Royal Canadian Legion / Topics & Posted Articles

Yep have to agree Propat and Nav must of meant GO LEAFS GO

those guys are irrelevant .

propat

Go Legion Go!

The Legion is in bed with the politicians , it's always been that way , the Legion knows this is that is why they get away with anything or everything they do.

With regards to the article well lets just say they will be shoved aside like everyone else.

There is a reason for everything when it comes to Ministers an Staff failing to give precise details on announcements , it's not good.
I highly doubt the Legion will get the answers their looking for , in bed or not , PR article or not at the end of the day Veterans will be left with very view details which only adds more Skepticism among the Veteran community.

Well trooper I would rather read an article about the Dominion Command President apologizing for violating veterans by accessing their files on the CSDN without a reason.

This article is PR and to be honest insulting to veterans. I think it's time for the Legion to either publicly fire these people or VAC no longer allows them access to the CSDN.

OTTAWA, May 31, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, spoke with Veterans and community leaders recently in Regina and Calgary reiterating the government's commitment to Veterans and how Budget 2016 will enhance that support.

The Legion recognizes and has publicly stated our support with the progress being offered to Veterans in this budget. Budget 2016 is a step in the right direction towards the lifetime financial security for our ill and injured Veterans.

VAC has advised that the increase to Earning Loss Benefits for Veterans (ELB) will come into effect on 1 October 2016 and the Disability Award Increase for Veterans will be implemented on 1 April 2017, at the same time the proposed expansion to the Permanent Impairment Allowance will come into effect, along with a program name change to "Career Impact Allowance (CIA)".  The Legion would like to see additional information communicated to our Veterans on these new enhancements.

We have been informed of the proposed commitments, and the intended implementation dates, but we do not know of the effects of the ELB increase on those Veterans receiving SISIP LTD.  We are concerned that no information on the name changes to Career Impact Allowance or Diminished Earning Capacity and how or if the defining criteria for these benefits will be changed and communicated.

"We need to go beyond stating what the government intends to do and get on with the implementation of its promises," says The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President, Tom Eagles.  "We are asking the Minister and his department to better communicate their action plan so that our Veterans can better manage their expectations and daily lives," states Eagles.

Our Veterans should not and, in many cases, cannot wait any longer," adds Eagles.



SOURCE The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command

For further information: please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760 or bruce.poulin@legion.ca.

Forum Master Comments ;

I was never a big fan of the RCL but in this particular case as stated in the above article I think the Legion  asking for better communications by our MVA in regards to what was announced in the Budget is something Veterans want to hear.
It's one thing to announce something but without given the proper details it only leaves Veterans scratching their heads.
So good on the Legion for that but I doubt they will get anymore answers that were already asked by many since the announcements were made public.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/cnw/release.html?rkey=20160531C3226&filter=5611

Well doesn't that leave me a warm fuzzy feeling.

OTTAWA — Veterans Affairs is acknowledging another case where the confidential files of a Canadian veteran were accessed, without consent, by an employee of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Ottawa Citizen reported on such cases in early May, but at the time, Veterans Affairs said it was aware of only one complaint about unauthorized access to such files.

But after the article appeared, the department started examining who was accessing the files. “A thorough review of historic records enabled VAC to identify another incident related to the Royal Canadian Legion,” department spokeswoman Janice Summerby said in an email. “The department worked with the Royal Canadian Legion to ensure appropriate corrective action was taken at that time.”

Sources say there have been at least three incidents involving unauthorized access to veterans’ files by legion employees.

Such files, held by the department, contain medical, and in some cases, financial details about veterans and retired RCMP officers.

The electronic medical records are contained in a Veterans Affairs system called the Client Service Delivery Network or CSDN. That network is accessible to authorized public servants. Royal Canadian Legion command service officers and assistant command service officers can also access the files if they are authorized by the department and have written consent from a veteran to look at material.

Those legion officers are supposed to be involved in helping veterans apply for disability benefits or appeal decisions made by government regarding those benefits.

Ray McInnis, director of the service bureau at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion Command in Ottawa, confirmed to the Citizen that “there have been incidents of unauthorized access.”

But he declined to comment on reports that two dominion command employees were fired in the spring of 2011 after repeated incidents of accessing veterans’ files.

Another investigation into unauthorized access is now underway. That one is being handled by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

Sean Bruyea, an Ottawa-based veterans’ advocate, has warned that such incidents may be the tip of the iceberg.

In 2010, the Conservative government apologized to Bruyea and paid out a settlement after Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart ruled Veterans Affairs broke the law when it came to handling the retired officer’s personal information.

It emerged that Veterans Affairs bureaucrats had become fixated on Bruyea, an outspoken advocate who suffered from post traumatic stress disorder.

Department employees circulated details of Bruyea’s psychiatric reports and other health matters to political staff members.

Before 2011, the health records of veterans could be viewed only in hard copy; signatures from all parties involved were required to access a file.

But now all the files are compiled on the CSDN.

There are 34 legion command service officers and assistant command service officers who have access to the Veterans Affairs system.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/veterans-affairs-admits-to-another-privacy-breach-by-canadian-legion-staff

The devastating wildfires may be moving away from Fort McMurray, but the outpouring of help for the city’s hardest-hit citizens continued this week with a $20,000 donation from Branch 560 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Branch president Allan Jones explained the money comes from the legion branch’s Poppy Fund, which is usually reserved for helping veterans.

This was the first time Jones and local Poppy Fund chairman Merrill Gooderham could remember the money going to natural disaster relief.

“This is the first time I am aware of that we have been allowed to use Poppy Funds for other than veterans. They are moving away from the normal procedure ... because of the need for assistance for people who have lost everything,” Jones said. “We are very happy Dominion Command are allowing us to do this. It allows us to show we care for our community, we care for the people in need. This is the reason the legions are here. We are here to help.”

The legion’s Ontario Command has donated $100,000 towards relief work in the city, and its individual branches have given another $100,000 so far. Fifty per cent of the money will go to the Red Cross for emergency funding and the remaining 50 per cent will be accessible to anyone requesting assistance, not just veterans.

The money is being turned over to the TD Bank for distribution.

Gooderham explained the Poppy Fund comes mainly from donations to the poppy boxes that are distributed around the city prior to Remembrance Day.

The funds normally help veterans who may need some assistance with such necessities as housing, medical appliances or transportation-related services. It also goes to support cadet units and a veterans dinner.

Following the 2014 murders of Corp. Nathan Cirillo, at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa, and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, in Saint-Jean-sur Richelieu, Que., donations to the Poppy Funds at legion branches soared, giving them two record years.

Jones has a personal connection to the situation in Alberta.

“I have two boys working out there in the camps,” he explained. They were evacuated from work camps in the oilsands and are currently in Edmonton waiting for the word they can go back to work.

Branch 560 will be hosting its annual veterans appreciation day on Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. All veterans are invited, as well as people who would like to meet them. The afternoon includes music and food.

http://www.thewhig.com/2016/05/25/560-legion-donates-20000-to-aid-fort-mcmurray-residents

As members of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 149 celebrate 75 years, the branch president hopes future generations will step up to take over the organization.
Hundreds packed into the Polish legion’s hall along Simpson Street on Sunday to celebrate 75 years in the community. To mark the occasion, the branch was praised from all levels of government, including the city, province and federal government in addition to the Governor General.
Awards were also issued to long-standing members who have been with the Thunder Bay-based legion for as long as 65 years.
Branch president Slav Falkowski said he was proud that they reached this milestone. He said he remembers being asked if his branch would survive another five years.
That was 20 years ago.
“I think (members) are really proud and the members are very helpful,” he said. “We have acquired a good crowd of younger members, which is great for the legion. Not just ours but across the country. Younger members are going to have to take over. I’m pushing 60 and around 100 I will be 85. That doesn’t mean being dead just yet but I’m looking forward in involving more young people and letting them take over.”
Heather Kuivila, office secretary, said it is a significant milestone as many legions have been struggling to attract new members.
“It is a milestone, definitely,” she said. “Not too many legions are going to make it to 75. All legions have a drop in veterans. They are like 90 years old. There are no (First World War) veterans left and (the Second World War) veterans are all 90 years old. You have to get younger members.”

Kuivila said veterans from other wars such as Afghanistan and Iraq aren’t interested in joining legions.
She explained that one of the main drivers that helps keep the polish legion open is its other activities like selling perogies and cabbage rolls.
The Polish legion also announced that it will be making a number of donations including $2,500 to the Salvation Army to help pay for a new soup van, $2,500 to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for optical equipment and $1,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for the Fort McMurray relief fund. The donations made to the Salvation Army and hospital will be matched by the Slovak legion.

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/news/local/legion-needs-more-young-people/article_c58cc2b2-1b7b-11e6-893d-77d515ad861e.html

On Sunday I was honoured to be present at the Steinbach Legion Award Ceremony, where three local Second World War veterans; Bennie Klick, Lloyd Lehman, and John Owczar received honours from Bruno Burnichon, Honorary Consul of France.

Amongst a full legion hall of friends and family, Monsieur Burnichon presented the three Canadian soldiers with the French National Order of the Legion of Honour, for their bravery fighting to liberate France in 1944, and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. This knighthood is France’s highest decoration and was established by Napoleon in 1802. Within the next year, close to 1,200 veterans in Canada will be receiving the medal.

There are few times in our lives when we can say that we have been in the presence of heroes and nothing made that more apparent than when Monsieur Burnichon poignantly said while fighting back tears “Thank you for saving my country.”

I was able to listen to each of these men’s stories, shared with us by their family and loved ones. The scope of what they said was staggering, nothing I have ever known could compare to the sacrifices these men made and the impact they have had on our world. Hearing their words was a humbling experience and made me realize that too often we take words like hero or honour for granted; and when we do use them, it’s often to describe our favorite hockey or football player or a political title.

Bennie Klick, Lloyd Lehman, and John Owczar are three men who truly deserve the title honourable and deserve to be called heroes.

Reflecting on these men’s service and sacrifice gives me a renewed perspective on just what it means to have the freedoms we enjoy as Canadians today. Monsieur Burnichon shared in the most heartfelt way possible how thankful the French people are to have freedom and democracy in their country and how they will never forget those who sacrificed for it. As part of a new government that upholds the very laws and freedoms these men fought for, I have a much greater appreciation for the democracy we have here at home. I also have a stronger appreciation for the sacrifice that is made by the families of those who serve as well.

On behalf of the Province of Manitoba and the constituents of Steinbach, I would like to thank all those men and women who have served our great nation, who continue to serve and keep us safe, and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget you.

http://www.mysteinbach.ca/blogs/7625.html

A total of 302 motorcycles poured into the legion parking lot on Saturday morning, May 7, in support of Wounded Warriors Canada, exceeding expectations for both number of participants and money raised. The 150-km ride started and ended at Stittsville, and the Perth Legion was a major stop before the finish.

The riders were greeted by legion president Eric Devlin, first vice-president John Gemmell and other members of Branch 244. Refreshments and the legion facilities were made available, and several member volunteers were on hand from early morning getting ready for the riders.

The Ride for Disabled Vets began in 2014, when four serving military members and veterans decided to stage a local motorcycle charity ride, and that ride managed to raise $7,500 for the Wounded Warriors PTSD recovery program. Organizer Adwin “OJ” Gallant was pleased with this year’s results.

Robin Hull, from the Alzheimer's Society of Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, will be giving a presentation the general meeting on Tuesday, May 24. This talk will be meaningful to most members and their families.

Days of yore

Beneath a photo in The Perth Courier dated February 6, 1985: “Finishing first in Fun Day Curling at Perth Curling Club on Sunday, January 27; team poses with trophy, from left: Bert Cameron, 34d; Howard Fournier, skip; Bernice Mulville, lead; Del Harper, 2nd. Event coordinator Jack Byrne is in background. Bob Day, Winnie Gilbert and Sheila Marjorum made up the committee. Appreciation for prizes is extended to Jergens Canada Inc., Norm Davis, Cam Chaplin and Branch 244 Legion.”

Did you know?

According to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry website, “The Regiment was born during August of 1914 in Ottawa, Ontario as a result of the offer from Captain Andrew Hamilton Gault to provide $100,000 to finance and equip a battalion for overseas service. On 6 August 1914 Captain Gault's offer was provisionally accepted by the Canadian Government. Authority was granted on 10 August 1914 to raise and equip an infantry battalion, with the remainder of the cost being defrayed by the Department of Militia and Defence. On 10 August 1914 the Charter of the Regiment was signed and the next day mobilization began. Veteran soldiers flocked from every part of Canada to enlist. Eight days later the new Regiment had a full complement of experienced officers and men. Out of 1,098 all ranks, 1,049 had seen previous service in South Africa or with the regular forces of the British Empire. Almost every unit in the British Army was represented in addition to personnel from both the Royal Navy and Marines.”

http://www.insideottawavalley.com/opinion-story/6545261-perth-legion-welcomes-ride-for-disabled-vets-charity-ride/

More like Gold Steal Service.

Gold seal service!

The Royal Canadian Legion has clarified issues regarding a recent article that questioned The Royal Canadian Legion’s Service Officers and Assistant Service Officers conduct regarding access to Veteran medical files held at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

The Legion provides assistance to Veterans including still-serving and retired RCMP members and their families to navigate the complicated disability claim application process.

“Several years ago, the Legion identified unauthorized access to the VAC Client Service Delivery Network (CSDN) and corrective actions were immediately taken. There have been no founded complaints since then,” says Ray McInnis, Director of the Service Bureau. In order to do this important work, VAC has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Legion to approve the release of Veteran information provided the Legion affirms that it will be used solely for the purposes of representing Veterans. In addition, signed authorization to access an individual’s file must be provided as a precursor for Legion assistance.

Regarding the article’s mention of an investigation into unauthorized access that is currently underway by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC), while the Legion has not been contacted by the OPC, VAC did contact us and we have provided all required information and are confident that our Command Service Officers have acted in accordance with the Privacy Act.

The Legion Service Bureau and all Command Service Officers are in full compliance with the VAC MOU. Command Service Officers are security cleared through VAC for access to the CSDN, they have the signed authority to represent and access is monitored and controlled by VAC. The privacy and confidentiality of our Veterans and their families are of utmost importance to Legion Command Service Officers and in accordance with the Privacy Act.

In any given year, the Legion helps an average of 3,200 Veterans with their disability claims. “I am extremely proud that for 90 years, The Royal Canadian Legion Service Bureau network has been providing representation to Veterans and their families to obtain the care and benefits they deserve”” says Dominion Command President Tom Eagles. – CNW

http://www.canindia.com/legion-stands-by-its-service-to-veterans/