Our Veterans Ombudsman Col Pat Stogran is concerned over the increasing amount of Canadian Veterans that are showing up homeless across canada. The underlying problem seems to be related to PTSD, As mentioned previously this is a disturbing issue.
WINNIPEG - Ottawa is abandoning its former soldiers, leaving them to languish on the streets, despite repeated warnings that many desperately need help, says the country's veterans ombudsman.
Retired colonel Patrick Stogran said he's met dozens of ex-military personnel who are now homeless - including an 85-year-old from the Second World War. But the federal government is refusing to follow the lead of countries around the world and acknowledge the problem, he said.
I find this unacceptable, Stogran told The Canadian Press. I don't know if it's disbelief or it's idleness. It is their responsibility ... The department should be putting programs into place as a safety net for these people.
Canada's veterans affairs minister said Stogran should give his head a shake. Greg Thompson said the government does everything in its power to help struggling veterans.
But Stogran said he has been travelling across the country and visiting homeless shelters since he became Canada's first veterans ombudsman in 2007. Every single shelter - from Charlottetown to Calgary - has served former military officers, he said.
Many of the men could be helped if Veterans Affairs did some outreach at shelters, Stogran said. Even putting up a poster with a number for staff to call when they encounter a homeless veteran would help, he suggested.
Instead, while other countries are aggressively reaching out to struggling veterans, Canada has only done a strategic study that is being kept under wraps, he said.
That's not good enough. There is a sense of urgency here. We're way behind the eight ball.
Thompson said that's not true. He suggested that if Stogran were serious about his concerns, he would have passed on the names of needy veterans he's met to people in Ottawa who can help.
He's never taken down one name of the homeless veterans that he's met. That is just beyond the pale, Thompson said in an interview.
Why hasn't he forwarded those names to Veterans Affairs Canada, knowing full well we have the programs there to help them? Why would he be so insensitive to veterans as to not provide those names? It makes absolutely no sense.
Canada has programs to help homeless veterans and department staff are in contact with shelters, the minister said. But the department also counts on veterans organizations and others on the ground to bring needy people to the attention of Veterans Affairs.
We're always concerned about homeless veterans. No one in their right mind would believe that we've reached out to every one of them.
There will always be veterans that need help. We do our utmost to identify them and we have the very programs that they need.
Other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have special shelters for homeless veterans. Stogran said that doesn't exist in Canada.
Most veterans don't understand what benefits they are entitled to and even more are too proud to ask, so they don't come forward, he said. That's why it's up to Veterans Affairs, but despite repeated warnings since 2007, the department has ignored his concerns, Stogran said.
I'm here to hold the department accountable. So far this position has been smoke and mirrors. I almost feel like they're treating me like another journalist in some of the answers I get out of them. I'm going to start holding them accountable.
I could sit down with them and give them a list of things to do.
Experts are split on why veterans end up on the street. Some say they become homeless for the same reasons as everyone else; others argue they face particular challenges that make them more vulnerable.
Some are suffering from the stress of combat which can lead to addiction problems, marital breakdowns and psychological issues down the road.
A British study last year found that their military training actually makes veterans feel better equipped to endure the hardships of the streets. It makes them less fearful, but also makes them less likely to seek help.
Peter Stoffer, the federal NDP's veteran affairs critic, said the governing Conservatives have acknowledged the problem, but haven't done much more than that.
The ombudsman is correct and I share his frustration, Stoffer said. I only wish the government would do a full-court press and deal with this issue head on.
Thankyou again to the Red Ribbon Girls. Laura Greenslade and Nancy Morris of New Brunswick for visiting PEI yesterday. To share their ideals of wearing a red ribbon or red clothing as a symbol for our troops.
MARSHALLS MISSION (I am running 42 KM in memory of Private David Greenslade)
Hi my name is Marshall and I am proud to be Canadian. I can say this freely thanks to the men and women in the Canadian Forces who bravely serve our country. Have you heard about RED FRIDAYS? I have been wearing red every Friday for over 2 years in Support of our Troops. I do this because soldiers are special people everyone has been touched by a soldier - whether its your grandfather who served in WWII or a neighbour who currently serves on a mission.
10 year old Marshall Howard is running for the Private David Greenslade memorial bursary he called the RED RUN. At Marshall's school he is running 42 KM starting May 1st and ending June 12 at the Fairvale Elementary school, Quispamsis New Brunswick, during his noon break with fellow students. He has the support of his school, Mr. Mrs. Greenslade and his family and friends.This Young Canadians story can be seen at:http://redfridays.ca/marshalls_mission.php
Nil SIne Labore
Robby
