries you fund with your taxes, who are sworn to uphold the law and defend this country, tell you that you're not allowed to read a report into the death of your own son!

Have we lost our collective minds in this country?

Furthermore, after quickly browsing through the Canadian Forces website, I came across this statement:

"Caring is a priority. In the Canadian Forces, we have to care about everything - about our missions, our equipment, our domestic operations, recruiting and retention, our family services. Most of all, it's about caring for our people and their families."

General Natynczyk, Chief of Defence Staff

Such hypocrisy!

In response to the criticism by the military ombudsman, Defense Minister Peter MacKay said "Investigations take time". What a silly comment. He's addressing the Canadian public with the tone of a kindergarten teacher, all while these families are mourning their dead.

Apparently investigations take time, but issuing an extension to our troops' presence in Afghanistan until 2014 and, thus, avoiding a vote in the House of Commons on the subject, doesn't take any time at all!

That they can get done in a jiffy. Throwing soldiers into combat is quick. Honoring them after they're no longer useful to you and your minions...tedious.

Enough nonsense, treat these people with the respect they have earned. They have clearly given more than what you deserve.

Please contact our insightful Minister and let him know what you think:

The Honourable Peter MacKay
Minister of National Defence

National Defence Headquarters
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0K2

E-Mail: dnd_mdn@forces.gc.ca

Phone: 613-996-3100
Facsimile: 613-995-8189