COLONEL (Retired) Patrick B. STOGRAN, MSC, CD
Canadas First Veterans Ombudsman.
Colonel (retired) Patrick B. Stogran spent his teenage years in Richmond, B.C. before attending Royal Roads Military College in August 1976. Graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1980 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
The first ever Town Hall meeting of the Veterans Ombudsman was conducted last evening at the Charlottetown Legion. Col. Stogran gave what I would call in military terms a rousing speech. He spoke of both his military experience and of what he proposes for the future of the Ombudsman's office. He stated as in the battlefield his motto is Never leave anyone behind. As a battalion commander this is very important that your troops know they will never be left alone on the battlefield. He has emphasised this with his staff ( Known as the A Team) all in all a very good opener for the evenings business. He re- instilled a pride in Canada and primarily Canadian Military in me and I am sure the audience. He spoke of the pride of Canada as peacekeepers and as combatants. The future generations of Veterans are returning from the battlefields of Afghanistan. The sole veteran of WW1 John Babcock is an aged veteran and sadly someday he too will pass to the advance party. However there are WW2,Korean War, Cold War Peacekeepers, Bosnia Kosovo to name a few. These men and women will certainly have a true advocate of their rights in Ottawa to assist them and or their families in times of need or stress.
I went to this meeting armed with a file concerning a veterans family and the problems they had incurred since his death. I first spoke with a Lady from the Ombudsman's office Lisa Monette. When I told her I had a file that i wished to present to Col.Stogran about a Veteran who had recently passed away in BC. She said you mean Ken Barwise. I was shocked that she knew his name. In fact she introduced me to the lead investigator who assured me that all was in hand. If this is the proud professional service that Col Stogran brings to this new office well done. I congratulate and thanked the Col. and his staff for a job well done.
Going against the advice in Ottawa not to open his office for a year or so when he would be fully staffed. The Col made the decision to open immediately and as of this writing he has approx 800 issues he is working on for veterans, despite the fact that as of yet his office is not fully staffed.
So as he said his office is there to assist Veterans both of the Military and the RCMP
The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman was created to ensure the fair treatment of concerns raised by the Veterans, their representatives, and their families as they relate to Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Bill of Rights and the Veterans Charter. The Veterans Ombudsman is an independent officer that reports directly to the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Correction: I just noticed that the title of your blog on the Ombudsman is incorrect! He is the Veterans Ombudsman not the Veterans Affairs Ombudsman which implies he is part of VAC (DVA). You really should fix this and, while youre at it, could I get you to include a hot link to the www.CharlottetownLegion.ca website?
Nil Sine Labore
RobbyNominations to the Veterans Ombudsman Advisory Committee
As detailed in the Order in Council, the Ombudsman may establish a Veterans Ombudsman Advisory Committee to provide advice on matters relating to the Ombudsman's mandate. The composition of the Committee shall be determined by the Ombudsman taking into consideration the need for representation from veterans' and stakeholders' groups. (more...) // -->
To review and address complaints by Canada's Veterans and their representatives arising from the application of the provisions of the Veterans' Bill of Rights;
To identify and review emerging and systemic issues related to programs and services provided or administered by Veterans Affairs or by third parties on the Department's behalf that impacts negatively on Canada's Veterans;
To review and address complaints by Canada's Veterans and their representatives related to the programs and services provided or administered by Veterans Affairs. // -->
