Nova Scotia shootings underscore need for better veterans’ services: ombudsman
OTTAWA — Canada’s military watchdog urged the federal government Wednesday to do more for soldiers forced out of the Canadian Forces for medical reasons after an Afghan war veteran and three family members were found shot dead in Nova Scotia.
Ombudsman Gary Walbourne wants Ottawa to ensure injured military personnel have all the necessary benefits and supports in place before they are forced to turn in their uniforms — recommendations he made back in the fall.
“There should be no member of the Canadian Armed Forces released until all benefits and services are in place,” Walbourne said in an interview.
“That means pension, back benefits, health care. If we had had that type of a stance, I wonder what the outcome would have been.