Veterans Ombudsman
-Derrill Henderson
Minister Thompson has established the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman. Pat B. Stogan MSC, CD, PEng , Colonel (Ret) has been appointed to fill this position.
Veteran’s groups were invited to attend a meeting with Col. Stogan. I attended representing both the HKVA and the HKVCA. It was a session intended to introduce himself to those gathered; to supply Information on how he envisioned his office operating; and to give all an opportunity to discuss their concerns. Despite a snowstorm, there was a good turnout of associations. His Operating Philosophy is: “It may be right, it may be legal, but is it fair?”
He outlined the structure of this new organization and how he proposes it to operate. He emphasized that questions or issues coming to him from any veteran will be given full consideration. His role will concentrate on correcting the processes and/or interpretation applied by the Pensions & Benefits department of VAC’ the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, DND, and other agencies/departments wherever veteran’s issues arise. His office will not become involved in the actual processing of the veteran’s case, but it will ensure that a fair and just system is used in arriving at decisions. I expressed our concerns with widow’s benefits and the process by which the proposals of his office are implemented.
He encouraged all to keep abreast of the progress of his Office and on behalf of our HK veterans and their widows, I intend to do just that!